Get Parrot & Hookbill food in Pagosa Springs

Birds are incredible 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 knowledge and experience to help guide you to the perfect food. All bird's dietary needs are different, and what works best for some will not provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Pagosa Springs area with the absolute best food for your feathered friends, improving their health and extending their lives.

Wild bird vs pet bird food:

Wild bird food, depending on where you live, is usually a mix of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, numerous wild bird feeds consist of 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 meets their calorie requirements, it's not dialed-in nutritionally like domestic bird food. 

Domestic bird food is normally a mix of similar seeds, with nutritionally dense pellets included. Conures, doves, and pigeons love 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, as well as a selection of other all-natural seeds and fruits. These boost the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely mimic their natural diet, which would not generally contain a few types of seeds.

Ensuring adequate nutrition:

Birds need prebiotics and probiotics to keep their digestive functions working efficiently. Omega-3 fatty acids from nuts and seeds supply fat for their brains and nerves, and enhances 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 seek advice from an expert on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different nutritional requirements than older birds, and changing their food requires care and needs to be done slowly, as birds can have picky digestive systems. Slowly include the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food each day to guarantee appropriate adherence to the new diet.

At Chow Down Pet Supplies, we specialize in ensuring your bird is provided with the most effective 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 Pagosa Springs area, give us a call at (970) 507-3000 and we can help optimize your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.