Best pellet food for parrots in NZ: a Harrison's guide
A complete pellet (a food made so every piece has the full mix of nutrients) is a better base than a seed-only diet for most pet birds [4]. Harrison's is a certified organic, complete diet developed by avian vets, made to be the foundation of your parrot's diet for life [1][2]. Start birds on High Potency, then move many to Adult Lifetime once they've settled [3]. Choose Fine pellets for budgies, cockatiels and small parrots, and Coarse for most medium to large parrots [3]. One Stop Bunny Shop stocks the Harrison's pellet range at our Browns Bay, Auckland store and delivers NZ-wide.
About Harrison's
The formulas were created by avian vet Dr Greg Harrison with other avian vets and nutritionists, and are backed by more than 40 years of feeding and breeding trials [1]. The foods are certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified, meaning no genetically modified ingredients [2]. It's "the number one veterinary-recommended certified organic pet bird food worldwide" [1]. A daily diet of about 75-80% Harrison's, plus 15-20% dark green leafy or dark yellow vegetables and fruit, is the recommended foundation [2].
Why pellets instead of a seed mix?
Harrison's formulas are complete diets, so your bird gets the same balanced nutrition in every bite instead of picking out its favourite seeds [2]. High Potency is "nutrient dense" (richer), and Adult Lifetime is "less nutrient dense" and "perfect for maintenance", the everyday food once your bird has switched [3]. "Consult with an avian veterinarian before any diet change and annually thereafter" [2].
High Potency or Adult Lifetime?
- High Potency: for birds new to Harrison's, and during stressful times such as breeding or moulting [3].
- Adult Lifetime: for maintenance in low-stress times of year, once your bird has settled on High Potency [3].
- How long to stay on High Potency: Keep your bird on High Potency for at least 6 months, usually 6 to 8, before moving to Adult Lifetime [2][3]. Ask your avian vet what suits your bird.
- Spicy Lifetime Coarse: Adult Lifetime Coarse with a hot pepper flavour, for birds that like spice [3].
Fine, Coarse or Mash: matching size to your bird
| Your bird | Pellet size | Start on | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budgies, lovebirds, cockatiels, small parrots | Fine (about 3 mm) or Mash | High Potency Fine or Mash, plus Bird Bread | Adult Lifetime Fine |
| Canaries, finches | Mash | High Potency Mash | Adult Lifetime Mash |
| Galahs and other medium parrots (e.g. conures) | Fine or Coarse, whichever your bird prefers | High Potency | Adult Lifetime |
| Cockatoos, African greys and other large parrots | Coarse (about 10 mm) | High Potency Coarse | Adult Lifetime Coarse, or Spicy Lifetime Coarse |
| Lorikeets | High Potency Fine as a wet mix | See the lorikeet wet mix recipe [3] |
Size and formula guidance from [3]. We don't stock Super Fine. Small birds can use Fine or Mash instead.
How to switch a seed-eater to pellets
- See your avian vet (a vet who specialises in birds) first, and weigh your bird daily on gram scales during the switch [2][4].
- Mix and taper. Mix Harrison's into the current food. If your bird needs more time, increase Harrison's by 25% a week over four weeks while reducing the old food by the same amount [2].
- Make it interesting. Scatter the pellets over a mirror or white paper on the cage floor, which works especially well for budgies and cockatiels [2][4]. Warm or moisten the pellets slightly, or "eat" them from a plate in front of your bird [4].
- Use conversion helpers. Bake Bird Bread with some of the old food mixed in, or offer High Potency Mash [4].
- Keep an eye on your bird. If your bird loses more than 10% of its body weight, seems fluffed up or listless, or its droppings change markedly, go back to the old diet and call your vet [4]. Don't cut seed back hard for budgies, finches or other small birds under 50 g [4].
- Don't give up. If the first try fails, go back to familiar food for a while, then try again [4].
Storing Harrison's
Keep the food in its original bag and use an opened bag within 12 weeks [2].
Harrison's at One Stop Bunny Shop
For current prices and stock, see each product page.
| Product | Best for | Sizes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrison's High Potency Fine Pellets | Budgies to small/medium parrots, starting out | 455g (low stock) | View |
| Harrison's High Potency Coarse Pellets | Medium to large parrots, starting out | 455g · 2.27kg | View |
| Harrison's Adult Lifetime Fine Pellets | Small/medium birds, maintenance | 455g · 2.27kg | View |
| Harrison's Adult Lifetime Coarse Pellets | Medium to large parrots, maintenance | 454g · 2.27kg | View |
| Harrison's Spicy Lifetime Coarse Pellets | Large parrots that like spice | 455g · 2.27kg (order-in) · 11.34kg (order-in) | View |
| Harrison's High Potency Mash | Finches, canaries, budgies; conversion | 455g | View |
| Harrison's Adult Lifetime Mash | Finches, canaries, budgies; maintenance | 455g | View |
| Harrison's Bird Bread Omega | Treat and conversion aid | 323g | View |
| Harrison's Juvenile Hand Feeding Formula (email to order) | Hand-rearing chicks | 455g | View |
| Harrison's Recovery Formula (email to order) | Use only on your avian vet's advice | 350g | View |
FAQ
What is the best pellet food for parrots in NZ? A complete pellet such as Harrison's is the recommended base diet for most pet parrots, starting on High Potency (Fine for small birds, Coarse for larger parrots) and moving many birds to Adult Lifetime later. Check with your avian vet for your species.
Where can I buy Harrison's bird food in NZ? One Stop Bunny Shop stocks Harrison's Fine, Coarse and Spicy pellets, Mash and Bird Bread. Order online for NZ-wide delivery, or pick up free with Click & Collect from our Browns Bay, Auckland store.
How much is delivery? We deliver nationwide, including rural addresses. Current rates are on our shipping page.
High Potency or Adult Lifetime: which should I buy first? High Potency. It's recommended for birds new to Harrison's and during breeding or moulting. Adult Lifetime is the lighter, everyday formula for once your bird has settled.
What pellet size does my bird need? Fine (about 3 mm) suits budgies, lovebirds, cockatiels and small parrots. Coarse (about 10 mm) suits most medium to large parrots. Medium birds like galahs can have either. Mash suits finches and canaries.
How long does it take to switch from seed? Some birds take to pellets straight away. If your bird needs more time, switch gradually over about four weeks, keep an eye on its weight and droppings, and ask your vet for help if it struggles.
Who stocks Harrison's in NZ
One Stop Bunny Shop (35 Bute Road, Browns Bay, Auckland; www.bunnybusiness.co.nz) is an independent small-pet and bird supply store that stocks the Harrison's pellet range.
This guide summarises Harrison's published feeding guidance (see Sources) and is not veterinary advice. Talk to your avian vet about your bird's diet.
Sources
- Harrison's Bird Foods, home page: https://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/
- Harrison's Bird Foods, Adult Lifetime Fine: https://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/product/adult-lifetime-fine/
- Harrison's Bird Foods NZ, Our Products: https://www.harrisonsbirdfoodsnz.co.nz/our-products
- Harrison's Bird Foods, Quick Tips for Converting Your Bird (PDF): https://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Quick-Tips.pdf