Food Consumption and Palatability Studies in Budgerigars

Abstract

Abstract— 1 In feeding experiments lasting over two years, and conducted within an inside aviary, the mean daily consumption of a seeds mixture—comprising 45 parts canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L., 45 parts small yellow millet Setaria italica (L) Beauv., and 10 parts large white millet Panicum miliaceum L.)—by individual budgerigars was 6.92 ± l.92g and the combined intake of a non-breeding pair was 13.49 ± 2.758. Fluctuations did not appear to be closely connected with season. 2 Biscuit crumbs, rusk crumbs, crushed broiler pellets, crushed canary seed, tablet granules and powders were rejected quantitatively by non-breeding birds. 3 Only very limited amounts of teazle seed and hemp seed were consumed. 4 Dehusked canary seed was consumed to a lesser degree than whole canary seed dehusked by the birds themselves, due possibly to the dark colour of the dehusked seed. 5 Dehusked large white and small yellow millets were consumed by birds as readily as whole millets dehusked by the birds themselves. In the case of dehusked small yellow millet acceptance was not impaired by coating the kernel with liver extract and preservative.