Shop Dove & Pigeon food in West Milford

Birds are amazing companions, and when properly cared for, 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 West Milford 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 blend of different types of seeds, including thistle, sunflower, safflower, millet, and sorghum. Additionally, several wild bird feeds include 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 meets their calorie requirements, it's not dialed-in nutritionally like domestic bird food. 

Domestic bird food is usually a mix of similar seeds, with nutritionally dense 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 choose larger seed types.

Food for pets will have prebiotic fiber and probiotic ingredients included, in addition to a variety of other natural seeds and fruits. These strengthen the immune and digestive function of your birds, and more closely mimic their natural diet, which wouldn't generally contain a few types of seeds.

Ensuring appropriate 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 enhances the gloss and shine of their feathers, while the different 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 needs than older birds, and changing their food requires care and needs to be done slowly, as birds can have finicky digestive systems. Slowly incorporate the new food into your bird's dish, replacing more of the old seed with the new food each day to guarantee proper adherence to the new diet.

At Pequannock Feed & Pet Supply, we focus on making sure your bird is supplied with the very best 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 West Milford area, give us a call at (973) 728-5151 and we can help optimize your bird's feed for a long, healthy life.