Mealworms for Dinner

[karnrene]

I have a mealworm farm. I raise them to feed the outside birds. Several months ago, I showed my parrotlet a couple of these worms and she ate them. I haven't offered her anymore - thought I'd better look into if mealworms are safe for parrotlets. I haven't found any documentation or literature on feeding parrotlets mealworms. Was wondering if anyone out there has info on this?

[chapala]

Animal protein, which includes mealworms, is not a part of most parrots' diets in the wild. I would say an occasional worm if she likes them would be fine, but not as a regular part of the diet.
Reta

[kiwismom]

We use them for fishing:p. I've looked in the past too for info about P'lets eating bugs, etc., and couldn't find anything. What I got out of it was they have everything they need in their natural environment but I also have seen Kiwi eat an ant UGH..... and at the same time run away from an Asian beetle (if any of you have millions of them like we do here!) they BITE and STINK for a good reason!

[Taylor]

That must be a pretty funny sight, a "plet being chased by a beetle.:D:D

[skthurley]

LOL! That's hilarious! I would have giggled like crazy. lol!

Jack one time ate some flies in the window, but i was quick to vacuum them away. I didn't know why they died and for all i know the previous tenant used fly spray or something in the windows. Didn't want a dead Jack.

I'd avoid feeding animal proteins too often, like everyone has said already

[waterfaller1]

I feed proteins{in small amounts} to my parrots. Lean chicken, beef, pork, and fish...on occasion.
some reading~
http://www.parrot-care.com/parrot_feeding.htm

http://www.holisticbird.org/pages/nprotein.htm

http://www.drmacs.com/ProteinRequirementsofBirds.pdf

and an article on mealworms
http://thetameparrot.com/blog/2007/10/05/parrot-diet-mealworms-for-your-bird/

[chapala]

Thanks Carole for coming up with the links to articles!

Dr. Mac (Debra McDonald, wildlife nutritionist) says this about protein and parrots:


"Eggs can be a source of
Salmonella contamination and should be avoided. Instead, birds should be provided with plant-based protein, such as that from soy protein.

One of the biggest problems that we see with animal protein is that it is generally high in methionine, which is converted to a toxic byproduct known as homocysteine. This can place a burden on the liver and kidneys."

I do disagree with one statement Malcolm Green made in the Holistic Bird link. He said "if you feed only plant protein (seeds, nuts, fruit and vegetables) you will never balance the amino acid profile". Well, that simply isn't true - he left out legumes which complement the amino acid profile in grains to create complete protein. That is how almost all the pellets come up with adequate protein in their pelleted diets, by combining a legume (often soy) with grains.

Most parrots do not eat animal protein in the wild, and it is thought by many people, agreeing with Debra McDonald above, that it can cause liver and kidney problems.

I think it's fine to feed a little bit of animal protein once a week or less, but people need to remember that portion size when you're talking about Parrotlets is VERY tiny. I also recommend avoiding all meat (beef, pork, chicken, etc.), and if someone does want to feed animal protein choosing from these: 1/8 tsp. non-fat plain yogurt (especially the Stonyfield brand that has Vit. D3 added), cooked egg (1/8 tsp.), tiny sliver of low fat, low sodium cheese, about 1/8 tsp. of grilled or broiled salmon. One of these once or even twice a week would be fine.
Reta

[karnrene]

Wow, thanks for this info. My Nipper is about 11-12 years old, and she is offered a variety of foods. She enjoys hard scrambled eggs once or twice a week - I remove the uneaten portion within 30 minutes and her dish is cleaned immediately, and she loves my yogurt smoothies. She loves melted cheese - on anything - bread, tostitos, mac and cheese. I don't eat much cheese, so it is a treat for her.

She doesn't like pellets - at all. I tried Harrisons several times, but she enjoys fresh food too much to accept pellets - and she doesn't eat a lot of seed. But, after reading this info, I think I need to look into soy protein. Is tofu okay to feed parrotlets?

Also, because of her age, I'd like to put her on some vitamin. I'm getting old, and am now interested in my one a day; and my dogs are getting old, and I'm getting them on regular vitamins - might as well get Nipper on them too. Any thoughts about what kind an old parrotlet might need or what I should be looking for in a vitamin?

Thanks for the info - now I know! May she live another 11 years!

[waterfaller1]

Not to be obstinate, but I would definitely take a hard look at soy and the reported fatalities among birds before considering it. I have noticed on another large parrot board, some people do not advocate it's use.

http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/01introduction.htm

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/birds.htm

[chapala]

She still should be quite healthy, given an estimated life span of 20 years, and if she is getting lots of fresh vegetables, especially the high Vit. A ones, and grains, especially sprouted grains, plus some seed and legumes or other form of protein and a little fruit, she should be fine without vitamins. I supplement my birds with a tiny pinch of organic powdered alfalfa, really little amount (just a few grains) of organic powdered kelp, and also offer flax seeds for essential fatty acids (especially the hard to get Omega 3).

If she is getting cheese and egg (I would measure out the egg instead of giving her what she will eat in 30 minutes), you don't need to offer soy. Yogurt smoothies are okay if unsweetend made with plain yogurt and fruit. Birds do not need any sweeteners in their diet. Plain tofu (not seasoned) is okay to give occasionally to birds. An excess of protein is hard on the body so you want to make sure you aren't giving too much.

Just think natural, whole foods, plant based for the most part, a good variety of healthy choices with a balance of grains and legumes if she won't eat pellets (about 2 parts grains to 1 part legumes = complete protein).
Reta

[chapala]

Yes, you are right, there is a lot of controversy about soy both for humans and parrots, opinions on both sides. I do feed a bit of Harrison's pellets (they have soy as do most others) as a small amount of the diet, 10% to 20%, but other than that, no soy. Edamame (immature green soy beans are said to be better, easier to digest, but since I don't have access to those down here in Mexico, no soy fed here at all except the little bit in the pellets.
Reta

[Taylor]

I question pellets for a lot of reasons, but the thing that always comes to mind is the fact that in the 60's when infant formula was introduced, breast feeding lost favor and woman were told all sorts of things. They were told it wasn't as healthy, clean, fashionable, ect.ect. by the public, media and even some doctors. Now or course woman are encouraged to breast feed if possible for as long as possible. There are studies that claim that breast fed babies IQs average 10% higher. So my point here is are we being influenced by big business or are pellets really better that old fashioned food??

[chapala]

I think that a fresh, whole foods diet is best for parrots (humans too!).