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Conures are exotic birds, but they make great pets because they enjoy spending time with human companions. They also happen to be extremely smart, and they usually know what they do and do not like to eat. However, conures eat differently when kept as pets than they would in the wild. Pet conures do not exactly get to pick and choose what they eat. It is up to their owners as to what is on the menu every day.
We know that conures can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to maintain a healthy and happy life, but can these birds eat blueberries? After all, conures tend to enjoy other types of berries, like strawberries and raspberries. The short answer is yes, conures can safely eat blueberries as part of a healthy diet. Keep reading to learn more about conures consuming blueberries.
The Benefits of Blueberries for Conures
Blueberries are just as healthy for conures as they are for humans. They are extremely low in calories, so they will not contribute to weight gain as time goes on. They are also packed full of nutrients and phytochemicals that can help ensure that your pet parrot does not become ill or develop health problems as they age.
The most beneficial nutrients found in blueberries that conures can take advantage of include:
- Vitamin A: Promotes healthy body development
- Vitamin C: Boosts the immune system and helps dispose of heavy metals
- Magnesium: Encourages strong bone growth
- Antioxidants: Fights free radicals and help prevent cell damage
Blueberries are also full of fiber, which helps keep the conure’s digestive system in good shape. All in all, there is nothing in a blueberry that is bad for a parrot. However, blueberries should not be fed to conures as the only ingredient in their diet because they do not contain all the nutrients that these birds need to thrive.
Blueberry Serving Ideas to Consider
You can simply put a couple of blueberries in your conure’s dish at mealtime, and the bird should happily nibble away at them until they are gone. Blueberries can also be used as treats during training sessions. Here are other ways that you can feed blueberries to your bird:
- Make a Berry Salad. Cut blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries in half, then toss them together to make a fruit salad before serving it to your bird.
- Blend Up a Smoothie. Place a small handful of blueberries, half a banana, and a couple of tablespoons of water in a blender, and mix everything up to create a bird smoothie. Pour a couple of tablespoons of the smoothie into a small serving dish to offer up during snack time.
- Create a Plant-Based Lasagna. Layer fresh pieces of lettuce, blueberries, and sunflower seeds to create a special bird-friendly lasagna for dinner. Please note, you should not add any oils or cheese to this recipe.
These are just a few ways to have fun with your conure while feeding them fresh fruits and veggies. By no means is it required to do anything special to blueberries to make them safe or attractive to pet conures.
Other Healthy Options to Add to Your Conure’s Diet
Blueberries should not be the only fruit that your conure eats to stay healthy. While blueberries are great for them, they lack some of the vitamins and minerals that conures need to maintain good health as time goes on. Luckily, it is not hard to meet your conure’s nutritional needs.
Start with a base of pellet-based food made specifically for parrots, then add a variety of the following foods to their meals to ensure optimal nutrition:
These foods should be alternated throughout the week or month to ensure that your conure is getting all the nutrition that it needs for a long, healthy, and happy life.
What Conures Should Not Eat
While most fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds are healthy for conures, some foods should never be offered to your pet bird because they can be toxic, fatty, or otherwise bad for their health.
- Avocado
- Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Salt
- Oils
- Alcohol
- Onions
- Garlic
It should be easy to avoid these foods in general, but if you give your conure any processed foods (anything sold in a package) it is important to read the ingredients to make sure that none of these foods are included.
Final Thoughts
Conures can eat many things, including blueberries. They should not eat processed food like we humans tend to do at least occasionally. Instead, they should be offered only the fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds that happen to be available in our kitchens. Feeding your conure well will help ensure that they enjoy a long and healthy life.
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Featured Image Credit: congerdesign, Pixabay
