How much should I feed my Amazon Parrot at each life stage?
Adult Amazons need two meals a day, roughly 30–40g of pellets per feeding, plus fresh veg.
Adult feeding schedule
Feed an adult Amazon Parrot twice daily, about 30–40g of balanced pellets per feeding. Offer 1/4 cup (≈30g) of chopped vegetables such as carrots, bell pepper, or leafy greens at each meal.
Keep fresh water available at all times and change it at least once every 12hours. Treats should never exceed 5g per day, which is roughly 5% of total intake, and should be limited to nuts or dried fruit.
Maintain cage humidity between 40% and 60% and temperature between 70°F and 80°F (21°C–27°C) to support digestion.
- 2 meals per day
- 30–40g pellets each
- ≈30g veg per meal
- ≤5g treats daily
Feeding young Amazon parrots
Hand‑fed chicks require 3–4 feedings every 4hours for the first two weeks. Use a commercial hand‑feeding formula mixed to 1part formula to 2parts warm water, delivering 15–20ml per feeding.
At 6weeks begin introducing soft pellets, offering 10g three times daily, and gradually replace formula with pellets over the next 4weeks. Fresh veg can be introduced in tiny shredded pieces once the bird is handling solids.
Monitor weight daily; a healthy 2‑month chick should gain about 2–3g per day. Adjust portion size if weight gain exceeds 4g/day or stalls for more than 2days.
- 3–4 feedings per day
- 15–20ml formula each
- 10g pellets three times daily at 6weeks
- Daily weight check
Senior Amazon nutrition
Birds over 30years should receive two meals a day, reducing pellet portion to 25–35g to prevent weight gain as activity declines. Increase vegetable servings to 1/3 cup (≈45g) per meal for fiber and antioxidants.
Add a calcium supplement once a week, about 1g of ground eggshell mixed into the veg. Limit seeds to a maximum of 1tbsp (≈5g) per week, as they are high in fat.
Check stool consistency weekly; soft, well‑formed droppings indicate proper fiber, while watery droppings suggest excess fruit or insufficient veg.
- 2 meals per day
- 25–35g pellets each
- ≈45g veg each meal
- 1g calcium supplement weekly
Measuring, transitioning, and water management
Use a digital kitchen scale accurate to 1g for pellets and a 250ml measuring cup for veg. Weigh each feeding to stay within the target range; a 30‑g pellet scoop should sit flat in the cup for consistency.
When moving from seed to pellet diet, replace 25% of seed with pellets each week for four weeks. Stir the mix in the cage dish so the bird samples both textures.
Water bowls should hold at least 8oz (≈240ml) and be cleaned with a diluted vinegar solution every 24hours. In winter, place the bowl on a non‑slip mat to prevent condensation from freezing.
- Scale to 1g precision
- 250ml cup for veg
- Replace 25% seed weekly
- 8‑oz water bowl
Common mistakes and how to spot them
Over‑feeding pellets is the top cause of obesity; a sudden increase of more than 5g per meal usually shows up as a 2‑lb (≈0.9kg) weight gain within a month. Weigh your bird on a kitchen scale every two weeks to catch trends early.
Skipping daily veg leads to low fiber and hard droppings. If you notice droppings that are dry and crumbly, add 10g more veg at the next feeding.
Leaving water stagnant for over 12hours encourages bacterial growth. A cloudy bowl or foul smell signals the need for immediate change.
- Watch for >5g extra pellets
- Weigh bi‑weekly
- Add 10g veg if droppings hard
Related questions
How many grams of pellets should I give my 5‑year‑old Amazon?
Give 30–40g of pellets twice daily, totaling 60–80g per day. Adjust down by 5g if the bird gains more than 0.5lb (≈225g) in a month.
Can I feed fresh fruit every day?
Limit fruit to 1‑2 tablespoons (≈15–30g) per day, which is about 5% of total intake. Too much fruit can cause diarrhea within 24‑48hours.
What temperature should the cage stay at in summer?
Keep the cage environment between 70°F and 80°F (21°C–27°C). If indoor temps rise above 85°F (29°C), use a fan to maintain humidity at 40‑60%.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your amazon parrot is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.