Kakariki diet: building the ration of this foraging parakeet
Published by Planète Pets · managing editor: Clément Lacaille · how our guides are written
A New Zealand parakeet with the temperament of a feathered ferret, the kakariki has a fast metabolism and naturally spends much of its day scratching the ground for food. Its ration must answer both traits: rich enough for its activity level, and served in a way that keeps its beak busy. The basics that apply to every species are gathered in our bird food section.
Contents · 4 sections
The base: pellets and a measured seed mix
As with most parakeets, an all-seed diet leads straight to vitamin A deficiency and excess fat. A review by Péron and Grosset, published in 2014 in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, highlights that seed-based diets of companion psittacids are unbalanced and recommends pellets and fresh foods alongside (see the study). Aim for roughly 60 to 70% small-sized pellets, completed with one teaspoon of large-parakeet seed mix per bird per day.
Fresh greens every day
The kakariki is an enthusiast of fresh food: chard leaves, broccoli, grated carrot, courgette, a little fruit two or three times a week. Serve the greens washed and remove leftovers after a few hours. Our list of safe fruits and vegetables for birds helps sort things out, with avocado and chocolate remaining strictly off-limits.
Feeding a bird that digs
A quirk of the species: the kakariki scratches the ground with both feet like a chicken. Scattering part of the seeds in a digging tray turns mealtime into a natural occupation session — our guide to the kakariki digging tray details the setup. Ground feeding also limits boredom, the leading cause of feather plucking.
- Small pellets freely available: the nutritional base, refreshed daily.
- One teaspoon of seeds per day: preferably scattered for foraging.
- Daily greens: chard, broccoli, carrot, untreated fresh herbs.
- Water changed twice a day: kakarikis love bathing in it, so it fouls quickly.
Weigh your bird once a week: at around 65 to 100 g depending on sex, a lasting change of more than 10% warrants a vet visit. Species-specific pointers are on the kakariki food page.
Frequently asked questions
Can kakarikis eat egg food?
Yes, during moult or breeding, two to three times a week in small amounts: it is a good protein boost.
Why does my kakariki throw its seeds on the floor?
It is normal foraging behaviour: serve part of the ration directly on the floor of a tray so the bird "works" for its food.
Are millet sprays suitable?
As a taming treat only: they are very energy-dense and fatten an indoor bird if given freely.
See it in the Planète Pets shop: Acrylic no-mess feeder for budgies (13 × 11 × 13 cm) (€33.90) · the whole shop
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Birds universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.
