Many bird keepers rely on seeds alone, but seeds are high in fat and low in some vitamins and minerals. A balanced diet shows directly in shiny feathers, strong singing, an active bird and a longer life.
The daily diet basics

A quality seed and grain mix made for your bird's species, ideally enriched with vitamins.
Fresh vegetables daily: carrots, broccoli, cucumber, spinach in moderation, sweet peppers.
Fruit in small amounts: apple without seeds, grapes, watermelon.
Clean water changed every day.
A calcium source such as cuttlebone or a mineral block, especially for females in breeding season.

What each species needs
Budgies
A small-seed mix (millet and canary seed) with leafy greens. Seed and honey treat sticks keep them busy and reduce boredom in the cage, but limit them to one stick every few days.
Cockatiels
A slightly larger mix with a limited amount of sunflower seeds, plus daily vegetables. Cockatiels can gain weight if they eat too many fatty seeds.
Canaries
A fine seed mix, leafy greens and occasionally boiled egg yolk. Vitamins matter most during molting and breeding and support strong singing.
Large parrots (African grey, Amazon, macaw, cockatoo)
They need a complete food combining seeds, grains, nuts and dried fruit, plus fresh vegetables and fruit daily. These birds are very intelligent, so nuts in the shell and foraging toys keep them mentally stimulated.
When does a bird need extra vitamins?

When its diet is mostly seeds.
During molting.
During breeding and egg laying.
After illness or stress, such as moving to a new cage.

Foods birds must never eat

Avocado, which is toxic to birds.
Chocolate and caffeine.
Salt and salty foods.
Onion and garlic.
Apple seeds and apricot or cherry pits.

Products at Catu Store

Vitakraft complete foods for cockatiels, canaries and large parrots.
Multivitamin-enriched food for canaries and parrots.
Treat sticks for budgies and cockatiels with vitamins and nuts from Vitakraft and Lolo Pets.

The bottom line
A good seed mix, daily vegetables, clean water, treats in moderation and vitamins when needed. This simple formula gives your bird better health, brighter feathers and a longer life.
This article is for general information. If your bird is lethargic, stays fluffed up for long periods or its droppings change, see an avian vet.