Parrot & Budgie Weekly Food Calculator: Seeds, Fruit & Pellets by Weight
Enter your bird's species and weight in grams to get exact weekly amounts of seeds, fresh fruit & vegetables, and formulated pellets. Based on AAV and Merck Veterinary Manual guidelines. Free, instant results.
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Reviewed by: Martín Rodríguez (editorial policy ) · Last reviewed:
Result
Seeds per week
Seeds: 12.6 g/week | Fruit+Veg: 18.9 g/week | Pellets: 31.5 g/week
Seeds (weekly)
Fresh fruit & vegetables (weekly)
Formulated pellets (weekly)
Diet breakdown
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For guidance only. Consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s health.
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Feeding a pet bird sounds simple until you realize that a budgie's nutritional needs differ sharply from a macaw's — and that getting the balance wrong can silently shorten your bird's life by years. Obesity, feather-destructive behavior, fatty liver disease, and calcium deficiencies are among the most common preventable health problems in companion parrots, and most trace back to one root cause: an unbalanced, seed-heavy diet with no real measurement or species awareness.
This calculator applies the diet ratios recommended by the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) and the Merck Veterinary Manual. Enter your bird's species group and body weight in grams — the result shows weekly targets in grams for seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables, and formulated pellets, broken out clearly so you can plan portions in advance.
When to use this calculator
- New budgie owner setting up a feeding routine — A first-time owner with a 35-gram male budgie enters species = Budgerigar/Lovebird and weight = 35 g. The result shows 8.6 g of seeds/week, 6.1 g of fresh fruit and vegetables/week, and 9.8 g of formulated pellets/week. With those numbers the owner sets up a simple weekly prep: one small jar of seeds, a fridge container of finely diced leafy greens and carrot, and a pellet bowl — each measured out on Sunday.
- Cockatiel transitioning away from an all-seed diet — A 90-gram cockatiel has eaten mainly mixed millet for three years. Blood work flagged early fatty liver. The owner uses the calculator to see the target ratio: seeds drop to 20% of intake (12.6 g/week), pellets rise to 50% (31.5 g/week), and fresh vegetables account for 30% (18.9 g/week). The transition is done gradually — seeds reduced by 10% per week — while monitoring the bird's weight weekly.
- African Grey owner verifying portions before an annual vet visit — A 480-gram African Grey Congo is due for a wellness exam. Running the calculator (species = Amazon/African Grey/Eclectus, weight = 480 g) shows the owner has been over-offering seeds. The output — 19.2 g seeds/week, 57.6 g fruit+veg/week, 115.2 g pellets/week — gives the vet a concrete baseline to adjust from rather than starting the conversation cold.
- Multi-species household planning weekly prep — A household has a lovebird (55 g), a sun conure (90 g), and a Senegal parrot (130 g). Running three calculations takes two minutes. The owner uses color-coded containers — one per bird — to store weekly-prepped portions in the fridge, avoiding mix-ups and ensuring each bird gets species-appropriate amounts every day.
Diet Distribution & Daily Intake by Species Group (AAV / Merck Veterinary Manual)
| Group | Example species | Daily intake (% body weight) | Pellets | Seeds | Fruit + Veg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Budgerigar, lovebird, parrotlet | 10% | 40% | 35% | 25% |
| Medium | Cockatiel, conure, caique, Senegal | 10% | 50% | 20% | 30% |
| Large | Amazon, African Grey, Eclectus | 8% | 60% | 10% | 30% |
| Very large | Macaw, cockatoo | 6% | 55% | 15% | 30% |
Fuente: Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) & Merck Veterinary Manual — Nutrition in Psittacines. Weekly amounts = daily intake × 7.
How it works
Modern avian nutrition guidelines have moved far beyond the idea that birds simply 'eat seeds.' The Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) and the Merck Veterinary Manual recommend that seeds make up only a limited fraction of a psittacine's diet, complemented by formulated pellets — which provide complete balanced nutrition — and fresh vegetables that supply carotenoids, vitamin C, and fiber that pellets alone cannot replicate.
Avocado: persin toxin causes respiratory distress and cardiac failure — even small amounts can be fatal.
Onion, garlic, leek (raw or cooked): destroy red blood cells.
Chocolate and caffeine: affect the avian nervous system and can cause seizures.
Apple seeds, cherry/peach/apricot pits: contain cyanogenic compounds.
Salt and processed human food: the avian kidney cannot handle high sodium.
Dairy: birds lack lactase and cannot digest lactose.
Weekly Feeding Amounts by Species — Quick Reference Table
| Species | Typical weight | Seeds/week | Fruit+Veg/week | Pellets/week | Total/week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budgerigar | 30 g | 7.4 g | 5.2 g | 8.4 g | 21 g |
| Budgerigar | 40 g | 9.8 g | 7.0 g | 11.2 g | 28 g |
| Cockatiel | 90 g | 12.6 g | 18.9 g | 31.5 g | 63 g |
| Cockatiel | 120 g | 16.8 g | 25.2 g | 42.0 g | 84 g |
| Sun Conure | 100 g | 14.0 g | 21.0 g | 35.0 g | 70 g |
| Senegal Parrot | 140 g | 19.6 g | 29.4 g | 49.0 g | 98 g |
| African Grey | 480 g | 19.2 g | 57.6 g | 115.2 g | 192 g |
| Amazon | 400 g | 16.0 g | 48.0 g | 96.0 g | 160 g |
| Blue-and-gold Macaw | 1000 g | 21.0 g | 42.0 g | 77.0 g | 140 g |
Based on AAV / Merck Veterinary Manual guidelines. Use the calculator above to get exact results for your bird's actual weight.
How It's Calculated
1. Daily total intake by species group
Each psittacine group consumes a different proportion of body weight per day:
| Group | Example species | % of body weight / day |
|---|---|---|
| Small | Budgerigar, lovebird, parrotlet | 10% |
| Medium | Cockatiel, conure, caique, Senegal | 10% |
| Large | Amazon, African Grey, Eclectus | 8% |
| Very large | Macaw, cockatoo | 6% |
daily_intake_g = bird_weight_g × intake_pct
Example: 90 g cockatiel → 90 × 0.10 = 9 g/day2. Diet distribution by food category
Recommended proportions per species group (AAV / Merck Vet Manual):
| Group | Pellets | Seeds | Fruit + Veg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgerigar / Lovebird | 40% | 35% | 25% |
| Cockatiel / Conure | 50% | 20% | 30% |
| Amazon / African Grey | 60% | 10% | 30% |
| Macaw / Cockatoo | 55% | 15% | 30% |
daily_seeds_g = daily_intake × seed_pct
daily_fruitveg_g = daily_intake × (fruit_pct + veggie_pct)
daily_pellets_g = daily_intake × pellet_pct3. Weekly total
weekly_amount = daily_amount × 7Recommended fresh foods
| Category | Good choices |
|---|---|
| Dark leafy greens (vitamin A, calcium) | Kale, endive, parsley, carrot tops |
| Orange vegetables | Grated carrot, squash, cooked sweet potato, red bell pepper |
| Cruciferous (small amounts) | Broccoli, cauliflower florets |
| Fruit (in moderation) | Apple without seeds, mango, papaya, blueberries |
Foods that are toxic — never offer these
Disclaimer
Results are informational guidelines. For decisions about your bird's health, diet management, or medical conditions, consult a qualified avian veterinarian. General recommendations do not replace individual clinical assessment.
Cockatiel weighing 90 g
Species: Cockatiel / Conure group. Weight: 90 g.
Daily intake = 90 g × 10% = 9 g/day.
Seeds (20%): 9 × 0.20 = 1.8 g/day → 12.6 g/week.
Fruit + vegetables (30%): 9 × 0.30 = 2.7 g/day → 18.9 g/week.
Pellets (50%): 9 × 0.50 = 4.5 g/day → 31.5 g/week.
Seeds: 12.6 g/week | Fruit+Veg: 18.9 g/week | Pellets: 31.5 g/week
Frequently asked questions
How much should I feed my budgie or parakeet each day?
A budgerigar (30–40 g) should consume about 3–4 g of mixed food per day — approximately 1.0–1.4 g of seeds, 0.75–1.0 g of fresh fruit and vegetables, and 1.2–1.6 g of formulated pellets. The most common mistake is offering an always-full bowl of seed mix: birds selectively pick the highest-fat seeds (millet, sunflower) and ignore everything else, leading to vitamin A and calcium deficiencies over months to years. Measuring daily portions forces dietary variety and is one of the single most impactful changes you can make for a budgie's long-term health.
How much does a cockatiel eat per week in grams?
A standard 90 g cockatiel eats approximately 63 g of total food per week: 12.6 g seeds, 18.9 g fresh fruit and vegetables, and 31.5 g formulated pellets. A heavier cockatiel at 120 g needs around 84 g per week: 16.8 g seeds, 25.2 g fruit+veg, and 42 g pellets. Use the calculator above to get the exact number for your bird's weight.
Why can't parrots just eat seeds? They ate them in the wild.
In the wild, psittacine birds forage for dozens of different foods — unripe seeds, grasses, berries, insects, mineral-rich soil, and bark — and they walk and fly many kilometers daily, burning the fat they consume. In captivity, seeds served in a bowl are over-consumed with no physical expenditure. Commercial seed mixes are typically high in fat and deficient in vitamins A, D3, and calcium, and low in essential amino acids. The result is hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver), calcium deficiency causing seizures or poor egg quality in hens, poor feather condition, and a dramatically shortened lifespan compared to wild counterparts. Wild diets are also not nutritionally uniform: wild parrots do not eat the same seed mix every day.
What is the ideal pellet-to-seed ratio for a cockatiel?
The ratio that avian veterinarians most commonly recommend for cockatiels is approximately 50% high-quality formulated pellets, 20% seeds and occasional nut treats, and 30% fresh vegetables and limited fruit. Pellets are nutritionally complete — every bite provides balanced vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and trace elements. Seeds are high in fat and nutritionally selective, meaning the bird chooses only the seeds it finds most palatable and ignores the rest. A cockatiel maintained on 50%+ pellets alongside regular fresh greens will generally have better feather quality, a lower risk of fatty liver, and a longer healthy life than one fed ad libitum seeds.
How do I transition a seed-addicted bird to pellets?
Gradual transition works far better than abrupt switches. Start by offering pellets in a separate dish alongside the normal seed bowl — the goal for the first two weeks is familiarity, not consumption. Then reduce seeds by 10–15% per week while keeping pellets available at all times. Monitor weight weekly: if your bird loses more than 10% of its body weight during transition, slow the process. Never withhold food to force pellet acceptance — birds can enter hypoglycemic crisis within a few hours. Effective motivators: eating pellets yourself in front of your bird (parrots are flock eaters and are strongly influenced by watching companions eat), or offering a pellet moistened with a drop of diluted fruit juice to introduce the taste.
Which fruits and vegetables are safe versus toxic for parrots?
Safe in moderation: apple (seeds removed), mango, papaya, blueberries, melon, pear, kale, endive, parsley, carrot (grated), red bell pepper, broccoli, cooked sweet potato, cooked legumes (lentils, chickpeas). Toxic — never offer: avocado (persin toxin, potentially fatal in very small amounts), raw or cooked onion and garlic (hemolytic anemia), apple seeds and stone fruit pits (cyanogenic compounds), chocolate (theobromine), caffeine, alcohol, raw mushrooms (some species hepatotoxic), rhubarb (oxalic acid). High-sodium processed foods and dairy (lactose intolerance) should also be avoided.
Should I adjust the amounts during molting or breeding?
Yes, and the adjustments matter. Molting is protein-intensive: growing new feathers requires specific amino acids (methionine, lysine). Increase protein-rich foods by 15–20% during molt — cooked egg, cooked lentils, or a protein-enriched supplement recommended by your avian vet works well. Breeding hens have dramatically elevated calcium demands for eggshell production: cuttlebone and mineral blocks should always be accessible, and calcium-rich leafy greens (kale, bok choy) should be offered daily. For active birds with large flight cages or regular out-of-cage flight, caloric needs increase by 10–15%: adjust portion sizes upward and monitor weight weekly.
How often should I weigh my bird and what is a healthy weight?
Weigh your bird weekly with a digital kitchen scale that reads in 1-gram increments, ideally at the same time each day before the first meal. Record the numbers and watch the trend — a consistent downward or upward trend over several weeks is more meaningful than any single reading. Species-typical healthy weight ranges: budgerigar 28–40 g, cockatiel 75–125 g, lovebird 45–65 g, sun conure 90–120 g, Senegal parrot 120–170 g, African Grey Congo 400–600 g, blue-and-gold macaw 900–1,300 g. If your bird is outside these ranges without explanation (active molt, recent health treatment), consult an avian vet before changing the diet.
Is it safe to prepare the week's fresh food in advance?
Yes — weekly prep is the most practical way to maintain dietary consistency. Fresh vegetables can be washed, dried thoroughly, finely diced, and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. Leafy greens keep 3–4 days; softer fruits (mango, banana) are best prepped one day ahead or flash-frozen in single-serve portions. The 'chop' method — a large batch of 10–15 finely diced vegetables and cooked grains — can be frozen in an ice-cube tray and thawed overnight one cube per bird. Remove all fresh food from the cage after 4 hours at room temperature (sooner in hot weather) to prevent bacterial growth. Wash food bowls daily with hot water and soap.
Is this calculator a substitute for an avian veterinarian?
No. This calculator provides a science-informed baseline for daily and weekly feeding amounts based on species group and body weight — it is a practical starting point, not a clinical prescription. Every bird is an individual: underlying health conditions, medication interactions, reproductive status, feather condition, and behavioral factors all influence nutritional needs in ways that require hands-on veterinary assessment. Annual wellness exams with an avian-certified veterinarian are the standard of care for companion parrots. Use this calculator to arrive at those appointments with a concrete feeding plan and weekly gram targets to discuss — it makes the conversation more productive and the vet's adjustments more specific.
Sources & references
- Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) — Nutrition Guidelines
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Nutrition in Psittacines
- LafeberVet — Clinical Perspectives on Principles of Avian Nutrition
- LafeberVet — Formulated Diets in Avian Nutrition
- Brightsmith (2012) — Captive Amazon Parrot Diets, J. Avian Med. Surg. 26(3):149–160
Methodology & trust
Editorial
Calculadora de mascotas revisada por el equipo editorial de Hacé Cuentas, contrastada con Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) — Nutrition Guidelines, según nuestra política editorial y metodología.
Updates
Última revisión: June 20, 2026. Los parámetros se verifican periódicamente con las fuentes citadas.
Privacy
Calculations run 100% in your browser. We do not store or transmit your data.
Limitations
Indicative results. For critical decisions, consult a professional.
📌 How to cite this calculator
Rodríguez, M. (2026). Parrot & Budgie Weekly Food Calculator: Seeds, Fruit & Pellets by Weight. Hacé Cuentas. https://hacecuentas.com/parrot-parakeet-seed-distribution
Contenido bajo licencia CC-BY 4.0 — reutilizable citando la fuente con enlace a Hacé Cuentas.