Get Wild Bird Food food in Hardy

Birds are amazing friends, and when properly cared for, can live long & healthy lives. Whether you're feeding parakeets and budgies, or wild birds outside, we have the expertise and experience to help guide you to the best food. All bird's dietary requirements are different, and what works best for some will not provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Hardy area with the absolute 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 blend of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, many wild bird feeds consist of peanuts and corn, which are preferred by certain species like cardinals and blue jays. Wild bird food varies in order to attract as many different species as possible. So while it satisfies their calorie requirements, it's not dialed-in nutritionally like domestic bird food. 

Domestic bird food is typically a blend of similar seeds, with nutritionally dense pellets included. 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 prefer bigger seed types.

Food for pets will have prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients included, in addition to a variety of other natural seeds and fruits. These boost the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely imitate their natural diet, which would not usually consist of a few types of seeds.

Ensuring appropriate nutrition:

Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working smoothly. 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 numerous vitamins and micronutrients keep them healthy overall. Additionally, as your bird ages, you will want to speak with a specialist 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 slowly, as birds can have picky digestive systems. Slowly incorporate the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food daily to guarantee proper adherence to the new diet.

At Barkley's Pet Market, we concentrate on ensuring your bird is supplied with the best nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your backyard, 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 optimize your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.