| Inside out
Tropical species exhibit a wide range
of colors and special adaptations.
Feather color is determined from
the way the light strikes it caused
by the structure of the feather or by
the presence of various pigments.
Some of these pigments are called
carotenoids. Carotenoids are generally
yellow, orange, or red in color. They are
synthesized in plants, and absorbed by
the bird's digestive system, and then
taken up by the cells of the follicle as
the feather is developing.
Some foods contain natural
ingredients, such as carotenoids
(beta-carotene, a form of Vitamin A is
one, while canthaxanthin is another),
that can highlight your bird's coloring.
Quiko Special Red for Red Canaries
is one food that contains
canthaxanthins. In addition, vibrant
fruits like fresh ripe pineapple, and
veggies like bell peppers and carrots,
all have naturally occurring carotenoids. |
Outside in
You can see from wild bird
behavior that some birds
are attracted to color –
hummingbirds seem to prefer
red, for example. Birds may
even have a greater response
to food with nature-inspired
colors, including greens,
yellows, and other natural
colors such as tan or beige.
Feed your bird fruits and
veggies (greens like kale and
broccoli are rich in vitamins
and minerals, too) in addition
to a naturally-colored and
-flavored pellet diet, like NEW
naturally colored Higgins
InTune, to ensure
your bird gets the nutrients he craves.
| Not only will your bird enjoy
it – a colorful diet is as
healthy for him as it is for us. |
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