Shop Cockatiel & Cockatoo food in Hardy

Birds are remarkable companions, and when properly cared for, can live long & healthy lives. Whether you're feeding parakeets and budgies, or wild birds outside, we have the knowledge and experience to help guide you to the best food. All bird's nutritional needs are different, and what works best for some will not provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Hardy area with the best food for your feathered friends, improving their health and wellness and extending their lives.

Wild bird vs pet bird food:

Wild bird food, depending on where you live, is usually a combination of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, several wild bird feeds include peanuts and corn, which are preferred by certain species like cardinals and blue jays. Wild bird food is diverse in order to attract as many different species as possible. So while it fulfills their calorie requirements, it's not dialed-in nutritionally like domestic bird food. 

Domestic bird food is usually a blend of similar seeds, with nutritionally dense pellets added in. Conures, doves, and pigeons enjoy millet, as do budgies and parakeets. They also enjoy safflower and sunflower seeds when they're hulled, though parrots and hookbills will choose larger seed types.

Food for pets will have prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients included, in addition to a range of other all-natural seeds and fruits. These strengthen the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely imitate their natural diet, which wouldn't normally consist of a few types of seeds.

Ensuring sufficient nutrition:

Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working efficiently. Omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and seeds provide fat for their brains and nerves, and boosts the gloss and shine of their feathers, while the various vitamins and micronutrients keep them healthy overall. Additionally, as your bird ages, you will want to seek advice from an expert on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different nutritional needs than older birds, and altering their food requires care and needs to be done gradually, as birds can have finicky digestive systems. Gradually include the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food each day to ensure appropriate adherence to the new diet.

At Barkley's Pet Market, we specialize in making sure your bird is supplied with the best nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your yard, or a parakeet in your home, our friendly, experienced staff has your back. If you're in the Hardy area, give us a call at (540) 346-2277 and we can help enhance your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.