Why Is It a Good Idea to Invest in Premium Bird Food?

 

Unfortunately, for many Australians, the long hours spent at work make it impossible to purchase a pet with increased nutritional and social demands. Are you working from nine to five, and you’re not sold on the idea of leaving a pup or a kitty alone in your apartment for almost half a day each day? Do you want to own a pet that will require less maintenance but that can, nevertheless, be a part of your family for many years to come? In that case, an excellent idea would be to look for a pet bird. Although they are not as popular as cats or dogs, birds are the third most often found pet in Aussie households, and the main reason for this relates to cost.

Birds are intelligent and highly social animals that adapt wonderfully to apartment living, and that often get on well with multiple family members. At the same time, however, they are also much cheaper to own than more popular pets like cats and dogs. The average Australian cat owner spends around $2,100 per year for their bundle of joy, while for pet birds, this value drops to around $500 to $600. That’s a big difference, and in this economy, it could be crucial for your pet ownership journey. On top of that, they require less space than other pets, they groom themselves, and they demand a minimum investment in accessories or bird food.

In the End, it All Boils Down to Your Finances.

Speaking of bird food, their diet consists mainly of pellets, seeds, occasional legumes, and sometimes fruit. In other words, cheap ingredients that should not make a significant dent in your finances. Are you the owner of a small canary? If so, 1.5kg of seeds from Passwell will set you back around $16. Are you the owner of a small pup? If so, 2kg of kibble from Taste of the Wild will cost around $42. Plus, you must take into consideration how long that kibble will last. For a small-sized dog like a Yorkshire Terrier, the kibble bag you purchased will only last for around twenty days. However, the seed mix you bought for your canary should last somewhere around four to five months.

Birds are more convenient to own than dogs and cats; some species are highly intelligent and can form genuine emotional connections with their owners, and they require less attention than other types of pets. Sure, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t spend your time with your birds. In fact, if you don’t want to do this, then what’s the point of getting a pet in the first place? But, compared to dogs, for example, birds are more independent, they don’t require walking, and are usually happy to be left alone in a spacious cage, accompanied by a mate. Last but not least, depending on the species, birds can sometimes live for decades and thus remain a loyal companion for many years to come.

Why Should You Choose Premium Seed Selections?

Two words: Nutritional requirements. Your feathered friend will not exactly demand a well-crafted mix of rare seeds and leafy plants in order to be kept well-fed. However, it will need a consistent diet that will match his vitamins and minerals necessities. Premium-quality bird food is formulated specifically to meet your pal's dietary requirements and will provide him with the antioxidants, proteins, and fibres required to live a long and healthy life. However, not all birds have the same level of nutritional demands.

Parrots, for example, need more protein than smaller bird species, such as canaries, while cockatiels (especially females) require extra calcium in their diet. Plus, sometimes, two different bird species might have entirely different dietary needs. Canaries, budgies, or finches, for example, get their nutrients mainly from seeds or pellets. However, at the other end of the spectrum are lorikeets, which are frugivores and feed exclusively on fruits, nectar, or pollen. Before buying bird food, it is essential to be aware of your feathered friend's dietary demands and choose pellets, seeds, or (in the case of lorikeets) fruit mixes that will be specifically created for their species.

What Should You Consider When Purchasing Birdseed Mixes?

For starters, you will need to keep in mind the dietary requirements of your bird’s species, as not all of them feed with the same type of seeds or pallets. Parrots, for example, require extra protein and fat in their diet, while smaller birds usually need pellets with added calcium supplements. You should read the product label carefully and choose a seed mix that offers a balance of seeds, grains, nuts, legumes, and occasional fruits. As a general rule, a premium seed mix should contain, as you guessed it, mostly seeds rich in proteins, such as sunflower seeds or millet.

But that’s not everything. A high-quality bird-feed mix should also have 10% of its components consisting of legumes on top of grains, nuts, and fruits. Additionally, a good idea would be to choose only APVMA-approved pellets or seed mixes manufactured by top brands. What should you choose? Well, Harrison, Tops Organic, and Zupreem are fantastic selections. However, Vetafarm and Paswell are also choices to consider. What you select is up to you. Nevertheless, it’s essential to go for food that covers your feathered friend’s nutritional demands, and that is appropriate for his species.

What Other Accessories Should You Purchase?

Bird food will represent an ongoing expense in your pet ownership journey. However, it will not be the only one. Sure, birds require significantly less maintenance than other pets, and their long-term veterinarian bills will probably be a fraction of what you’ll pay for a cat or a dog. Nevertheless, although it requires less care, your bird will also need accessories designed to assist in its daily living. What accessories? Well, to begin with, you will have to purchase a cage spacious enough for your bird and its partner. The last point is important, as birds are social animals, and they could get depressed if they don’t have companionship.

Secondly, you will have to invest in food bowls, a water dispenser, perches, and toys. It will also help if you buy a bird bath, a removable plastic tray, or a cage cover that can keep your feathered pal silent during the day and rested at night. How much will all these accessories cost? It really depends on what you’re going for, but typically, you shouldn’t spend more than $300-$400. Birds are affectionate, funny, and intelligent animals that are ideal for apartment living and that can adapt fantastically to the specifics of your family. So, buying one could be one of your best ideas.