Fruits & Vegetables for Parakeets

Parakeets, also known as budgies, are small parrots that are approximately 7 to 10 inches tall. They are popular pets that come in a variety of colors. If a parakeet is properly cared for, it can live for 10 or more years. Feeding your parakeet a proper diet is important to maintain its health and well-being. Parakeets should be fed a varied diet that includes seeds, pellets, fresh fruits and vegetables.

  1. Fresh Fruits

    • Parakeets should be fed a variety of fresh fruit or a vegetable daily. This gives them natural foods that are easy on their digestive system. Most parakeets enjoy pear or apple slices. The slices can easily be hung inside the bird's cage. They should be removed after they turn brown in color. Other fruits that can be cut into small pieces and placed in a parakeet's bowl include watermelon, tangerine, mango, nectarine, orange, kiwi, peach, grape, plum and strawberry.

    Vegetables

    • A parakeet's diet must be supplemented with fresh vegetables. A diet of only seeds can lead to an overweight bird. Popular vegetables among parakeets include lettuce, spinach, zucchini, broccoli, squash, carrots and peas. Vegetables can be cut into small pieces and fed to birds raw or they can be boiled without salt or seasonings before cutting. You can also grate many varieties of vegetables to make it easier for the birds to pick them up with their small beaks.

    Seed and Pellets

    • Bird seed or pellets are available at pet stores and many department stores. A mixture of both seeds and pellets is healthy for parakeets. Select seeds and pellets that do not contain preservatives, artificial flavorings, sugar or colorings. Seeds should not contain an abundance of hulled oats, as they are fatty and can lead to overweight birds. Seeds and pellets should be stored in cabinets or the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Old seeds should be discarded because they can make a parakeet sick.

    Tips Regarding Fruits and Vegetables

    • Parakeets may not eat fruit and vegetables when they are first introduced to them. Continue to offer them to the parakeet, as they are important to the bird's health. It can sometimes take up to one year before a parakeet will eat fruit and vegetables. Before giving your parakeet fruits and vegetables, make sure you wash them thoroughly. Serve the food room temperature, not straight out of the refrigerator. Leave the peels on the food and make sure the pieces are free of cores or pits. Your parakeet's droppings may be a more liquid consistency after eating fruits and vegetables.