So what is the ideal diet for your pet birds? They feel that the Vasa Parrot actually requires meat in their diet and are, therefore, being thought of as the genetic link between parrots and raptors; and that the Vasa Parrot - unlike … An aviary or flight cage setup is ideal for vasa parrots because it offers more ample space for these very active birds to fly and room to explore. Birds and animals from such isolated land areas tend to evolve differently and change more slowly than those found on large land masses where more varied environmental pressures influence their development. The bird was an extremely calm, interested, and sweet parrot. When properly cared for, they thrive in the household environment. If you enjoyed this post, please consider, Dutch Blue & Blue Pied Peachfaced Lovebirds, Australian Cinnamon & Orange-Faced Lovebirds, Fischer’s Mutations: Albino, Lutino, Yellow, White. Of course like most parrot species in the wild, they favor agricultural crops such as millet and corn, so they are considered pests by many farmers. Vasas will eat a varied diet consisting of pellets, seeds, mixed nuts and fruit and vegetables. Phone: The female vasa parrot turns from gray to brown during breeding season, The female loses most of her head feathers during breeding season and the skin on her head turns mustard yellow, Male vasa parrots are smaller than females. They will quickly fling it out of the cage. Vasasare good eaters and appreciate a variety of foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables along with a pelleted base diet. This greyish, black African parrot (Corocopsis vasa) is not seen very often as a pet, but I met a friendly, hand-fed, weaned baby at a bird mart recently. When asked this question, I always try to consider what these birds would eat naturally in the wild. They have a striking, almost primitive appearance, as you can see from the photos below. They have long necks that can be quite elegant, but some say their appearance reminds them of predatory-type birds such as hawks. If you can see this, then you might need a Flash Player upgrade or you need to install Flash Player if it's missing. Vasas are enthusiastic bathers, and they need frequent bathing opportunities. Offer a varied diet that includes a high-quality pelleted diet, high-quality seed mix, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables like bananas, mangos, berries, peaches, pomegranates, peppers, carrots, sprouts, green beans, peas, and sweet potatoes. In captivity they should be given a varied diet of seeds, nuts, vegetables, grains, and fruits. Youngsters kept separately have shown excellent pet quality. Diet: Fruit such as: apple, pear, orange, banana, cactus fruits, pomegranate, forming about 30 % of the diet; fresh vegetables such as: carrot, celery, green peas, beans, fresh corn, green leaves; spray millet and limited mixed seed; cooked beans and pulse; complete kibble; walnuts. Their veterinarian says feed just pellets, but a friend who breeds hundreds of beautiful parrots says seeds, fresh vegetables, and whole grains are the best diet. Get Flash Player from Adobe. This is probably because they hail from the island of Madagascar and some of the nearby smaller islands off the east coast of Africa. Of course like most parrot species in the wild, they favor agricultural crops such as millet and corn, so they are considered pests by many farmers. They are slow eaters but will eat almost anything you give them. Vasa Parrot is an adaptable and hardy bird. In the wild they eat nuts and seeds as well as berries and fruits. If it’s something they don’t like or won’t eat – you’ll know about it. Phyllis Martin and Kim Walde - from the Faunalink Foundation located in Plant City, Florida - are in contact with ornithologists in Madagascar who are working on having the Greater Vasa Parrot reclassified. One of the most unusual things about Vasa parrots is that their eggs hatch after a mere 18 days of incubation. Greater Vasa Parrot Feeding Give your bird a pelleted diet with fresh vegetables like beans, celery, spray millet, carrots, and fruits like orange, apple, banana, and pear for ensuring a healthy intake. Reports of juveniles talking is not uncommon. In captivity they should be given a varied diet of seeds, nuts, vegetables, grains, and fruits. When you consider that the much smaller lovebird has an incubation of 23 days, this is very unusual! In the wild they eat nuts and seeds as well as berries and fruits. Helping People Keep Happy Healthy Parrots Since 1997, An Unusual Parrot from the African Island of Madagascar. The Vasa Parrot is the only parrot we've seen that will take a dirt bath, a sun bath, or a water bath! They also enjoy sunbathing and dirt bathing, which is uncommon for parrots. Ensure a balanced diet, and some fresh fruit and veggies always present in their food dish. The breeder of the parrot pictured on this page, Steve Garvin, reports that they make good pets and are fascinating birds to keep. Because of their rarity, Vasa parrots tend to be on the expensive side.