Search
Close this search box.
Dr Cockatiel is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Chop for Cockatiels: What Is It and How Do I Make It?

Chop for Cockatiels

Do you have a pet cockatiel? If so, chances are you already know about chop mix or chop for cockatiels. But if you don’t, here’s what it is and how to make it!

Chop for Cockatiels

What Is Chop for Cockatiels?

Chop for cockatiels is a special blend of cooked grains, usually cooked brown rice or millet, that is blended with finely chopped fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s served warm or cold and makes the perfect meal or snack for your feathered friend. Making your own chop at home couldn’t be easier: simply mix all the necessary ingredients in a pot or slow cooker and let them simmer until soft. Once cooked, allow the mixture to cool before serving to your pet cockatiel.

 

ZuPreem Natural Pellets Bird Food for Medium Birds, 2.5 lb (Pack of 2)
  • Made in the USA specifically for Lovebirds, Quakers, Small Conures and Cockatiels.
  • HEALTHY and DELICIOUS. Fresh, wholesome, natural bird food made with vegetables. Precisely formulated with the essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids your bird needs every day for a balanced diet.
  • ESSENTIAL NUTRITION. Fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Feed daily to provide the foundation of your birds diet.
  • FEED DAILY to provide your bird essential nutrition for a healthy and balanced diet.
  • CONVERT YOUR BIRD TO A HEALTHIER DIET. Converting your bird to a food that includes pellets is worth the effort for his/her health and wellbeing. ZuPreem has been dedicated to producing innovative, high-quality products since 1967.
Dr Cockatiel is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

 

How to Make Chop for Cockatiels?

Making your own chop for cockatiels is very simple. The ingredients you will need include cooked grain, such as brown rice or millet, fresh fruits and vegetables. Once all the ingredients are combined in the pot, allow them to cook over low heat until they are softened. Then, remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool before serving to your pet cockatiel.

Chop for Cockatiels

How Much Chop for a Cockatiel Should I Give?

Generally, it is recommended that a cockatiel should receive an amount of chop that is equivalent to around one heaping teaspoon or two tablespoons per day. This amount can be adjusted based on the size of your bird and its activity level. If you are unsure of how much to give, it’s best to err on the side of caution and provide less rather than more.

Can You Freeze Chop for Cockatiels?

Yes, you can freeze chop for cockatiels. To do this, mix your desired vegetables and fruits in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Then pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze overnight. Once frozen, remove the cubes from the tray and store them in a zip-top bag in the freezer until needed. When feeding to your cockatiel, simply thaw out one cube at a time to serve.

Chop for Cockatiels

What Veggies Should I Use for Bird Chop?

When making homemade bird chop, it’s important to choose nutritious vegetables that are safe for your pet to consume. Some good vegetables to include in your chop are kale, carrots, peas, celery, turnips, sweet potato, green beans, sugar snap peas, broccoli and parsnips. Additionally, you can rough chop dried fruits like apples and raisins for a hint of sweetness. Be sure to wash the vegetables thoroughly before chopping and avoid adding any salt or sugar to the mixture.

 

Kaytee Spray Millet Treat for Pet Birds, 7 Ounce
  • Highly palatable treat
  • All natural with no artificial colors or flavors
  • Provides natural foraging opportunity for daily enrichment
  • Provides healthy energy
  • Good for encouraging weaning and getting birds to eat
  • Adds recommended nutritional variety to a bird's diet
  • Ideal for bonding and playtime
Dr Cockatiel is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

 

What Vegetables Are Toxic to Birds?

Birds like to eat fruit, but there are certain vegetables can be toxic to birds and should be avoided. These include potatoes, onions, garlic, rhubarb, avocado and tomatoes as they can cause health problems such as gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, it is important to avoid feeding your bird any vegetables that have been treated with pesticides, herbicides or any other chemical agents.

 

Stainless Steel Bird Bowls with Clamp, 2pcs
  • Easy to useThe bird food bowl has strong clips that it attaches to the side of the bird cage. The bird cup can be hung in the cage and it can be used to hold food or water to prevent your bird from accidentally dumping the food/water bowl.
  • Easy to cleanThis bird dishes can be easily installed in and out of bird cages, as well as on large trays in bird cages. It is easy to clean with water and does not require wasting time on washing and cleaning.
  • Stainless steel BowlVVNIAA Stainless bird bowl is made of stainless steel. It is non-toxic, odorless and bacteria-free. This pet bowl has two parts, one part is the holder and the other part is the stainless steel bowl.
  • Wide range of adaptabilityThis bird food bowl is suitable for all models of bird cages and the birds of Cockatiel Conure Budgies Parakeet Macaw Parrot Lovebird Chinchilla Rabbit Ferret, Other Small Animals.
  • Safe materialThe bowl is made of stainless steel, non-toxic and odorless.You can feed your feathered friends with confidence.
Dr Cockatiel is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

 

Chop for Cockatiels – Bottom Line

Adding vegetables, fresh food and fruits for cockatiels, a healthy seed mix is a great way to provide them with extra nutritional value and variety. However, it is important to remember certain vegetables are toxic to birds, so these should be avoided in the chop mixture. Additionally, make sure you only use fresh, organic ingredients that have not been treated with any chemicals when preparing your mix. Freeze the final product into cubes for easy defrosting and serving.