Most birds will thrive when fed diets that resemble their natural diets. Such diets may include grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Different birds may have different dietary requirements, so you should be sure to determine which dietary regime is appropriate for your type of bird. Also, if you wish to change your bird's diet, you should do it gradually. Usually, mixing a small amount of new food into the old food, and gradually increasing the amount, may be a good way to implement dietary change. The fresh food you offer your bird should be replaced regularly to prevent it from spoiling and making your bird sick. Often, a dry food like a pellet diet or seed mix is offered to the bird at all times, and fresh foods are offered at set meal times so uneaten portions can be removed before they spoil. All fruits and vegetables offered to your bird should be thoroughly washed in order to remove any traces of pesticides or insecticides.

About half of a bird's diet consists of grains and cereals. These can usually be obtained in commercially formulated mixes that you can purchase at your local pet supply. You may also choose to make such mixes at home, from pasta, quinoa, sprouted seeds, or other cereals. A variety of recipes may be available on the Internet, at your local library, or from a breed association or veterinarian. Pellet diets providing complete nutrition are also be available as a dietary component. Many times, canary seed and rape seed are standard seed mixes offered to songbirds. However, there is great controversy surrounding the issue of whether to feed seed or pellet based diets. A seed mix may constitute the majority of a dove's diet, where as such high amounts of seed are probably not as appropriate for a smaller bird that would not eat seeds only in the wild.

Most of the remainder of a bird's diet, if it is a canary or finch type bird, is often made up of fresh vegetables. Often, carrots, greens, corn, and broccoli are special favorites. Many times, seed may be soaked and drained, then sprouted to provide a nutritious food.

Additionally, fresh fruit makes up a small though important part of a bird's nutritional needs. Because fruit is high in sugar, it should be fed in moderate amounts. However, foods like apples, tomatoes, grapes, and oranges can have very high nutritional value and make up an important, though small, dietary component. Fruit doves often have high amounts of fruit in their diets.

Often, birds need an additional source of protein as well. Some high protein food should be offered daily, usually in the form of chopped hard-boiled egg bits. Other protein sources may be offered in the form of treats.

To provide their birds with nutritious, high protein treats, some people may offer their birds small insects, while others may offer egg based foods. Some birds may be allowed low fat types of dog food as a treat. You can also offer treats to your bird in the form of small bits of cheese or dried fruit. Other nice treats include bits of wheat bread, whole grain bread, or corn bread, plain or spread with peanut butter. Bird owners that feed their birds pellet diets may offer seeds or spray millet as treats.

Cuttlebone can provide an important source of calcium for birds, and can also help hone down their beaks. Grit should also be available on a regular basis so that the bird can have some aid in digesting its food.

Although songbirds have traditionally been fed seed mixes, new pellet diets have been adopted by many bird owners as an alternative to natural seed mixes. This is because seeds may be quite high in fat, and can cause birds to become obese. Birds may also have a tendency to pick out their favorite seeds and leave the rest, effectively reducing the nutritional variety they receive from the mix. Seed mixes are lower in fat and can provide a better nutritional range than seeds. However, regardless of whether you choose to feed a seed or pellet diet, you should remember that fresh fruits and vegetables must be offered in addition to the dry dietary base.

Some birds, especially canaries, may be "color-fed." This means they are fed items that will aid in enhancing their natural color. This is another controversial subject, and some shows will not accept birds that have been color-fed. Special chemical mixes are available to feed birds in order to enhance their natural color. However, many birds respond well to feeding of beta-carotene, which is found in many vegetables like carrots. Other people, especially those desiring orange birds, may add paprika or red sweet peppers to their birds' diets.

All foods containing caffeine, like chocolate and coffee, are toxic to birds and should be avoided. Generally, birds should also not eat dairy products, though small amounts of these foods may occasionally be offered as treats. Avocado should not be fed to birds, as this can be toxic. Birds should never be fed moldy or spoiled food, and their water should be kept clean.

Part Two - Housing	Part Four - Pro-Active Care
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