Shop Bird Food food in Santa Fe

Birds are remarkable companions, and when properly looked after, 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 best food. All bird's nutritional requirements are different, and what works best for some won't provide adequate nutrition for others. Therefore, we proudly provide the Santa Fe area with the very 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 varies 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 typically a blend of similar seeds, with nutritionally thick pellets included. Conures, doves, and pigeons enjoy 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 range of other all-natural seeds and fruits. These strengthen the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely imitate their natural diet, which would not usually 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 provide 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 seek advice from a specialist on what type of food you should be feeding them. Younger birds have different dietary requirements than older birds, and changing their food requires care and needs to be done slowly, as birds can have finicky digestive systems. Gradually incorporate the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food each day to ensure proper adherence to the new diet.

At The Critters & Me, we specialize in making sure your bird is supplied with the most effective nutrition for their specific needs. Whether you're feeding wild birds in your yard, or a parakeet in your home, our friendly, professional staff has your back. If you're in the Santa Fe area, give us a call at (505) 982-5040 and we can help improve your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.