The coldest months of the year is the best time to start forming new couples. Parrots usually seek body contact for warmth and this is a factor that can be taken into account to facilitate the formation of stable couples.
The fact that parrots can reproduce vigorously is directly related to their preparation in the colder seasons where winter is inevitable. During this reason, the parrots that live in warm climates do not need a major dietary change, beyond the variety and healthiness of their food. However, in areas where thermal oscillation exists, the needs for calories and vitamins are different and parrots appreciate the availability of seasonal food in accordance with their surrounding climate.
After the first rains of autumn, caregivers should reinforce their diet with annual herbs. Some leaves, as fresh dandelion leaves are essential for metabolism and in order to keep parrots in good shape. Other herbs such as Sisymbrium irio, known as London rocket, are powerful sexual stimulants that can be used when the birds remain lethargic
It is in the colder months when parrots need a lot of attention. During this time, we put up new perches, clean and replace the nests. Preparations are focused now on the conditioning of their habitat for the next breeding season, when actions in the aviary should be minimal.
At Loro Parque and Loro Parque Fundación we have our own ecological production of annual herbs such as the common dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis), alfalfa (Medicago sativa) or beet (Beta vulgaris). These herbs do not contain any pesticides and contaminants derived from environmental pollution or toxic chemicals and guarantee therefore a maximum healthiness including sometimes some insects, which the parrots will eat with great delight.
These 100% organic crops, fruits and vegetables have an intense fragrance and flavour. It is interesting to observe how the different species eat these fruits with avidity.
We must remember the importance of seasonal feeding since this is the way how it happens in nature, where the birds not always will find the same availability of food. Providing the birds with seasonal food also ensures that the animals remain active and expectant in receiving their daily basis. One of the important premises in the maintenance of psittaciformes is to enrich their environment.
For this purpose, we include plants inside and outside the aviaries. Being surrounded by these vegetation, they feel protected and enjoy also a different environment. The birds will relish the growing of the plants, which after the rain will offer new leaves and branches and during the spring season will delight them with flowers and fruits that will be eaten willingly by the birds.
Author: Rafael Zamora Padrón, Scientific Director of LPF
Title photo: Moyses Peréz
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