Why

Oats are one of the better occasional foods for a budgie, being a wholegrain that provides fibre and slow-release energy. Plain porridge oats are cheap, easy and generally well liked, and many owners use them as part of a soft-food or moulting mix. They are still an extra rather than a staple, and the golden rule is to keep them plain, with no sugar, honey or milk, so your budgie gets the wholegrain goodness without any of the additives found in flavoured instant sachets.

How to feed it

Offer plain rolled or porridge oats either dry, straight from the packet, or soaked in a little plain water until softened. Never use milk, as budgies cannot digest dairy well, and never add sugar, honey or salt. Serve a small pinch in a dish and clear away any soaked oats within a few hours before they spoil.

How much & how often

A small pinch of dry oats, or a scant teaspoon soaked in water, a few times a week. They are filling, so a little goes a long way and should not replace the main diet.