We now have veterinarians who specialize in bird care and medicine. But, as progress has been made in the field of avian medicine, the instant avian diets have been developed. In my opinion, the feeding of such synthetic diets will in part contribute to a shorter lifespan of birds. However, it is my hope that more and more bird owners will discontinue to believe that these convenient types of diets are ideal. While there are many causes for a shortened lifespan, there are also many ways to extend your bird's life.
Preventive nutrition is the best defense against premature aging and death.
The diet should include natural unprocessed foods that contain all of the essential nutrients. Additional supplements added to the diet may be, and are often, necessary in our less than perfect world. Nutrition, environment, stress level, genetics, exercise, and the lifestyle of your bird are all important factors that have the ability to decrease or increase your bird's lifespan. If a bird is predisposed to a hereditary weakness, proper nutrition and care can strengthen the body and reduce or relieve the symptoms it may experience and lengthen its life. If a bird has been kept healthy all of its life, fewer changes will be necessary in the later years.