How bad is meat for budgies??

Question

my brother seems to think that meat won't hurt our budgie because she always begs for it. and it said in this budgie care book that some meats r ok for a bird. what do you think about it?

Answer 1

It wouldn't be as healthy if it was being fed solely meat as its diet, but cooked meat (and like Christie said, unseasoned, unspiced) can be a good source of protein. Also, if your bird likes it, use it as a treat for good behaviour and an incentive to forage or learn commands like stepping up, stepping down, going home, whatever other commands you want to teach.

Parrots generally thrive off of vegetation, but they can and do eat their share of bugs in the wild to receive protein (which is why if you find little bugs in your bird food, it's not always bad to leave them in as a source of protein if the bird chooses to eat it).

Answer 2

Here is what their diet should consist of, as you can see, meat is at the bottom.......

The Association of Avian Veterinarians recommends that fresh seed, along with other grains and legumes (bread, cereal, peas, beans, rice and corn), make up no more than 50% of the budgie's diet. The next 45% should consist mostly of dark green, yellow and orange fruits and vegetables (grated carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, winter squash, cantaloupe and carrot and dandelion greens, Spinach, Chickweed, and even broccoli which provides nutrients as well as beak activity). The remaining 5% of the budgie diet should consist of meat or meat substitutes, eggs and dairy products.

HOWEVER-- some say that
Budgies are vegetarian by nature, and should never be fed meat, milk products or animal proteins, as their digestive system will not be able to process those foods....

I just thought i would give you a few different peoples opinions on it so that you could decide for yourself and know both sides of the story! However i think that it can definately be given in moderation, as a little treat every now and again-- it shouldn't be any BIG problem.

Answer 3

Meat, typically is not for birds, but they do love meat. I had a budgie that loved chicken and meatloaf. Of course, you canot feed a bird meat everyday. In moderation it won't hurt him. Just make sure it isn't raw.

The best food for budgies is a variety of things like fresh fruit and vegatables, potatoes, grains and nuts, cereals and of course, their seed or pellet diet. They can eat most things we eat with the exception of chocolate, avacados, pits from fruit, seeds from fruit. There is a list of foods that they definitely cannot have. Subscribe to 'Bird Talk' magazine. This magazine is so informative. You'll love all the articles and beautiful pictures, too. Write the Editor and ask for the list of foods that are toxic to birds. If you are thinking to feed your birds something you aren't sure of, the best answer is - don't give it to him. Play it safe. Good luck.

Answer 4

Budgies are vegetarian by nature, and should never be fed meat, milk products, as their digestive system will not be able to digest those foods

Answer 5

Personally I don't have a problem with it if it is in small quantities, it's just some extra protein. Just remember that birds will beg for anything if they can see you eating it...

Answer 6

Unspiced, cooked meat is fine for them, if not a little disturbing. My birds love chicken...