How to Put Weight on an Amazon Parrot

Check your Amazon parrot's breastbone, or keel, to determine whether it needs to gain weight. A bird with a noticeable, protruding keel is underweight and may be suffering from an illness. Take the Amazon to an avian veterinarian to rule out underlying illnesses. Follow the veterinarian's instructions for feeding your bird to help it gain weight. He will likely recommend a mixed diet composed mostly of pellets, with the addition of some seeds and human food.

Things You'll Need

  • Pellets
  • Seeds
  • Vegetables
  • Bread
  • Oatmeal
  • Eggs
  • Fruits
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Instructions

    • 1

      Feed your parrot a commercially-prepared pellet mix. Ask your veterinarian for brand recommendations for your bird's specific needs. Pellets should comprise 60 to 80 percent of the bird's diet.

    • 2

      Add seeds to the Amazon's diet, but no more than 12 percent of its total food intake. Amazon parrots are prone to obesity, and seeds are high in fat. When your parrot reaches an ideal weight, consider reducing its seed intake further.

    • 3

      Feed the Amazon human food to make up the remaining 20 to 40 percent of its diet. Give it plenty of vegetables, such as leafy, dark green vegetables, carrots and sweet potatoes. These foods are high in vitamin A, which is essential for Amazons, as they are susceptible to vitamin A deficiency. It will also appreciate broccoli, peas, peppers, tomatoes and grains, including whole wheat bread and uncooked oatmeal. Vary the table foods, as Amazon parrots tend to become bored with the same foods.

    • 4

      Feed it protein, such as a small hard-boiled egg, no more than once or twice per week.

    • 5

      Feed it fruits, such as bananas, grapes, apples and plums, occasionally. Giving it too many fruits is unhealthy, because of their high sugar content.

    • 6

      Take your bird back to the veterinarian when it seems to have gained to a healthy weight. Follow the vet's recommendations on reducing its diet to maintain a proper weight and prevent obesity.