Carbohydrates are the primary energy source for birds and should form the largest portion of the formula.

Options:

• Cooked rice (white or brown, well-cooked and mashed)
• Baby rice cereal (plain, iron-fortified)
• Mashed sweet potato (cooked, skin removed)
• Mashed pumpkin or butternut squash (cooked)
• Oats (rolled oats or quick oats, soaked or cooked)
• Cooked pasta (plain, no sauces, chopped small)
• Cooked barley or quinoa (softened for easy digestion)
• Applesauce (unsweetened)
• Mashed banana (ripe)
• Stewed pear (unsweetened)
• Plain bread crumbs (moistened with water or broth)
• Plain crackers (unsalted, crumbled and soaked)
• Boiled potato (plain, skin removed, mashed)
• Baby food (vegetable or fruit-based, unsweetened)

Fats are critical for sustained energy and recovery. Birds don’t need a lot, so use sparingly.

Options:

• Flaxseed oil (rich in omega-3)
• Egg yolk
• Olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• Sunflower oil
• Coconut oil (in small amounts)
• Fish oil (in small amounts)
• Sesame oil (light use)
• Almond butter or peanut butter (unsweetened, minimal salt/sugar) (in small amounts)

Birds require protein for healing and immune system recovery.

Options:

• Cooked eggs (scrambled, mashed, or chopped)
• Cooked lentils or split peas (mashed or sieved)
• Cooked chickpeas (mashed or blended)
• Cooked tofu (plain, mashed)
• Baby food Puree with meat (any meat works)
• Kitten food (lower in sodium)
• Plain canned beans (rinsed well, mashed or blended)
• Plain yogurt (unsweetened, only if tolerated)
• Canned tuna or mackerel (in water, not oil, mashed)
• Insects or mealworms (live or freeze-dried if accessible)
• Protein powder (unsweetened, plant-based like pea protein)

Hydration is critical, especially for sick or recovering birds.

Options:

• Clean water (always accessible)
• Homemade electrolyte solution (1L water, 1 tsp sugar, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp baking soda)
• Coconut water (unsweetened, natural electrolytes)
• Vegetable broth (unsalted)
• Bone Broth (unsalted)
• Diluted fruit juice (unsweetened, e.g., apple or pear)
• Cucumber (blended for hydration)
• Berocca (One tablet diluted in one litre of water)

These ingredients provide essential nutrients to boost recovery.
Options:

• Fresh greens (e.g., spinach, parsley, kale, silverbeet, carrots – cooked and blended or finely minced)
• Vitamin supplements (avian multivitamins, if available)
• Honey, sugar or dextrose (for quick energy)
• Nutritional yeast (a small pinch for B vitamins)
• Fresh herbs (e.g., oregano, thyme – small amounts for antimicrobial properties)