13/08/2026
For your parrots, a fresh cooked “soft food/chop” can be a good supplement to a balanced pellet-based diet. Avian-veterinary guidance commonly recommends vegetables and some cooked grains/legumes as fresh-food.
Preparation :
Cook grains and legumes thoroughly without salt, oil or spices.
Steam pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot, broccoli and beans until soft but not mushy.
Cool everything completely.
Chop into small pieces rather than making a smooth paste.
Mix together and serve fresh.
Prepare small portions and refrigerate promptly; don't leave moist food sitting in the cage for long periods.
The Association of Avian Veterinarians specifically recommends plain steamed, baked or boiled vegetables, while veterinary guidance also supports cooked whole grains and legumes in appropriate amounts.
For breeding birds:
For African Greys, Amazons, Rosellas, Conures and Cockatiels, I'd make the soft food slightly different according to species and breeding stage. Don't add vitamin/mineral powder automatically—a complete pellet diet plus fresh foods can already supply substantial nutrients, and supplementation should be based on the bird's diet and veterinary advice.
Never add: avocado, chocolate, onion/garlic, alcohol, salty foods, sugary foods, or heavily seasoned human food.
SoftFoodForBirds BirdNutrition BreedingParrots AfricanGrey AfricanGreyParrot RosellaParrot Conure