Feed for Our Favorite Exotics 🦜
Hector our blue-and-yellow macaw
Here at ʻĀina Iki Ranch, we take great care in tending to all of our animals and their individual needs.
We’re lucky to share this space with three exotic birds alongside our chicken and duck flocks—Mr. Hector (seen above), a blue-and-yellow macaw, Mr. Marley, our Eclectus parrot, and Miss Hoku, our citron-crested cockatoo. Each bird carries their own unique personality—and their own very particular appetite.
You might think we could simply swing by the local feed store, grab a bag of bird seed, and toss a handful into a bowl—but that’s just not how we do things here at AIR.
Our founder, Val, has created a thoughtful daily blend that all three birds love. Each ingredient is chosen with care and intention to support their health, energy, and natural behaviors.
🌻 Safflower seeds 🌻
Safflower seeds are a great healthy fat source that supports feather condition and energy and they’re also less addictive than sunflower seeds, so it helps keep diets balanced.
🌻 Black oil sunflower seeds 🌻
Black oil sunflower seeds are high in fat and calories, these are like a fuel boost—important for active birds like macaws and cockatoos, especially for maintaining weight and energy.
🌾 Rolled oats 🌾
Oats offer a gentle, grounding grain that provides fiber and slow-release energy—good for digestion and keeping things moving smoothly.
🌾 Barley 🌾
Barley supports gut health and digestion, while adding variety to their grain intake which is important for overall balance.
🍚 White rice 🍚
White rice is easy to digest and helps provide quick, accessible energy—especially helpful for sensitive systems or when birds need something light.
🐟 Mixed cat food 🐟
This one surprises people, but it’s there for protein. Parrots (especially larger ones) benefit from extra protein and amino acids for feather health, muscle maintenance, and overall vitality.
🐦 Wild bird seed 🐦
Wild bird seed adds diversity and foraging stimulation as the different shapes and textures encourage natural feeding behaviors.
🌱 Alfalfa pellets 🌱
These pellets are packed with plant-based nutrients, minerals, and fiber, which supports bone health and overall nutrition.
🎃 Pepitas 🎃
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats, all of which is great for immune support and feather strength.
🥥 Coconut flakes 🥥
A natural source of healthy fats and trace nutrients, plus a little tropical enrichment that fits right in with your environment.
And of course, outside of this daily blend, we love spoiling our exotics with special treats. Hector enjoys cracking open macadamia nuts, Marley loves a good almond, and Hoku happily devours pistachios. All three are also quick to enjoy any fruit that’s a little too rough around the edges for market—nothing goes to waste here.
Feeding our birds isn’t about simply filling a bowl—it’s about creating a balanced, intentional diet that supports their health, energy, and natural instincts.
Your support helps us source, prepare, and provide this level of thoughtful care every single day—mahalo for being part of what keeps this sanctuary thriving. 🙏
