Why

Sweetcorn is a firm favourite that most budgies adore, and it does provide fibre, some B vitamins and antioxidants like lutein. The catch is that it is fairly starchy and high in natural sugar compared with leafy greens, so it is a moderation food rather than an everyday staple. Fed as an occasional treat it is a great way to encourage a fussy bird to try fresh food, and its popularity makes it useful for foraging and training. Just keep the portions small and the frequency modest.

How to feed it

Offer fresh or thawed frozen sweetcorn, never salty tinned corn, which is too high in sodium. Serve a few kernels raw or lightly cooked and cooled, plain with no butter or salt. A small chunk of corn on the cob clipped to the bars gives great foraging enrichment. Remove uneaten corn after a few hours as it dries out and spoils.

How much & how often

A small teaspoon of kernels, or a short section of cob, a couple of times a week is about right. Because it is starchy and sugary, keep it as an occasional treat rather than a daily food.