What You Can & Cannot Do Legally & What Birds Can & Cannot Eat
⚖️ FEDERAL & LEGAL RULES (Important to Know)
Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (Main U.S. Bird Law) Protects over 1,000 native bird species. You CANNOT:
- Kill, capture, possess, or keep most wild native birds
- Keep feathers, eggs, or nests
- Buy or sell wild birds or their parts
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act You cannot own any part of a bald or golden eagle (including feathers) without a federal permit.
Endangered Species Act Protects endangered birds — you cannot harm them or their habitats.
Federal Lands (National Parks, etc.) Feeding wildlife is illegal on most federal lands.
State & Local Laws Vary by location — some cities heavily restrict or ban feeding wildlife. Always check your local rules.
Rule of Thumb: On your own private property = generally okay if done responsibly. Public/federal land = often restricted or illegal.
🦜 WHAT BIRDS YOU CAN LEGALLY KEEP (U.S.)
✅ Legal Pet Birds (Captive-bred only)
- Parakeets, Cockatiels, Canaries, Zebra Finches, Lovebirds, African Greys, etc.
🚫 Illegal to Own
- Almost all wild native birds (Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, etc.)
🍽️ WHAT BIRDS CAN & CANNOT EAT
🏡 PET BIRDS (Parrots, Parakeets, Cockatiels, etc.)
✅ Safe Foods (Recommended Daily)
- Vegetables: Kale, spinach (small amounts), romaine, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers
- Fruits (Moderation): Apples (no seeds), bananas, berries, mango
- Grains: Cooked rice, oats, quinoa
- Base Diet: High-quality pellets + unsalted nuts + sprouted seeds
❌ TOXIC – NEVER FEED Avocado • Chocolate • Caffeine • Alcohol • Onion & Garlic • Apple seeds • Fruit pits • Salty/fried/processed foods
⚠️ Limit Too many seeds (fatty) or fruit (sugary)
🌳 WILD BIRDS (Feeding Outside on Private Property)
✅ Safe Foods
- Black oil sunflower seeds (best)
- Millet, Nyjer (thistle)
- Unsalted peanuts
- Berries, apples (no seeds)
- Suet blocks (especially winter)
❌ DO NOT FEED
- Bread (causes malnutrition & “angel wing”)
- Chips, junk food, salty foods
- Moldy food • Milk • Raw meat scraps
🚫 Baby Birds Never feed or raise them yourself — contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
💡 Simple Rules to Remember
- Pet Birds: Pellets + fresh veggies + limited fruit = healthiest diet
- Wild Birds: Stick to seeds, nuts & natural foods — no human junk
- Legality: Respect federal & local laws. Feed responsibly on your own property.
🔮 Final Spiritual Insight Feeding birds is an act of kindness and reciprocity — but only when done with knowledge and respect. When you feed them correctly, you honor their spirit and align with the natural flow of Asè.
Asè.
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