Zoo database

Red-legged seriema

Cariama cristata

Natural diet Red-legged seriema

Red-legged seriemas are carnivorous birds that feed on a variety of small vertebrates such as rodents, reptiles and other birds. They have a remarkable way of killing their prey; by slamming it against hard surfaces. This methods also breaks the bones, making it easier to swallow.

Insects
Insects
Vertebrates
Vertebrates

Feeding advice Red-legged seriema

Feed quantity per day

5-8%

Sample percentage calculation

If an animal weighs 3 kg and eats 8% of its body weight, it will get
 
3 x 0,08 = 0,24 kg feed in total per day

Feed composition

40% Meat and whole prey
20% Insects and other invertebrates
25% Concentrates
15% Other vegetables

Proportions (fresh product)

0,4 x 0,24 kg = 96 g meat and whole prey
0,2 x 0,24 kg = 48 g insects and other invertebrates
0,25 x 0,24 kg = 60 g concentrates
0,15 x 0,24 kg = 36 g other vegetables

Diet Suggestions

Recommended

Variety of insects
Variety of whole prey
Variety of vegetables

In moderation

Watery and root vegetables

Not recommended

Bread

Common diseases

An unbalanced diet may result in one of these more commonly occurring diseases/conditions:

  • Metabolic bone disease
  • Amyloidosis
  • Bumblefoot
  • Molting Disorders
  • Gastrointestinal foreign bodies
  • Obesity

Additional advice

  • Divide the “Feed quantity per day” over at least two feeding moments per day.
  • Feeding gut-loaded (or dusted) insects will help maintaining a proper vitamin and mineral balance.
  • Insoluble grit is not required if they go outside, as they will ingest small stones (read more about grit).
  • Avoid feeding bread as the high starch content may cause gastro-intestinal disturbances.
  • Stimulate foraging behaviour by using feeding puzzles and scatter feeding (read more about feed enrichment and foraging behaviour).