Edit: I forgot to hit save as draft so sorry if you read & it's not complete lol.
This article covers a wide range of safe foods most of which are a necessary addition to the diet of most parrot species. We'll also cover how to offer them, how often, as well as going over some unsafe foods as well.
What is Chop?
Chop is a term used by parrot owners referring to a mix of minced or diced vegetables, greens, or herbs fed to parrots. Fresh food should make up the bulk of the diet for most common species while pellets are a small addition to supplement certain vitamins not found in the fresh foods. It's really easy to make at home despite being just a little bit time consuming but if you're making slightly larger batches, it can be frozen until use, saving you a lot of time & effort in the long run (chop stays good for 4-6 months when frozen!). I personally make quite large batches as I'm using it not only for 6+ parrots but also Finches & Quail. I spend 4-5 hours making it but don't have to make it for another 5 months after that. When making smaller batches you can chop by hand however a food processor is a very welcome addition to speed up the process.
Safe Vegetables/Greens:
Artichoke
Broccoli
Beets
Bell pepper
Bok Choy
Brussel sprouts
Cauliflower
Cabbage (in moderation)
Corn
Cucumber (in moderation)
Carrots
Green Beans
Parsnip
Pumpkin
Peas
Radish
Rutabagas
Squash (Yellow, Butternut, Acorn, Zucchini)
Sweet potato (cooked or steamed)
Turnips
Greens:
Collard greens
Kale (in moderation)
Mustard greens
Spinach (careful moderation, consider avoiding)
Swiss Chard
Turnip greens
Safe Herbs:
Anise/Star anise
Basil
Bay leaves
Chamomile
Clover
Cilantro/Coriander
Dill
Dandelion
Fennel
Ginger root
Lemongrass
Lavender
Marjoram
Mint
Oregano
Peppermint
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Turmeric root
Safe Fruits:
No seeds/pits means they are toxic!
Apple (no seeds)
Bananas
Cranberries
Cherries (no pits)
Currants
Dragonfruit
Dates (unsweetened/dried)
Elderberries
Figs
Grapes
Gooseberries
Guava
Strawberry
Blackberry
Pears (no seeds)
Peaches (no pits)
Plums (no pits)
Note: fruit should be fed in moderation due to its sugar content. it is not a necessary diet addition for most common species so should be restricted to a rare treat only.
This article covers a wide range of safe foods most of which are a necessary addition to the diet of most parrot species. We'll also cover how to offer them, how often, as well as going over some unsafe foods as well.
What is Chop?
Chop is a term used by parrot owners referring to a mix of minced or diced vegetables, greens, or herbs fed to parrots. Fresh food should make up the bulk of the diet for most common species while pellets are a small addition to supplement certain vitamins not found in the fresh foods. It's really easy to make at home despite being just a little bit time consuming but if you're making slightly larger batches, it can be frozen until use, saving you a lot of time & effort in the long run (chop stays good for 4-6 months when frozen!). I personally make quite large batches as I'm using it not only for 6+ parrots but also Finches & Quail. I spend 4-5 hours making it but don't have to make it for another 5 months after that. When making smaller batches you can chop by hand however a food processor is a very welcome addition to speed up the process.
Safe Vegetables/Greens:
Artichoke
Broccoli
Beets
Bell pepper
Bok Choy
Brussel sprouts
Cauliflower
Cabbage (in moderation)
Corn
Cucumber (in moderation)
Carrots
Green Beans
Parsnip
Pumpkin
Peas
Radish
Rutabagas
Squash (Yellow, Butternut, Acorn, Zucchini)
Sweet potato (cooked or steamed)
Turnips
Greens:
Collard greens
Kale (in moderation)
Mustard greens
Spinach (careful moderation, consider avoiding)
Swiss Chard
Turnip greens
Safe Herbs:
Anise/Star anise
Basil
Bay leaves
Chamomile
Clover
Cilantro/Coriander
Dill
Dandelion
Fennel
Ginger root
Lemongrass
Lavender
Marjoram
Mint
Oregano
Peppermint
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Turmeric root
Safe Fruits:
No seeds/pits means they are toxic!
Apple (no seeds)
Bananas
Cranberries
Cherries (no pits)
Currants
Dragonfruit
Dates (unsweetened/dried)
Elderberries
Figs
Grapes
Gooseberries
Guava
Strawberry
Blackberry
Pears (no seeds)
Peaches (no pits)
Plums (no pits)
Note: fruit should be fed in moderation due to its sugar content. it is not a necessary diet addition for most common species so should be restricted to a rare treat only.
