what to feed a 4 yaer old conure parrot?

Question
I have just purchased a 4 year old conure named jack. His previous owners have him spoiled on human food. Do you agree with this type of diet or if not how do i change his diet without him hating me?

Answer
Hi, Candy.  Thanks for posting!

Yes, most definitely, as long as what they have him spoiled on is healthy and nutritious human foods.  Parrots actually need a varied diet, including healthy nutritional human foods, some seed (although seed is high in fat and low in nutritional value...use only as a treat or reward), and pelleted food.  DO NOT feed your conure chocolate, fried foods, milk/dairy products (parrots are lactose intolerant), salt, sugar, caffeine, avocado, soda...in other words, foods that are not good for humans are also not good for parrots.  I confess...I do, on occasion, allow some of my parrots to have a tiny piece of pizza or a couple of pieces of mac and cheese, one of my amazons loves ice cream, another loves orange juice, etc.  As long as this is just a once-in-a-while thing, it's OK.

The bigger variety, the better!

Chrys