Parrot Problem Solving 101

Nuts ...

An important source of protein and heart-healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, tree nuts should be a regular staple of your birds diet. Remeber though, you can give too much of a good thing so make sure the amount of nuts you feed are in line with the size of your bird, and Macaws need more nuts than other parrots.

 

This from Health.com sums it up nicely ...  

 

"All nuts are about equal in terms of calories per ounce, and in moderation, are all healthy additions to any diet. 'Their mix of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber will help you feel full and suppress your appetite,' says Judy Caplan, RD, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

"The lowest-calorie nuts at 160 per ounce are almonds (23 nuts; 6 grams protein, 14 grams fat); cashews (16 to 18 nuts; 5 grams protein, 13 grams fat); and pistachios (49 nuts; 6 grams protein, 13 grams fat).

 

"Avoid nuts packaged or roasted in oil; instead, eat them raw or dry roasted, says Caplan. (Roasted nuts may have been heated in hydrogenated or omega-6 unhealthy fats, she adds, or to high temperatures that can destroy their nutrients.)"

 

Offer your bird nuts in the shell (if they're big enough to open them) ... this brings a bit of fun to the party and gives them the satisfaction of cracking open thier prize. 

 

To the right is a list of good nuts to give your bird. Almonds also have a lot of calcium so they should be a staple.