I know a lot of parrot owners who think that seed or pellet food is just fine for their bird.
I agree that if used as a supplement seed and pellet food have their place.
But if you want to insure that your bird is getting a well balanced and nutritional diet you need to do more.
The cooked base diet is just that.
While it is not perfect, it does provide a good basis to which you can add some seeds and pellets as well as fruits and green vegetables for a truly healthy and nutritional diet.
This basic cooked diet is made up of a mixture of beans, brown or whole-grain rice, quinoa, amaranth, couscous and other grains.
It also includes whole-grain pasta, some seeds and nuts with some dried vegetables, fruit, supplements and herbs.
It makes an excellent base diet.
You might want to also supplement it with some fresh fruits and vegetables or any other supplements your veterinarian might suggest.
Many owners complain that preparing this food just takes too long and is too big a job.
Well their right.
It is a big job, but one that will pay off in the long run with better health for your bird.
You can make up a batch of this food once a week and freeze it in baggies with individual portions that can be used each day.
For those who don't have the time to spend cooking the food each week, there are commercially made versions that you can get.
Whichever route you choose, try the cooked diet and see if you don't see a difference in your parrot.
Besides being a lot of work, there is one other disadvantage to using cooked food.
It does spoil especially in warm temperatures.
So you can't leave it setting around all day.
It's best if you leave it in the cage for only a few hours.
You will have to use your best judgment as to how long to leave it out.
At least give it a try.
I know your parrot will appreciate it.