Some people have the mistaken idea that feeding a parrot is simple and easy. However, if you believe that all you need to do is pick up some bird seed from the store once in a while, you are in for a surprise. Feeding a parrot is much more involved than that.

In order to have a healthy, happy bird you must provide him with a variety of different foods. Failure to do so can result in malnutrition. A bird who is not receiving proper nutrition may show a variety of symptoms. He may suffer from depression, feather plucking, beak diseases and even blindness.

There are an abundance of foods out there that are safe and healthy for your parrot. In fact, the best thing to do is make a shopping list and head to the grocery store. Our Feathered Friends enjoy many of the same foods as humans. Like us, they need a variety of grains, fruits and vegetables. Here are some wholesome foods to add to your parrot's grocery list:

1. Fruits are packed with rich nutrients. This includes fiber to help your bird's digestive tract work properly and antioxidants to strengthen the immune system. Most fruits are acceptable for parrots to eat. Mangoes, Papayas, Grapes, Kiwi and Bananas are excellent choices. You can provide your parrot with a bowl of fresh fruit for a snack after he/she has worked up an appetite playing with his parrot toys. You can also use fruit as a reward during the trick training process. Keep in mind that fruit contains a higher amount of water than other fresh foods and may cause your parrot's stools to become slightly loose.

Fruit warning: Keep in mind is that many fruits are sprayed heavily with pesticides before put in stores for purchase. Be sure to wash all foods thoroughly before feeding them to your feathered friend. If possible, try to purchase organic fruit that has not been sprayed with chemicals or pesticides.

2. Vegetables Packed with fiber and vitamins, vegetables should make up a large part of your parrot's menu. Like fruit, veggies can be given to your parrot as a snack while playing with his bird toys, or as a reward for good behavior. Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, Lima Beans, Kale, Cabbage, Sweet Potatoes, and Squash are all good for parrots.

There are a few fresh foods you should Never Feed your parrot. This includes the following:

• Onions they have been known to cause vomiting, diarrhea and respiratory problems in parrots.
• Mushrooms since they are a fungus, mushrooms can cause liver failure in parrots and should be avoided.
• Avocados the skin and pit can cause heart failure.

3. Grains - Wheat bread, and pasta are all also great choices for your parrot.