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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bird-small-bird-balanced-diet

What diet balance does Merck recommend for most budgies and cockatiels?

Use pellets, seed mix, vegetables and fruit in measured proportions.

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  1. 40 to 50% pellets, plus measured seed and produce ✔
  2. All seeds and nuts
  3. Mostly fruit with a few pellets

Why: Merck recommends 40 to 50% pellets, 30 to 40% seed mix, 10 to 15% vegetables and 5 to 10% fruit for most small birds. This is not a seed-only menu.

Huh, didn't know that: Budgies and cockatiels have different recommended proportions from larger parrots.

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Why did the budgie read the menu? It wanted a well-rounded tweet.
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References

Answer: 40 to 50% pellets, plus measured seed and produce. Merck recommends 40 to 50% pellets, 30 to 40% seed mix, 10 to 15% vegetables and 5 to 10% fruit for most small birds. This is not a seed-only menu.

  1. Merck Veterinary Manual, Management of Pet Birds www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/pet-birds/management-of-pet-birds
    For most small birds (budgerigars, cockatiels, lovebirds), 40-50% pellets and 30-40% seed mix with 10-15% healthy vegetables
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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