Introduction

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The exact nutritional requirements of caged birds are unknown,

in spite of claims to the contrary by some product manufacturers,

retailers and breeders.  Far too much emphasis has been placed on

seed and nut diets for caged birds.  They represent a relatively

nonperishable convenience for bird owners but are a miserably

deficient diet for pet birds, especially the larger hookbills.

Such diets are excessively rich in oils, extremely deficient in

certain vitamins (notably vitamin A), and have an unacceptable

calcium to phosphorus ratio.  Furthermore, recent research has

shown that the high oil content of these food items confers an

addictive quality on them.