Post by suzannewright on Jun 25, 2015 17:50:35 GMT -5
Overeating is a serious problem that can lead to obesity in parrots.
The short answer to this question is yet, parrots -- like every other animal on earth -- can overeat. Some owners may brush this behavior off as nothing more their feathered friend being exceptionally hungry, but in reality it's a serious condition that can have some detrimental effects on a parrot's health and overall well-being.
Why Parrots Overeat
Parrots may overeat for a number of different reasons, one of which is boredom. When a parrot is bored and/or not receiving stimulation in its current environment, it may eat for the sole purpose of filling this void. This is particularly problematic in homes where parrots are left alone for days on end, with owners giving them little-to-no attention.
Parrots are highly social creatures and crave the attention of others. Owners who fail to provide their parrots with the necessary stimulation they crave may cause them to overeat.
If a parrot is suffering from a parasite, it may overeat as well. Parasites tend to leach the nutrients out of the parrot's system; thus, causing it to overeat in an attempt to make up for the lost nutrients.
Another reason why parrots may overeat is because they were previously malnourished. When an abused or neglected parrot is brought into the care of an avian foster home, it may overeat simply because it's weak and malnourished. This, of course, is more of a problem in abused and neglected parrots than well-cared-for family parrots.
Why Overeating Is Bad
Overeating can lead to obesity, disease, illness, and it can shorten your parrot's life. The excess food will add unnecessary weight to your parrot, promoting the formation of fat which compresses against their vital organs and blood vessels. Subsequently, this increases the risk of certain diseases and conditions, including heart disease, diabetes (yes, parrots can be diabetic), cancer, and more.
How To Stop Your Parrot From Overeating
If your parrot is overeating, you should first have them examined by a licensed avian veterinarian. He or she will conduct a thorough examination to ensure your parrot isn't suffering from any parasites or diseases that may be causing them to overeat. Assuming your parrot is healthy, your veterinarian may recommend a new food variety and/or feeding your parrot less food.
The short answer to this question is yet, parrots -- like every other animal on earth -- can overeat. Some owners may brush this behavior off as nothing more their feathered friend being exceptionally hungry, but in reality it's a serious condition that can have some detrimental effects on a parrot's health and overall well-being.
Why Parrots Overeat
Parrots may overeat for a number of different reasons, one of which is boredom. When a parrot is bored and/or not receiving stimulation in its current environment, it may eat for the sole purpose of filling this void. This is particularly problematic in homes where parrots are left alone for days on end, with owners giving them little-to-no attention.
Parrots are highly social creatures and crave the attention of others. Owners who fail to provide their parrots with the necessary stimulation they crave may cause them to overeat.
If a parrot is suffering from a parasite, it may overeat as well. Parasites tend to leach the nutrients out of the parrot's system; thus, causing it to overeat in an attempt to make up for the lost nutrients.
Another reason why parrots may overeat is because they were previously malnourished. When an abused or neglected parrot is brought into the care of an avian foster home, it may overeat simply because it's weak and malnourished. This, of course, is more of a problem in abused and neglected parrots than well-cared-for family parrots.
Why Overeating Is Bad
Overeating can lead to obesity, disease, illness, and it can shorten your parrot's life. The excess food will add unnecessary weight to your parrot, promoting the formation of fat which compresses against their vital organs and blood vessels. Subsequently, this increases the risk of certain diseases and conditions, including heart disease, diabetes (yes, parrots can be diabetic), cancer, and more.
How To Stop Your Parrot From Overeating
If your parrot is overeating, you should first have them examined by a licensed avian veterinarian. He or she will conduct a thorough examination to ensure your parrot isn't suffering from any parasites or diseases that may be causing them to overeat. Assuming your parrot is healthy, your veterinarian may recommend a new food variety and/or feeding your parrot less food.