Is it possible to Jaco bell pepper. What and how to feed Jaco. What not to feed a parrot

05.06.2020

AT.- Is it possible to give fruit seeds to parrots? Isn't it dangerous?

O.- It is possible and necessary, the bones contain a large number of nutrients useful for parrots. In nature, parrots eat large quantities of fruit seeds, unripe fruits, immature. The sweet pulp of fruits, the most useful from a human point of view, is of little interest to parrots. Concerns about hydrocyanic acid are groundless, there is too little of it in the bones to harm the bird's body.

AT. How many bones can you give a parrot?

O.- Fruit seeds should be given to the parrot without restrictions. In summer, you can make stocks of cherry pits and pits of sweet cherries. Ask your acquaintances and friends not to throw away fruit seeds, but to dry them and give them to you. In winter, your parrots will appreciate such care). The bones of apples, pears, grapes, apricots, plums, cherry plums and other fruits are also useful.

Gnawing fruit pits is a natural exercise for birds' beaks. Parrots provided with such feeds in abundance do not need trimming or sharpening of the beak, since it "self" naturally maintains its shape.

O. Mango bones can not only be given to parrots, but also very necessary. This is an excellent natural chewing simulator for small parrots (corellas, budgerigars, lovebirds) and, moreover, for medium and large parrots: necklace, Alexandrian, aratinga, cockatoo and others. Mango bones are very convenient in that they can be strung on a skewer or rope (from sisal or hemp) several pieces at once and the bird will be busy chewing on such a toy for a long time. If several fresh mango seeds are strung on a skewer at once, make sure that everything is eaten completely the next day, as fresh mango seeds can become moldy at the points of contact with each other, so you must either string already dried bones or do not keep fresh (wet) bones mango on a skewer for more than a day.

AT.- Is it necessary to give clay to parrots if the parrot is fed fruit seeds?

O.- Clay must be provided to parrots on an ongoing basis. You can read more about this in the article. The potential toxic effect of fruit seeds on the body of parrots, in my opinion, is a myth that has frightened many generations of bird owners. Fresh fruit pits are safe!

The published publications about the death of a group of parrots that have eaten fruit stones in nature are about mycotoxins (mycotoxins are toxins of mold fungi that develop on food products). Fruit bones contain a large amount of fat and protein, which makes them a good nutrient medium for development.

Unlike small birds, feeding large parrots is quite difficult task for the owner. After all, one grain mixture, which forms the basis of the diet for feeding any bird, you will not be able to do. The Jaco menu should include not only food and vitamin supplements, but also fresh fruits, vegetables, treats, “bites” for grinding the beak, and occasionally animal products. All this must be well balanced and strictly dosed so that the nutrition of the Jaco is varied and complete.

In addition, each bird has its own unique character, eating habits and, alas, is prone to whims. Be prepared for the fact that your pet, by hook or by crook, will try to choose the most delicious particles from the feed mixture, as well as beg for his favorite delicacy, often ignoring the “necessary”, “healthy”, but unloved products. It is possible and necessary to pamper Jaco, but - within acceptable limits, so that his nutrition is complete. The completeness of the bird's diet is the key to its health and long life.

Jaco digestion

The intensity of metabolism in birds is very high, and their digestive system has a number of features that distinguish it from a similar system in other animals. Digestive processes are very fast and energetic. The assimilation of fruits occurs especially quickly, the digestion of hard seeds and nuts is slower.
In the absence of teeth in birds, the function of crushing food, peeling nuts and seeds from shells is taken over by the beak. Jaco's beak is a powerful tool that easily copes with hard nuts. The lower part of the beak - the mandible - fits snugly against the upper part, forming an excellent tool for cleaning and crushing food. The upper beak contains bulges on the upper palate that help hold, peel and remove the shell, leaving only the shelled contents of the seeds or nuts.

The beak grows throughout the life of the parrot, grinding down in the process of processing food. From the beak, after swallowing, food enters a special storage organ - goiter - a reservoir for accumulation and initial processing (swelling, softening, etc.), which allows you to speed up the digestion process. From the goiter, food enters the stomach, which consists of the proventriculus, or glandular stomach, and the muscular stomach. In the first section, food is processed by gastric juices, which include pepsinogen, hydrochloric acid, etc. Then the food enters the muscular section of the stomach, where the physical and chemical breakdown of food occurs. Food is ground as a result of muscle contractions of the walls of the stomach with the help of gastroliths - pebbles swallowed by birds and playing the role of millstones.

The walls of the muscular stomach are lined with a rigid coilin layer, which protects them from mechanical damage. It is especially well developed in birds that feed on hard grains. Gastroliths were found in the stomachs of grays obtained in nature; birds descending to the ground and collecting pebbles were noted. And although in captivity Jaco's food is much softer than natural, nevertheless, apparently, they need a certain amount gastroliths, the lack of which can be made up for with a small amount of fine gravel placed in a dish with mineral top dressing. Part of the gastroliths is gradually worn out, part is excreted from the stomach, and therefore the bird is forced to constantly make up for their deficiency.

Attention! Study the composition of the feed mixture that you are going to feed your pet. Some feeds already contain small particles of gravel, so additional giving of gastroliths is not necessary for the bird. But if there is no gravel or calcium particles (for example, crushed sepia) in the feed, you will have to buy additional top dressing and mix it with the main grain feed.
After the stomach, processed food enters the intestines, where it is absorbed. We will not delve into the study of the intricacies of the digestion process, but will move on to a detailed description of the diet of a parrot.

Diet and rules for feeding Jaco

The norm for giving grain mixture for Jaco is about 2-3 tablespoons per day. If you pour food into the feeder more generously, the parrot will be more capricious and litter, choosing tidbits and mercilessly throwing everything else out of the cage. Rather, it will be inevitable to litter Jaco, and we have already written about this in previous articles, but pig habits, whims and hooliganism of a bird should in no case affect the usefulness of its nutrition.
If there are unshelled peanut seeds in the feed mixture that the pet consumes, be sure to shell them.

What can be given zhako:

Fruit
Be sure to wash before serving!
- Apricot (half large, or whole medium-sized, pitted)
- Fresh pineapple (without peel and core, be sure to check the taste before serving to your pet, you can’t give unripe pineapple, about 1/6 part is cut off from the round fruit)
– Orange (not sour, 1 slice)
- Watermelon (only Russian, do not give imported ones, try to be mature, not too cloying or loose. Give a slice of watermelon with seeds, if they are ripe, Jaco respects them very much. You can give watermelon seeds separately, no more than 6-8 pieces per once and not more than 2 times a week)
- Banana (ripe, sweet, not dried, 1/6 of the usual, or half of the "royal" small)
- Grapes (you can quiche-mish, you can with seeds)
- Cherry (sweet, 2-3 berries, depending on the size, the seeds must be removed)
– Pomegranate (ripe, about 10 grains at a time)
- Grapefruit (1 slice)
- Pear (make sure that the fruit is ripe, but has not started to turn sour, 1/8 part, or half of the “wild game”, be sure to remove the seeds)
- Melon (only "collective farmer", Uzbek can not be given, do not forget to remove the seeds)
- Blackberries (domestic, 1 large berry, or 2 small ones, make sure the berries are ripe)
– Figs (fig) (half of the fruit, make sure that it is ripe and not soured)
- Kiwi (only ripe, not sour, pre-peel, give 1/2 medium, small or 1/3 large fruit)
- Strawberries (domestic, 2 small / medium, or 1 large berry are given at a time)
- Gooseberries (domestic, better grown in the country, make sure it is ripe, 2 berries)
- Mandarin (2-3 slices)
– Raspberries (garden, forest, 2-3 berries)
- Nectarine, Peach (ripe, regular - 1/2, large 1/3-1/4, if a flat variety - remove the stone and give the whole fruit, in the case of large fruits of a flat peach - 1/2 fruit)
– Plum (be sure to remove the stone)
- Currant (any - you can give directly with a branch)
– Sweet cherry (domestic, 2-3 berries, depending on the size, remove the seeds)
- Blueberries (domestic, 5-6 berries)
– Rosehip (2-3 berries, depending on size)
- Apple (preferably domestic or CIS, 1/8 large, remove the seeds, if the apple is small - remove the core and give it whole, as an option - hang it on a rope)
As you can see, a lot of things can be done from what is sold even in the most modest grocery stores. Do not stray off your feet to provide the widest range of food for your beloved pet, practice the principle of reasonable sufficiency: you saw - you bought, without fanaticism, after all, you can always find an apple and a banana at any time of the year ...

Vegetables
– Cucumber (preferably domestic)
– Tomato (preferably domestic)
- Green onion (one feather)
- Onion (give with caution, not often, no more than a piece of 2x2x2 cm)
- Green peas (no more than one pod)
- Parsley (1 small sprig)
- Carrots (preferably your own, if purchased - then domestic)
– Corn (1/4 – 1/5 cob)
- Bulgarian pepper"
– Radishes
– Pumpkin (no skin)
- Cherry tomato

What absolutely can not be given to Zhako:

Avocados, mangoes and other exotic fruits brought from southern countries, exotic nuts, alcohol, carbonated drinks, milk, herbs, spicy seasonings and spices, meat, bread, potatoes, persimmons.

Feed of animal origin

About whether to give the Jaco food of animal origin, or not, many copies have been broken. There is a heated debate on the Internet, all breeders and owners of birds have their own opinion on this matter. To solve this question for yourself, carefully read all the literature and all the forums and articles that you can find on the Web. In addition, offer your pet pet food in scanty doses - perhaps the parrot will "decide" whether he will eat these products. In any case, give products of animal origin should not be more than once a month!
From animal products, parrots can be offered quail eggs, poultry meat (chicken breast fillet - a tiny piece), yogurts, baby food.

germinated grain

It is useful for all birds, without exception, to give seedlings. But remember: large parrots do not eat strongly germinated grains, the length of the seedling should be no more than 1-2 mm. In order for the germinated food not to harm the pet, you should germinate the grains yourself, or buy germinating mixtures in pet stores. Now among others household appliances you can buy such a wonderful electrical appliance as a grain germinator.
Feeding mode

If you go to work, leave your Gray with grain mixture and clean, fresh water in a drinking bowl. Fruit-vegetables and treats are usually given during the daytime, completing feeding the parrot at bedtime with the same grain mixture, however, if you come home late in the evening, feed the Jaco with fruit-vegetables at least 2-3 hours before pouring grain mixture at night .

In any case, no matter how whimsical and jumpy your bird shows, all leftover fruits, vegetables and other uneaten foods should be thrown away! Water should be changed daily.

Anna Kurtz

If you are not indifferent to the fate of the parrot you have tamed, then you will surely try to surround him with care and warmth. A special role is played by the food that your pet eats every day. For the most part, the well-being of your parrot depends on its quality and balance.

In order to choose the right food for your pet, you need to know some simple things.

In the article below, we will focus your attention on the process of feeding the Jaco. Since exactly Jaco is one of the most beloved. What makes him favorite is that he has an intelligence that is uncommon for birds and skillfully parodies human speech. However, this article is not about that, but about what to feed the Jaco in general.

General information regarding the diet of domesticated birds

Every experienced breeder knows that there are several fundamental factors that directly affect the selection of a balanced and proper diet for your Jaco, and his excellent health.

First, it's food. Your pet's diet should be as close as possible to the types of food that parrots eat in wild nature. This is done due to the fact that the pet's food does not contain any significant change that could affect his well-being.

Moreover, you certainly cannot know how a pet will react to a change in its diet. For example, if it does not have enough of any necessary for the parrot and trace elements, then it may even get sick.

Perhaps it is precisely because of this that, after acquiring a pet in a pet store, many breeders are interested in the sellers what the parrot ate from them. Subsequently, they try to purchase exactly the same type of food for their pet.

Most likely you will say that they do this so that the bird acclimatizes faster in a new and unusual environment for itself in a new home. But that won't be the case. The food habitual for a parrot is optimal for your feathered fidget to feel in good physical shape and be healthy.

Secondly, the food of the Jaco should be as diverse as possible. It may seem to you that this paragraph slightly contradicts the above information. However, it is not.

The basis of any feed familiar to birds should be various grain mixtures suitable for a particular bird species. However, only they alone will not be able to provide a pet with everything. necessary list vitamins and minerals.

Therefore, if possible, for example, with the advent of spring or summer, give your parrot some types of vegetables and fruits. The vitamins contained in them will significantly improve the health of your bird.

Thirdly, the tamed bird must have constant access to. You should not allow your Jaco to eat only when you offer him to eat. Birds have a fast metabolism, so they have to eat many times a day.

Make sure that the feeder placed in the pet's cage is always filled with an excellent grain mixture.

Fourthly, this is the very quality of the feed. It is imperative that you carefully check what you give your pet to eat. For example, when it comes to grain mixtures, they should always be fresh. Check not only the expiration date indicated on the package, but also the quality of the grain visually.

To do this, it will be sufficient to open the purchased package and make sure that there is no plaque on the surface of the grains and that they look fresh. Remember, it is not allowed to purchase damaged or torn packages of grain mixtures. Surely they have already managed to gain moisture or could just deteriorate. Feeding a parrot with spoiled food is not allowed.

The same can be said about vegetables and fruits. Do not give Jaco spoiled or slightly rotten foods.

The consumption of low-quality food by a parrot will certainly affect its health and well-being. Perishable food should be replaced regularly with fresh food.

Useful information

Surely most breeders are content with the mere information that birds have an accelerated metabolism. And therefore, they need to constantly give more and more portions of food. In fact, the food consumed by parrots is not digested at the same rate.

For example, in order to digest berries, the pet needs at least half an hour. For grains, this time is significantly increased and amounts to about three or more hours.

Therefore, it is not surprising that grain mixtures are poured into feeders prepared for birds in advance, and fruits or berries are given mainly from hands. In addition, fruits are considered a perishable product, so it makes no sense to leave them inside the cage for a long time.

Now let's look at the substances necessary for birds and their role in maintaining the pet's strength.

Fats

Fats are necessary for your pet in order to be, to some extent, a concentrated source of energy and at the same time participate in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

However, you should not feed the parrot only fatty foods. This will lead not only to pet obesity, but also to the risk of certain diseases, such as a benign tumor.

Tumors are caused by the fact that too much fat mass accumulates in the tissues and blood vessels of the pet, which blocks the flow of certain minerals necessary for the health of the pet into the blood.

Such types of feed are considered fatty, such as sunflower seeds, canary seed, millet, etc.

Squirrels

Substances such as proteins are found in both living and plant foods. The amount of protein digestible by the bird depends on such things as the quality of the feather cover, claws and beak of the pet.

That is why, during processes such as molting, it is recommended to feed the Jaco with protein-rich food. However, with an excess of proteins, some anomalies may be observed in the body during the growth of the pet's beak and claws.

The proteins necessary for Jaco, your pet can get along with the food offered to him. A sufficient percentage of protein is found in sunflower seeds, corn, oats, millet and canary seed.

Carbohydrates

For the most part, the mobility of the parrot as a whole depends on the amount of carbohydrates digested by the bird. If he is mobile and alert, then his food is quite balanced. If your Jaco is lethargic and inactive, then he most likely does not have enough carbohydrate-rich food.

Your pet draws the main percentage of carbohydrates from such delicacies as wheat grains, corn, millet, canary seed, etc.

As you probably noticed, all three components necessary for the health of the bird are contained in the same types of feed. That is why it is not surprising that they are the main diet of not only the Jaco, but also other bird species.

feed requirements.

Structure of the digestive system. Food composition.

Types of feed: grain feed, fruits and berries, vegetables, nuts, wild, herbaceous plants, branch feed, feed of animal origin.

Vitamins, signs of hypovitaminosis and their prevention. Minerals: micro and macro elements.

When developing a diet for your pet, it is strongly recommended to adhere to certain principles. This will help you avoid many mistakes and keep your parrot in good health.

1. The main food of the parrot should be as close as possible in composition to the natural one. The introduction of new components in the diet should be carefully analyzed from this point of view.

2. The maximum variety of food is good for your parrot; monotony worsens the quality of his life and is fraught with disease. This does not mean at all that he can be given everything edible, from your point of view, it is important to observe the first principle.

3. Don't be afraid to overfeed your pet, it's better to overfeed than underfeed.

4. All feed ingredients must be the freshest and first-class quality - this is the basis of the health and longevity of your parrot.

5. To keep food fresh throughout the day, it is better to give easily perishable food in 2-3 small portions.

Communication with fellow hobbyists convinced me of the need to preface the chapter on nutrition. brief description features of the digestive system in birds, and parrots in particular. Many troubles with the digestion of birds are associated with ignorance by lovers of these features.

In the absence of teeth in birds, the function of crushing food, peeling nuts and seeds from shells is taken over by the beak. Jaco's beak is a powerful tool that easily copes with hard nuts. The lower part of the beak - the mandible - fits snugly against the upper part, forming an excellent tool for cleaning and crushing food. In the upper beak on the upper palate there are bulges that help to hold, clean and remove the shell, leaving only the shelled contents of seeds or nuts.

The beak grows throughout the life of the parrot, grinding down in the process of processing food, etc. From the beak, after swallowing, food enters a special storage organ - goiter - a reservoir for accumulation and initial processing (swelling, softening and, apparently, preliminary microbiological processing), which allows speed up the digestion process. From the goiter, processed food with the help of peristalsis - special wave-like movements of the esophagus - enters the stomach, which consists of the proventriculus, or glandular stomach, and the muscular stomach. In the first section, food is processed by gastric juices, which include pepsinogen, hydrochloric acid, etc. Then the food enters the muscular section of the stomach, where the physical and chemical breakdown of food occurs. Food is ground as a result of muscle contractions of the walls of the stomach with the help of gastroliths - pebbles swallowed by birds and playing the role of millstones.

The walls of the muscular stomach are lined with a rigid coilin layer, which protects them from mechanical damage. It is especially well developed in birds that feed on hard grains. Gastroliths were found in the stomachs of grays obtained in nature; birds descending to the ground and collecting pebbles were noted. And although in captivity the Jaco's food is much softer than natural, nevertheless, apparently, they need a certain amount of gastroliths, the lack of which can be made up for by a small amount of fine gravel placed in a bowl with mineral top dressing. Part of the gastroliths is gradually worn out, part is excreted from the stomach, and therefore the bird is forced to constantly make up for their deficiency.

Figuratively speaking, the system of organs - the beak, goiter and two sections of the stomach - in birds plays the role of the teeth and stomach of mammals.

After the stomach, processed food enters the intestines, where it is absorbed. We will not delve into the study of the intricacies of the digestion process, but will move on to a detailed description of the diet of a parrot.

From the point of view of chemistry, when eating, water, mineral salts and organic substances enter the body: proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Water and mineral salts are absorbed into the blood without change, while proteins, fats and carbohydrates are preliminarily broken down into constituent parts, which, being absorbed into the blood, are further distributed throughout the body. The breakdown of organic substances is a complex process that takes place with the participation of a large number of digestive enzymes. The speed of digestion in birds is very high. Berries in some species are digested in 30 minutes, grains in 3-12 hours in different birds.

Fats in the body of a bird, they perform two main roles: they are a concentrated source of energy and are involved in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The body of a bird is sensitive to the quantitative ratio of fat in food and takes measures to protect it from excessive accumulation in the body. This is mainly expressed in the consumption of a more or less constant amount of it, sufficient to meet nutritional needs, but fats are stored with less efficiency.

The constant consumption of seeds with a high fat content leads to the fact that the bird, consuming the right amount of feed, receives and absorbs an increased amount of fat, as a result of which it becomes fat. Excess fat in the body can cause persistent diarrhea, leading to saponification and the formation of insoluble soaps that block the flow of essential minerals such as iron and calcium into the blood. Birds that eat high-fat diets and become fat as a result have an increased risk of developing lipomas, benign tumors of adipose tissue.

The role of fat derivatives - the so-called fatty acids - is very important.

For birds, one of the most essential is linoleic acid. Its lack in the diet of young birds leads to severe skin diseases, the classic sign of which is constant thirst and increased water intake. Lack of fatty acids results in poor feather health, increased risk of disease and sometimes death. There is evidence to support an increased need for fat during the molting season. The fat content in the seeds that form the basis of the Zhako grain diet is as follows: in sunflower seeds - up to 30%; in corn - 7%; canary seed - 6%; oats - 5%; millet - 4%; wheat - 2%.

Squirrels. Birds need proteins for the formation and development of the body. Protein is the main building material for the design of its structures, plumage, beak and claws. Feathers are 85-97% protein, which is why it is so important to increase the protein component of the diet during the molting period. The lack of protein during this period dramatically affects the quality of the plumage: the feather becomes brittle and breaks easily, the feather fans become shaggy and twisted.

But excessive protein content is also harmful; in the case of the Jaco, especially the animal. An excess of animal protein in a parrot leads to hypertrophied growth of the beak and claws. There is evidence that an excess of animal proteins leads to self-plucking of plumage in parrots.

Carbohydrates are a direct source of energy on which the work of the muscles, activity and vitality of your parrot depends. Carbohydrates are a source of a special reserve substance of the liver - glycogen. With a carbohydrate deficiency, the bird loses mobility, becomes lethargic, uncommunicative. Carbohydrates are primarily starch, which is quite sufficient in grain feed. Wheat grains contain up to 70% carbohydrates, corn - 65%, millet - 63%, canary seed - 55%, sunflower - 21%.

The direct characteristics of the main components of the Jaco diet are given below.

grain feed- the basis of the zhako's diet. Of the grains, a parrot's daily diet includes a mixture of sunflower, corn, wheat, canary seed, oats (or oatmeal), and millet. If possible, the set includes brown rice, buckwheat, hemp. The latter should be used with caution (see below). Up to 50-60% should be sunflower and 40-50% - other cereals. But the composition of grain feed, as a rule, depends on the capabilities and experience of the amateur, on the condition of the bird in this moment and rarely meets the specified norms.

For example, it is natural during the molting period - a particularly difficult period of time for a parrot - to make a diet with a predominance of fat and protein components. I prefer to include no more than a third of sunflower in the set, but I also add nuts. Dry corn, as a rule, is not eaten well, and it should be soaked until swelling or boiled for 1–1.5 hours. Wheat is also reluctantly eaten dry, but tends to be the first to disappear from the trough if given in the germinated state. The way to germinate any seed is simple.

1. The grain is soaked in any dish for 15–20 hours. Put the dishes with grain in a warm place.

2. The swollen grain is placed in a small metal (stainless steel) sieve and washed under running water. Put in a dark place.

3. During the day, the grain is washed 2-3 times with running water. A day later, the grain is ready for use. It is most useful and readily eaten when the sprout has barely hatched. To slow down the further development of the sprout and prevent molding of the grain, it is best to store it in the refrigerator. Do not forget to warm up the grain before feeding.

The use of a sieve when germinating grain provides certain advantages. The grain is well aerated and germinates quickly, almost never gets moldy and is very easy to wash.

Cannabis should be given in small amounts, usually no more than 10 seeds per day. I don't include hemp in my parrots' diet. The fact is that the shells of hemp apparently contain toxic substances. Excessive use of cannabis led to the fact that the birds plucked a feather from themselves, breeding birds broke eggs and even killed chicks. One of the authors even described a kind of intoxication of parrots, when, when they were eating hemp excessively, they could not stay on the perch and fell to the bottom of the cage.

You can also germinate millet and oats. But parrots eat millet only in a slightly hatched state, and reject it with sprouts of more than 2-3 mm.

Cereals are readily eaten and are extremely useful in a semi-ripe form, in the stage of so-called milky-wax ripeness, when the grain is still soft and filled with a thick white liquid. Actually, in nature, birds eat cereals, including wild ones, in this state. Jaco greedily eat corn, oats, wheat, sunflower in the stage of milky-wax ripeness. Corn and sunflower are especially loved. The peeled cob is divided lengthwise in half and then broken into separate pieces. Large pieces should not be given, since a lot of grain is not eaten and goes to waste. I give half-ripe sunflower in pieces right in the hat, cutting it into pieces. Milk corn can be harvested for the winter in the freezer. The cob prepared by the method described above is frozen. Before use, pieces of the cob are thawed and warmed. One or two cobs is enough for a Jaco for a week, fifty cobs will be enough for him for a year as a nutritional supplement to feed. But keep in mind that this food is extremely nutritious, birds easily get fat from it, and it should be limited.

Other cereals are also well eaten at this stage. Half-ripe spikelets of wheat, panicles of oats are hung in small sheaves on the walls of the cage next to the perch.

The daily allowance of dry grain feed for Grays is 2-3 tablespoons, but can vary markedly depending on the time of year, weather and the individual needs of the bird.

Fruits and berries. In principle, Jaco willingly eats all kinds of fruits: apples, pears, peaches, apricots, cherries, cherries, plums, all types of citrus fruits, etc. Stone fruits that contain substances poisonous to birds should be removed from stone fruits. It means that only sweet fruits are willingly eaten. Bananas are sometimes ignored by older birds, but young birds eat them well. Some individuals are happy to eat slightly soaked dried fruits, especially figs and dates.

Almost all types of berries are suitable for parrots. They willingly eat all varieties of currants, grapes, blueberries, blueberries, lingonberries, strawberries, mountain ash, wild rose, hawthorn, etc. During the ripening season of mountain ash, my jacos switch almost completely to eating it. They greedily eat the core of the berry, leaving the shell with part of the pulp. Irga and black garden ash are eaten very well.

Most parrots are very willing to eat pomegranates. The fruit should be peeled and peeled grains should be given to parrots - an excellent source of vitamins, available almost all winter.

I prefer to give fruits and berries in the form of salads, cutting them and mixing several types. Eating them in this form, parrots are less capricious, choosing only their favorite species, they quickly learn to eat new fruits.

When preparing fruits for feeding, some rules should be followed. All of them should be thoroughly washed, and it is better to give them peeled. All citrus fruits should be given only peeled.

The fact is that fruits sold through stores are treated with chemicals that prolong their shelf life, but are very harmful to a living organism. There are known cases of the death of parrots who ate unpeeled oranges. Especially carefully you need to wash the grapes.

It is very important to remember that parrots should never be given avocados. The use of this exotic fruit, even in small quantities, can be fatal.

Vegetables, as a rule, are used in the nutrition of parrots less than other components, although their nutritional value is very high. Carrots, for example, in their usual form are eaten badly. I have trained almost all of my parrots, even nectar-eating lorikeets and lorikeets, to the so-called soft food, commonly used as a surrogate food for insectivorous birds. The composition of the soft food includes finely grated carrots, vegetable oil, finely chopped hard-boiled chicken eggs, breadcrumbs or grated white crackers, buckwheat (or other boiled cereals). Carrots are rubbed on a fine grater and slightly squeezed out of excess juice. A small amount of any vegetable oil (sunflower, corn, soybean, rapeseed, etc.) is added to carrots and sprinkled with a small amount of grated crackers to make it crumbly. Finely chopped or grated hard-boiled chicken eggs, as well as cereals, are added to this mixture. I prefer buckwheat, but I do not boil it, but soak it overnight in water. The mixture is thoroughly mixed, it should be crumbly and not sticky to the hands.

All my Jacos get a heaping tablespoon of this food every day and eat it very willingly. The mixture is very nutritious, includes a lot of useful components, including animal proteins. It allows you to introduce very effective modern protein-vitamin-mineral supplements in the form of powders into the diet of birds, which maintain a good condition in the winter. Chopped lettuce or dandelion leaves, crumbly cottage cheese can be introduced into this mixture (keep an eye on freshness). In addition to the composition described above, additional components in this feed depend on the desire and capabilities of the owner. As a green dressing, you can use spinach, celery, tomatoes, beets, dill, parsley, etc. It is undesirable and even harmful to use cabbage, since the oxalic acid contained in it interferes with the absorption of calcium.

Legumes. I deliberately single out this type of food in a separate section, since the introduction of these crops into the diet of parrots causes an ambiguous reaction. Some fans oppose their use, but in vain, since it is an excellent source of vegetable proteins. Legumes - beans, beans, peas - diversify and enrich the diet well. They are not easily eaten dry and should therefore be soaked before consumption.

Thoroughly washed beans are poured with cold water and left to swell, after 24 hours they are ready to eat. Sometimes it is recommended to boil them, but this is justified only in relation to red beans.

Parrots willingly eat green pods of beans, beans, peas. In winter, they can also be offered frozen green beans in pods, after defrosting, of course. It should be borne in mind that green peas in pods should not be given to young birds (with black eyes), as they act as a laxative.

I want to emphasize once again that all vegetables, including leafy ones, must be washed very carefully in running water in order to avoid poisoning.

Nuts. Almost all types of nuts are excellent food for Jaco, but it should be remembered that all types of nuts have a high fat content and their consumption should be strictly dosed. Walnuts, very beloved by Jacos, contain 30-50% fat, palm nuts - up to 60% or more.

All nuts with a hard shell should be given over-split. Don't do this in reserve, as some of them quickly turn rancid. Many Jacos are very fond of peanuts, especially in shell. Most birds do not take it in its purified form. Sometimes it is recommended to lightly fry it. Parrots love to peel the crispy shells, and they eat peanuts with great pleasure. When using peanuts, you need to strictly monitor its quality. It is best to try a few nuts yourself for control. Although birds are almost always good at distinguishing low-quality nuts, mistakes do happen and your pet can get sick. It is best to purchase peanuts in small quantities in stores, market unshelled peanuts contain many low-quality seeds.

Jaco perfectly eat pine nuts, but some birds ignore them simply out of ignorance. If you keep several birds, then there is no problem of accustoming to a new food - parrots learn from each other very quickly. If the parrot is alone, then you will have to make some efforts to accustom him to the new food by adding whole and peeled nuts to the feeder with other types of food.

Somewhat worse, Jacos eat hazelnuts and wild hazel. In any case, I was never able to accustom my five Jacos to these nuts, although the parrots of other amateurs ate them.

Parrots also readily eat other exotic types of nuts that are commercially available: pecans, Brazilian nuts, etc. It should be borne in mind that it is better to give them raw and in no case offer salted nuts.

Wild herbaceous plants. As food objects in the diet of a parrot, some herbaceous plants growing near human habitation are also valuable.

First of all, it is, of course, dandelion. Green parts, rhizomes and baskets with immature seeds contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, E, C and K, trace elements, inulin. A very valuable quality of this plant is that it grows one of the first in early spring, when there is an acute lack of vitamins. Dandelion can be given directly with the rosette and part of the rhizome. Even large species of parrots, such as jacos, also eat baskets with immature seeds well. To reduce the pollution of the room with fluffs, the baskets are collected in the morning, when they have not yet opened, and the upper part of the basket with fluffs is cut with scissors. Parrots willingly eat leaves and succulent stems of goutweed, young nettle, plantain, especially at a time when its seeds ripen. Wild cereals can be a good help in nutrition: bent grass, fescue, stems with shepherd's purse seeds. Collected in bundles and hung on the wall of the cage near the perch, they invariably attract the attention of the bird and are eaten.

There are a number of plants that are potentially dangerous for birds, and for Grays in particular.

Cages and enclosures should be arranged in such a way that birds cannot reach nearby plants. Below is a list of plants that are dangerous for birds, and for Jaco in particular:

Astragalus

Biryugin

hemlock

Daphne

All buttercups

hyacinths

Delphinium

dieffenbachia

Sweet pea

Needle (holly)

Calladium

Clematis

horse chestnut

Belladonna

Nutmeg

Digitalis

Snowdrop

Broom

Rhododendron

potato sprouts

Philodendron

branch feed. Unfortunately, this type of food is practically not used by amateurs, and in vain, since, in addition to valuable nutrients and vitamins, tree branches also contain minerals. Branches of linden, poplar, birch and other hardwoods are used. Branches of fruit trees are very good: apple trees, pears, stone fruits. They are especially readily eaten in the spring, with the onset of juice secretion and swelling of the kidneys. Branches are harvested, of course, not in the city and not near roads with heavy traffic. There is information in the literature about the fodder use of branches of coniferous trees. It is mentioned that the use of pine needles favorably affects the state of plumage.

The nutritional value of branch forage is confirmed by the following observation. I have known for several years a lovely, perfectly tame female white-crested cockatoo, brought as an adult from New Guinea. The bird quickly got used to captivity, but its diet is an example of asceticism. All these years, she feeds only on sunflower seeds and various branches of deciduous trees. The branches are processed into small chips, part of the bark and buds are eaten. The goiter of a bird after feeding is densely stuffed. Despite the scarcity of the diet, the bird has excellent plumage and, judging by the behavior, feels great.

Feed of animal origin. The use of this group of feeds (meat, fish) in the diet of the Jaco is still debatable. There are lovers who introduce them into the diet of Jaco constantly. Some amateurs, to which I belong, consider their use unnecessary and even harmful. Until now, and not without reason, some lovers believe that the constant use of meat products is one of the reasons for the self-plucking of parrots.

Unfortunately, the nutrition of Jaco in natural conditions has been studied very poorly. All observations about its food preferences are based on random observations. However, the same can be said about most species of other parrots.

All true parrots, to which the Jaco belongs, belong to typically herbivorous birds. Observations concerning the consumption of animal food by birds in nature refer to species that live in mountains with a harsh climate and a poor set of food. These are the three species of nestor parrots in the islands of New Zealand. Increased consumption of animal food by some parrots is noted during the rearing of chicks.

This is understandable: during the growth period, young people need a lot of protein. It seems to me that the consumption of animal food in nature by real parrots is purely accidental.

Parrots in captivity have to learn a large number of new types of food for them, usually much more nutritious than those that they used in nature. This applies to cereals and oilseeds that are high in fat and protein, fruits that are high in carbohydrates, etc.

If this somewhat concentrated diet is further complicated by animal proteins, this will affect the metabolic process. An excess of protein affects the condition of the skin and, quite likely, may be one of the reasons for self-plucking during the first time the birds are in captivity.

In fairness, it should be mentioned that there are individual individuals who, without harm to health, more or less regularly consume animal proteins. Apparently this individual characteristics individual birds, the same as maintaining health with an extremely meager and monotonous diet.

I prefer to give Zhako soft food, which includes boiled chicken eggs, fresh cottage cheese and occasionally the so-called ant eggs - ant pupae. Once every 1-2 weeks, my parrots receive tubular chicken bones with remnants of cartilage and meat. Some parrots are happy to eat cheese. It is better to give low-fat varieties of hard cheeses. In my opinion, this amount of animal protein is more than enough.

Of course, any meat products prepared with the use of salt, spices, and smoking should be completely excluded. All these products are extremely harmful to parrots: their use leads to self-plucking, cannibalism, and very often to the death of birds.

A few words should be said about ready-made grain mixtures that received last years wide use. These are foods of American, German and (rarely) Italian origin. Recently, our firms have begun to produce something similar. All types of imported feed are very rich in composition, include a lot of components, including completely unknown to us. The vast majority of feeds are enriched with vitamins and minerals, often the grains are colored with dyes in bright colors (apparently to enhance the attractiveness of the feed).

From my own experience I know that the use of these feeds must be approached very carefully. The thing is that our parrots, kept on absolutely natural food, without artificial additives, sometimes react negatively to all the innovations mentioned in the food, and it is good if the reaction to the new food is limited only to malaise and diarrhea. Sometimes the body of a bird can react very seriously.

The introduction of such feed into the diet should be strictly regulated. I recommend introducing a new food in small portions, in the form of additives to your parrot's usual food, gradually increasing the portion until the previously used food is completely replaced.

Granular feed. Such feeds are now not uncommon in pet stores, but introducing them into the diet presents certain difficulties. Only a very few individuals accept this food, most reject it. You can teach a parrot to it by introducing it in small doses into the usual food. Such additives, if the parrot takes them, will significantly enrich the diet, as they contain all the nutritional components necessary to maintain health.

Vitamins play an important role in keeping your pet healthy. Deficiency of even one of them can lead to serious consequences.

I think that most of the ailments that parrots suffer from are associated with malnutrition, primarily with hypovitaminosis - a lack of certain vitamins. The most important of these are vitamins A, D3, E, group B and K. They are usually included in all vitamin supplements for birds available on the market. Individual parrots have different attitudes towards vitamin supplements. Some are completely indifferent when adding them to food, others reject food and water with additives. The latter reaction is associated with strong-smelling multivitamins (another argument in favor of parrots having a good sense of smell). It takes some effort to accustom a parrot to vitamin supplements by gradually introducing them into food and water, constantly increasing the dosage and accustoming the parrot to a new taste. The best among commercially available preparations are vitamin preparations from the US and German companies - soluble in drinking water "Vita-Sol", "Sera"; powder preparation "Vitamin Mineral Supplement for birds" added to food.

It should be borne in mind that the need to add vitamins directly depends on the diet of the bird. The richer and more varied the food consumed by the parrot, the less the need for supplements, and vice versa.

Supplements are needed in the second half of winter and spring, when fruits and vegetables have lost most of their vitamins after long-term storage.

At this time, vitamins should be given every other day, strictly observing the recommended dosage. An increase in dosage is unacceptable, since an excess of vitamins can provoke a disease or molt at the wrong time, which is dangerous.

In summer and autumn, with good nutrition, vitamin supplements can be omitted; they are replaced by a diet with a good range of fruits and vegetables.

The characteristics below indicate the components of the diet containing required quantities of one or another vitamin and able to compensate for its deficiency.

> Vitamin A. Hypovitaminosis (deficiency) of this vitamin is very common in captive Grays, more often than in other types of parrots. With its deficiency, the normal development of young birds is disturbed, parrots catch cold very easily, inflammation of the oral cavity, and kidney disease are frequent. This is mainly due to poor nutrition.

A good source of vitamin A is fish oil. The malaise quickly resolves with regular treatment with 5-8 drops daily for two weeks. A good preventive effect is the introduction of carrots (with a small amount of vegetable oil) and dandelion leaves into the diet.

› Vitamin D. The most important biological regulator of phosphorus-calcium metabolism in birds. Its deficiency leads to rickets in young birds, abnormal formation of the beak and claws, and high bone fragility in adult birds. The process of calcium absorption in the intestines and calcium metabolism in the bones proceeds normally with a sufficient amount of vitamin D. A good preventive measure is the correct light regime, since the synthesis of vitamin D occurs in the body only with the participation of ultraviolet radiation. It is very useful to allow the parrot to bask in the sun in the summer (protecting it from drafts and overheating). In winter, periodic irradiation with light from fluorescent lamps (ultraviolet spectrum) intended for vivariums and aquariums is very effective. These lamps, coded "Sun-Glo" and "Life-Glo", were available in pet stores. For prevention, birds are fed fish oil and yeast tablets.

› Vitamin E (tocopherol). In adult birds, a lack of this vitamin leads to diseases of the central nervous system, manifested in impaired coordination of movements, throwing back the head, convulsive stretching of the legs and clenching of the fingers. This disease often occurs in newly imported birds. Very often, a lack of vitamin E is manifested by the so-called exudative diathesis: a liquid of a characteristic greenish color accumulates under the skin of the chest. As a prophylactic agent, fresh herbs and germinated cereals give a wonderful effect: wheat and millet. As an additional source of the vitamin, commercially available multivitamin preparations with a high content of vitamin E can be used, for example, an oil preparation from wheat germ, etc., made specifically for birds.

› Vitamin K (phylloquinone). It is often referred to as the bird's vitamin as it is extremely important to them. Lack of it (with the right diet) is very rare. The disease manifests itself in loss of mobility, bloody diarrhea. The intestinal bacteria themselves synthesize this vitamin, which is then absorbed. But, for example, the use of antibiotics completely blocks the supply of this vitamin, and this must be taken into account when treating your birds. A good preventive measure is the introduction of grated carrots, table beets, green legumes into the diet.

› Vitamin B 1 (thiamine). Its deficiency is manifested in loss of appetite, drowsiness, trembling and tilting of the head. A good preventive effect is given by feeding sprouted wheat, a variety of greens, yeast tablets.

› Vitamin B 2 (riboflavin). The disease associated with its deficiency manifests itself most often in young birds in the twisting of fingers, bloody diarrhea, hemorrhages in the cornea of the eye. Prevention of the disease consists in feeding vegetables, fruits, germinated cereals, yeast and egg white.

› Vitamin B 3. Its deficiency is manifested in a violation of the growth of the pen, inflammation of the joints, disorders of the intestines and the nervous system. A stable supply of this vitamin to the body is provided by a variety of greens, grated carrots, and bran. Grains of wheat and oats provide a sufficient amount of this vitamin.

› Vitamin B 5 (pantothenic acid). Its deficiency causes metabolic disorders, the development of feather cover during molting. In young birds, its deficiency is manifested in a sharp emaciation. Good prophylactic agents are a variety of greens, bran, carrots. If necessary, you can use complex vitamin preparations for birds. In advanced cases, they are treated with the calcium salt of pantothenic acid.

› Vitamin B 6 (pyridoxine). Cases of deficiency of this vitamin are very rare, since it is found in all grain diets. The usual measures - the right grain diet, greens, yeast - are sufficient for prevention.

› Vitamin B 9 (folic acid). Vitamin deficiency leads to a variety of feather growth disorders and pernicious anemia. Preventive measures include the maximum variety of greens in the diet.

› Vitamin B 12 (cyanocobalamin). It is absent in vegetable feeds, but is formed in the intestines of birds as a result of the activity of microorganisms. Sometimes birds peck at the droppings of other birds (coprophagia) to make up for the lack of intestinal microflora. Lack of vitamin leads to malnutrition, stunted growth and development, diseases of the muscular stomach, skin. For prevention, yeast preparations and animal feed are used.

› Vitamin H (biotin). It is found in all grain crops, and its shortage occurs very rarely. Its deficiency is manifested in lesions of the skin of the tarsus and soles of the feet with bleeding wounds, characteristic peeling of the skin around the eyes and beak, and drowsiness. The correct diet with the inclusion of grains, herbs, yeast eliminates these manifestations.

› Niacin (nicotinic acid). Vitamin deficiency causes feather growth disorders and inflammation of the oral cavity. Rare, as most seeds contain adequate amounts of this vitamin.

› Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Parrots have minimal requirements for this vitamin. At the same time, the bird's body needs it very much during stresses (for example, during transportation, molting, reproduction). With the right diet with vegetables, fruits, herbs, a deficiency of this vitamin does not occur.

If you carefully read everything written above, then you yourself will make the only correct conclusion: a well-designed diet will save you from the troubles associated with treating your pet for many diseases.

It is quite enough to choose the right grain mixtures, fruits, vegetables, green foods that will meet the needs of the parrot in different periods of his life. In order to prevent, one should not forget about modern complex food additives.

Minerals (macro- and microelements). 6 chemical elements (macroelements) actively participate in the metabolic processes in the body of birds: up to 99% of the mass of the mineral basis of the body is calcium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, chlorine and sulfur.

Calcium and phosphorus are of great importance for the development and maintenance of the bird's skeleton in optimal condition. Most often, a lack of calcium in the diet is found simultaneously with a lack of phosphorus and vitamin D. Most of the calcium contained in poultry food is used to form the skeleton. During the breeding season, calcium is used to form the egg shell, which is 98% calcium carbonate. Calcium deficiency and related diseases are quite common in Grays. Particularly sensitive to its deficiency are young parrots, which may develop rickets. However, an excess of calcium is also quite harmful, which leads to a decrease in the number of eggs laid or even infertility. During the breeding season, the amount of legumes in the diet should be reduced. It should be borne in mind that calcium deficiency can occur even when it is available in excess, but its use in the body is blocked by physiological processes that occur with improper feeding.

With a monotonous diet of seeds with a high fat content, the resulting insoluble calcium soaps interfere with the absorption of calcium in the intestine. In turn, to maintain a normal level of calcium in the blood, the mineral contained in the bones goes into a soluble state. As a result of such processes, rickets and bone fragility occur, fraught with fractures. This is a fairly common disease in parrots, and in particular in grays. Diseases associated with chronic calcium deficiency can be sluggish, latent form and develop over the years. Birds become lethargic, lose their appetite, often begin to pluck feathers.

Phosphorus deficiency leads to impaired calcium absorption, which also leads to rickets in both young and adult birds. As a rule, phosphorus is contained in sufficient quantities in grain feed and is quite available to parrots.

Sodium and chlorine enter the body and are excreted from it in the form of sodium chloride. Both excess and deficiency of this element are harmful. Its deficiency leads to disturbances in the nervous system, growth retardation. Excess leads to edema, diarrhea, severe thirst, respiratory rhythm disturbances.

Iron deficiency most often occurs in young birds and females during the laying period. External manifestations of this pathology: apathy, lethargy, poor appetite, pale mucous membranes of the larynx. It appears rarely and only with an incorrectly composed diet.

In amateur practice, the prevention of deficiency of the most important macronutrients is achieved by mineral supplementation. Shell rock, crushed mollusk shells, sepia - the inner shell of cuttlefish, writing chalk, egg shells, calcium gluconate and glycerophosphate tablets are used as top dressing.

About 20 more chemical elements are involved in the process of vital activity in the body of a parrot. Due to the fact that they are used in very small doses, they are called trace elements. Usually the need for them is satisfied by the amount contained in the feed. But sometimes the seeds of plants in certain areas do not contain one or another element. In this case, it is necessary to compensate for its deficiency. Sometimes a micronutrient deficiency occurs as a result of the interaction of chemical elements in the body, for example between calcium and zinc.

Trace elements play an important role in the body of a parrot. Zinc deficiency causes poor wound healing, causes a number of skin diseases, adversely affects reproduction and inhibits the growth of young birds. At the same time, an excess of zinc can lead to the death of a parrot. This must be taken into account when keeping birds in aviaries with galvanized mesh.

Quite often, iodine deficiency occurs in parrots with a lunch diet. As a result, there are difficulties with the formation of thyroid hormones, it itself increases in size. The disease manifests itself in shortness of breath, decreased activity, regurgitation of food. In severe cases, the bird dies.

As preventive measure good effect gives the use of fish oil - a source of iodine.

How to feed a parrot?

Usually, fruits and vegetables are cut into pieces before being given to birds. The fact is that parrots are very wasteful and uneconomical and drop a lot of food down from the feeder, but they never pick it up from the floor. They do the same in nature, eating, for example, fruits on trees. If a flock of parrots feeds on a tree, then it literally rains from above from barely bitten fruits, and the soil under the trees is covered with a layer of fruits.

Therefore, if the food is cut into small pieces, then less of it will be wasted.

The nutrition of the Jaco, the care and maintenance of the Jaco is the most important thing that every owner of such a parrot must know about. From what conditions you can create a pet, its health depends, appearance and the bird's attitude towards you. It is important that his life is filled not only with material goods, but also with emotions. A feeling of satisfaction to a gray parrot brings communication with a person or with their own kind, games and activities with objects, imitation of sounds and conversations.

The house has a new tenant

Once you have brought the parrot into your home, you need to give him time to get acquainted with the new place of residence. Having planted a bird in a cage prepared in advance, at first you should not disturb it much. Let Zhako slowly get comfortable and get used to the new home. These days, the parrot may behave somewhat closed, but it is not necessary to put pressure on him with excessive attention.

The cage should have all the necessary items. Two cups for food and one for water are required. Prepare more toys, but not all at once. Two or three is enough, which you will periodically change. Fasten various ropes and ropes inside, place rings and stands - the parrot will cling to them, jump from one object to another. This is useful for the development of jaco and maintaining muscle tone.

The bird chooses its leader

Do not forget that the cage should not stand in the aisle or be blown by a draft. Location is very important for creating comfortable conditions.

Having got acquainted with the new house, Jaco will very soon remember everyone who lives here. Now it is already possible to communicate and talk with the parrot more often. Among the members of the family, he will choose a leader. Usually the one who pays more attention to it becomes the authority.

Some sources claim that Jaco loves solitude, but in fact this is not so. In the wild, parrots are used to living in packs. Therefore, they are accustomed to noise-din. And even if the bird was born in captivity, then instincts still prevail. So if you do not have the opportunity to devote a lot of time to your pet, then it will be useful to find companions for him. Sometimes his own reflection in the mirror can keep him company. For safety reasons, it must be metal.

That was not boring

The constant maintenance of a Jaco in a cage is unacceptable. For walks, you can prepare a special arena. It is a "T" shaped stand. A thin chain attached to the top will keep the parrot from flying. The length of the chain depends on your decision. You yourself determine the distances of permissible flights. On the top bar, secure the dishes for food and water. And at the bottom, install a tray for feces and falling debris.

However, it is better to move the Jaco to the cage at night. This is his home, and there the parrot will feel much calmer. On cool nights, cover the cage with a cloth. In addition to warmth, it also provides some insulation, which also provides peace of mind to the bird.

If the Jaco is bored, then he may develop bad habits. Therefore, entertainment should be diversified. Parrots of this breed may be interested in metal spoons, keys, a fresh whole carrot, a piece of wood.

Shower, bath or spray

Jaco should be taught to bathe regularly. He usually likes this procedure very much. It is advisable to bathe him every day. If possible, this is done in the bathroom. If your parrot is trained to sit on a hand or stick, you can take it there and gently water it from the shower until the feathers are completely wet. You can do the same with the cell. The water should be warm - 25-28 degrees, and the water pressure should not knock the bird down.

Daily bathing in the shower can be replaced by spraying from a spray bottle, after showing its action with the direction of the jet away from the Jaco. A sharp unexpected shower can frighten a bird. You can also put a bath of water in the cage, where the parrot will splash around with pleasure.

Bathing is a very important moment in the care of a Jaco. Water helps to keep the skin and feathers in good condition, frees them from dust, and has a beneficial effect on the beak and paws, which have horny covers.

You can't live without the sun

When preparing to bathe a parrot, pay attention to the temperature in the room. If it is below 20 degrees, it is worth postponing water procedures. The bird should dry naturally, so the air should be warm. Do not try to use a hair dryer - it is very harmful for Jaco. His feathers can break. If the room is cool, a wet Jaco can get sick.

Speaking of creation good conditions for the gray parrot, recall the sunlight. Ultraviolet rays contribute to the synthesis of vitamin D. This is both the prevention of the development of rickets and the maintenance of calcium metabolism in the body of the Jaco.

Usually the deficiency of ultraviolet occurs in winter. Then you can use special lamps that are directed to the cage. It can be fluorescent lamps, which give excellent results.

Remember that Jaco comes from the tropics, so try to keep the room where he lives at an air temperature of 24-28 degrees with an air humidity of at least 40%.

About drinking water

If there is a large amount of dry food in the Jaco's diet (cereal mixtures, nuts, seeds), then he just needs to get enough water into the body. When a parrot eats juicy fruits, he will drink little.

In any case, water for drinking in the cage should be constantly. If it is not possible to filter water for a parrot using special devices, then try to at least defend it. In time, this will take at least a day.

Jaco can be given mineral water, but without gas. To provide the right amount of mineral salts in the bird's body, add special substances to the liquid, for example, "Gamavit", which is sold in veterinary pharmacy. Do not give your parrot too cold or hot water. Approximate temperature drinking water should be 20-25 degrees above zero.

Northern berries are to your liking

The health and appearance of a gray parrot is directly dependent on the quality of nutrition. The main requirements for the feed that you give to the Jaco:

various;
fresh;
useful;
predominantly vegetable.

Even in the 21st century, there is very little information about how Jaco parrots eat in the wild. This area has not yet been thoroughly explored. Only random observations of individual specialists became the basis for presenting the diet of the gray parrot in natural conditions.

Moving to a permanent place of residence in other countries, parrots master completely unfamiliar cultures. For example, mountain ash, blueberries, blueberries, which never grew in the tropics, were quite to the taste of homemade Jaco.

Useful in moderation

The basis of the grain diet of Jaco is the seeds of various crops. They contain a large amount of fat, without which the bird will never have beautiful plumage. Sunflower has the largest amount of fat - 30%. In other plants included in the parrot menu, they are many times smaller. In canary seed, only 6%, and in wheat, and at all - 2%. Oats and millet in terms of fat content are located between these figures.

Be sure to make sure that Jaco does not gain excess weight due to too much fat intake. This will be bad for his health. Obesity causes diarrhea and interferes with the intake of iron and calcium. As a result, benign tumors can form, which, despite the “good” name, will not bring anything good. However, during the molting period, the need for fats increases.

Cooking delicacies

In addition to the above cereals, corn can be included in the Jaco diet, which should first be soaked in water. Wheat, oats and millet are best eaten sprouted.

To do this, fill the grains with water by 3-5 millimeters and put the container in heat for a day. After swelling, rinse under running water, leaning back on a sieve, and put in the dark. Rinse should be a couple more times over the next day. When a sprout appears, the dish is ready to eat. You need to store the germinated grain in the refrigerator, and before feeding it should stand in the room for an hour.

The diet can include rice, buckwheat and, with caution, hemp (no more than 8 grains per day). Stick to the proportion: sunflower up to 60%, other crops - 40%. Parrots also like cereals in an unripe form, when they still contain "milk".

Vegetarian inclinations are welcome

On the day of Jaco, it is enough to give up to three tablespoons of the grain mixture. Milk cobs of corn can be used as a nutrient supplement. You can prepare them for the winter by putting them in freezer pieces 40-50. This is enough for the whole winter. Before use, be sure to keep the cob warm until completely thawed and warmed to room temperature.

Jaco also receives the required amount of protein from grain mixtures. Here in the first place is the canary seed, which contains the most protein in the composition - 17%. A little less in sunflower - 16%. Corn, oats and millet contain no more than 11% protein.

Gray parrots should not eat too much animal protein. Otherwise, it may grow abnormally large beak or claws. From products containing animal protein, Jaco can be given boiled eggs, cottage cheese and hard cheeses. Meat and fish are excluded, especially products made from them.

About useful and harmful plants

Berries in the diet of Zhako can include almost everything: currants, strawberries, wild roses, hawthorn, grapes.

Offering fruits to a parrot, you need to remove the seeds from apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, cherries. It is also better to remove the core from apples and pears, leaving only the pulp. Oranges and other citrus fruits should be peeled. You can cook a variety of fruit salads for your pet by cutting the fruits into pieces and mixing them together.

The above fruits will not harm the parrot in dried form. Before feeding, they should be soaked in water a little. But avocados are under the strictest ban. It contains substances that are lethal to the Jaco.

Before feeding your pet with wild plants, study them. Among them are life-threatening Jacos. Check out the list in the table:

Recipe for delicious porridge with vegetables

You need to mix the carrots, after grating it, chopped eggs, a little buckwheat porridge and crackers crushed into crumbs. Dress the salad with vegetable oil. Parrots like this dish, and it is very nutritious.

We advise you to use this recipe, as parrots usually do not like vegetables very much. And in a mixed composition, Jaco will eat healthy carrots with appetite. When feeding Jaco, you can experiment by adding tomatoes, beets, spinach to the proposed mixture.

Jacos are very fond of fiddling with nuts, taking out the core. They do not need to be peeled, only slightly pricked if they are too hard. The parrot will do the rest. You can give walnuts and pine nuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, hazelnuts.

Beans, twigs, stones and pellets

If you want to increase the amount of protein in the Jaco diet for gaining body weight, then add beans, beans, peas to the menu, after soaking it in water.

Do not forget to put sprigs of linden, apple, pear, birch, poplar in the cage. For the normal functioning of the stomach of the Jaco, it is necessary to give small pebbles to grind hard food in the stomach.

Apart from natural products, you can feed the parrot with granulated ready-made food. They contain all the necessary vitamins and supplements, but usually parrots eat them without much pleasure. Train gradually by incorporating small amounts of pellets into your regular grain mix.