An exclusive diet of seeds is deficient of many vitamins, minerals, and amino acids necessary for the health of your bird and may lead to malnutrition, increased susceptibility to disease, and premature death. Wild birds rarely enjoy this opportunity, and they supplement their diets with worms, maggots, insects, fruit, and other available delicacies. A balanced diet for pet birds, like that for people, contains a large variety of foods. Offer each kind to your pet bird in small quantities to ensure that one preferred food is not overconsumed. Fruits, vegetables, cereals, and bread, as well as beans, eggs, and meat that have been cooked and cooled, each in moderate quantities, make up a well-balanced diet.
Precise mixtures vary with the species of bird being fed.
As a general rule, just about anything good for you is also good for your bird. The important exceptions are avocado and chocolate, which are both very toxic to birds. If preparing meals for your bird doesn't fit your schedule or personal style, there are several commercial pelleted complete bird diets available. These diets can be supplemented with treats from any of the above recommended foods. If your bird is currently on a seed diet, the transition to a pelleted diet should be made gradually.