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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bird-large-parrot-pellet-share

What should form most of a larger parrot's diet?

A formulated diet of about 80% pellets.

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  1. Sunflower seeds
  2. Pellets ✔
  3. Fresh fruit

Why: Merck recommends 80% pellets for larger parrots, with smaller portions of vegetables and fruit. Seeds and nuts are occasional extras, not the main food.

Huh, didn't know that: The recommendation for larger parrots has a higher pellet share than the one for budgies and cockatiels.

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Why did the parrot choose pellets? It wanted a square meal in round bites.
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References

Answer: Pellets. Merck recommends 80% pellets for larger parrots, with smaller portions of vegetables and fruit. Seeds and nuts are occasional extras, not the main food.

  1. Merck Veterinary Manual, Management of Pet Birds www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/pet-birds/management-of-pet-birds
    The recommended diet for larger parrots is 80% pellets with 10-15 % healthy vegetables and 5-10% fresh fruits.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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