Vitakraft fruit cracker for Australian parrots, 2 pcs is a treat to supplement the main diet of medium parrots. According to the description, the cracker is an extra source of vitamins and minerals, supports the birds' condition and meets their need to wear down the beak. It is made with a three-stage baking process and, according to the manufacturer, contains no sugar. Ingredients: cereals, seeds, vegetable derivatives, fruit (dried fig 1.4%), minerals, nuts (almond 1.1%), honey, vegetables. Additives per kg: vitamin A 6000 IU, vitamin D3 600 IU. The pack contains 2 crackers with a total weight of 180 g.
What the manufacturer claims
Vitakraft positions the cracker as a tasty, healthy supplement to food. The feeding advice is that the cracker should always be in the cage. The name promises fruit flavour, while the description focuses on vitamins and beak wear.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | cracker treat |
| For | medium Australian parrots |
| Base | cereals and seeds |
| Fruit | dried fig 1.4% |
| Nuts | almond 1.1% |
| Vitamins per kg | A 6000 IU, D3 600 IU |
| Process | three-stage baking |
| Pack | 2 crackers, 180 g |
Pros
- Something to do. The bird has to peck the cracker apart.
- Beak wear. A firm baked form.
- Fruit shares stated. Fig and almond with percentages.
- Vitamins A and D3. An extra source.
- Two pieces. Lasts several weeks.
- Easy to attach. The cracker hangs on the cage bars.
Cons and what to watch
- Little fruit. Fig 1.4%, almond 1.1% — the base is cereal.
- "No sugar", but honey. Honey and dried fig are sources of sugars.
- Confusion about bird size. The title says "large", the description "medium" and "large".
- Text error. An "nbsp;" artefact in the description.
Which parrots it suits
"Medium Australian parrots" usually means cockatiels, rosellas, red-rumped parrots and other birds bigger than a budgie. Budgies are better off with crackers from their own range, such as Vitakraft for budgies. Large parrots — greys, macaws, cockatoos — need a sturdier, bigger format.
How to give it
Hang the cracker on the cage bars at a height where the bird can sit and peck comfortably. The manufacturer advises keeping it in the cage at all times, but it is wiser to offer it for a few hours a day or a couple of times a week. Otherwise the parrot may fill up on the treat and eat less of its main food.
Main diet
The cracker does not replace food. A medium parrot's diet should still be based on a quality seed mix, such as Special One for medium parrots, plus fresh vegetables, greens and a little fruit. A mineral block and grit with shell should also be in the cage.
Excess weight in parrots
Cockatiels and other medium parrots kept indoors often fly little and tend to put on weight. Treats with honey and seeds are high in calories, so give them in moderation and let the bird fly outside the cage.
Cage and enrichment
Parrots need to keep their beaks busy, or they start chewing the bars and plucking feathers. Crackers are one option alongside fruit tree branches and toys. A roomy cage, such as the Priroda Nimfa, has space for both a cracker and toys.
Storage
Keep the second cracker in its closed packaging in a cool, dry place. If a cracker in the cage gets damp, soiled with droppings or mouldy, throw it away.
Who it suits
The cracker suits cockatiels and other medium parrots as enrichment and a treat alongside seed food. Give it less often to overweight birds. More products are in bird treats and vitamins.
Verdict
The Vitakraft fruit cracker is a baked treat based on cereals and seeds with a small share of fig and almond and vitamins A and D3 that keeps the bird busy and wears down the beak. The downsides are little fruit, honey and fig despite the "no sugar" claim, and confusion in the listing about parrot size.
FAQ
Which parrots is it for?
Medium Australian parrots, such as cockatiels and rosellas.
How many crackers are in a pack?
2 crackers, total weight 180 g.
How much fruit is in it?
Fig 1.4%, almond 1.1%.
Does it contain sugar?
No added sugar is listed, but it contains honey and dried fig.
Can budgies have it?
Better to choose a cracker made for budgies.
How often should I give it?
A few hours a day or a couple of times a week.
Does the cracker replace food?
No, a seed mix remains the base.
