Shop Bird Food food in Waterloo

Birds are amazing companions, 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 perfect food. All bird's nutritional needs are different, and what works best for some will not provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Waterloo area with the very 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 combination of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, several wild bird feeds include 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 satisfies 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 thick pellets added in. 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, in addition to a range of various other all-natural seeds and fruits. These boost the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely imitate their natural diet, which wouldn't typically 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 supply fat for their brains and nerves, and improves the gloss and shine of their feathers, while the various vitamins and micronutrients keep them healthy overall. Additionally, as your bird ages, you will want to get in touch with an expert on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different nutritional requirements 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 ensure appropriate adherence to the new diet.

At The Scoop Feed & Supply, we concentrate on ensuring your bird is provided with the very best nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your yard, or a parakeet in your home, our friendly, experienced staff has your back. If you're in the Waterloo area, give us a call at (319) 234-3015 and we can help improve your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.