Nutrição de psitacídeos

Abstract

In nature, psittacines feed mainly on seeds and, occasionally, insect larvae. When comparing the life of a bird in the wild with that of a bird kept under human care, we observe that, in a natural environment, these animals expend much more energy than those in captivity. Thus, excessive seed intake, which is rich in fats, can lead to the development of various health problems. Therefore, a diet exclusively made of seeds should not be provided to psittacines in captivity. Understanding the best diet for these birds was the objective of the second episode of the Psitaflix series, a set of videos produced by the extension project "Knowing, respecting and producing birds: didactic and alternative models in the teaching and learning process", developed by undergraduate, graduate and faculty students from the Laboratory of Breeding and Incubation of Wild and Exotic Animals (LACRIAS), at the Federal University of Paraná. The ideal food option for birds kept in captivity is extruded feed, as it contains all the necessary nutrients for their metabolism in a balanced way. In addition to the feed, fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of seeds can be added to the diet. A suggested appropriate proportion is: 70% extruded feed, 25% fruits and vegetables, and 5% seeds, always considering the size and needs of the species. It is essential to be aware of prohibited foods, such as avocado, chocolate, fruit seeds in general, among others. Foods that can cause long-term problems, such as bread, dairy products, meat, and derivatives, should also be avoided.