Dr Foster Smith Diet

[S_Toast]

Does anyone feed Foster and Smith's parrot diets? I've been feeding pellets only for a while and was wondering if it would be good to switch. This diet has pellets, seeds, nuts, and fruit.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=24522

I guess the thing I worry about is Bucket picking out all the seeds and nuts then leaving the pellets and fruit.

Also we live in a very dry climate and also have a wood burning stove going all winter. How can I help Bucket not get so "dried out"? He gets dull and flakey in the winter time.

[Eurycerus]

I personally wouldn't. If he's already on pellets (preferably artificial color and flavor free) then that's fine for the base. If you aren't already I would start introducing him to low starch vegetables: cauliflower, broccoli, dark leafy greens, corn, peppers (hot or sweet), or sprouted seeds (I need to try this too). You can give fruit as a treat but probably not as part of the normal meal. If you aren't sure whether a particular fruit or veggie is safe, check online for first or ask here.

As to keeping from getting all dry. I would suggest a couple options. Some people on here take their parrots into the shower, but depending on the parrot, they might be afraid of being right in the shower. You can try providing a bowl for him to bathe in, try a mister, try a humidifier, or I take my parrot into the shower area so it gets very humid (she likes the bathroom and will whistle happily). I've taken her into the shower but she gets a little nervous. So there're tons of options to try and see which works best for your pionus. Depending on the species they may need a bathe/spritz everyday, once a week, or infrequently. My guess is pionus need it more often considering pionus are from humid forests naturally.

[GreenWing]

Hey S_Toast, I'd run any particular feed by an avian vet. I currently feed my Senegal a mix consisting of pellets, seeds, some dried fruits and vegetables (in addition to fresh foods). Some folks on this site prefer Roudybush pellets and others like Harrison's, but the stuff I use is local and has the Avian vet's recommendation. I don't know if this mix is ideal with food management, however, which I will probably start when my juvenile bird is ready.

[Andromeda]

I agree with the others; I'd keep feeding pellets as the main diet but preferably the pellets are free of artificial coloring and flavoring (such as Harrison's, TOPs, or Roudybush).

Definitely introduce vegetables and small amounts of fruit if you have not already, as Eurycerus suggested.

I make a special "bird cornbread" that has lots of vegetables and a small amount of fruit. Here is a link to the recipe if you are interested. You can cut it into small portions and freeze it and use as needed.

Lastly there are pre-mixed diets of vegetables, beans, fruits and grains that you cook (not as the main diet but in small amounts for variety).

[S_Toast]

I ordered Roudybush from Foster and Smith since they have free shipping

You guys are right about keeping him off a diet with seeds in it. I'm pretty sure he would pick the "good" stuff out and leave the rest. I got a whole bunch of Roudybush samples a couple of years ago at a pet expo and he ate it no problem so I'm thinking that switching him over will be no big deal. Getting him to eat veggies is another battle. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the advice guys. There is so much new info on exotic pets all of the time, sometimes it's hard to keep up with.

[Andromeda]

Getting him to eat veggies is another battle. Any suggestions?

He will definitely eat the bird cornbread I linked earlier and that is a way to "trick" him into eating veggies because instead of milk it's made with 8.5 oz baby food veggies (I use sweet potato and carrots for vitamin A as well as green beans and peas).

It also has 1 1/2 C frozen mixed vegetables but even if he picks around that and only eats the bread part at first he'd still be getting lots of vegetables due to it being made with baby food and corn meal.

By the way Bucket is a very handsome bird!

[S_Toast]

Oh thanks for reminding me! I did look at your birdie corn bread and I'm excited to try it. I'll be doing shopping tomorrow so I'm adding the things I don't have to my grocery list.

I also grow a garden every summer so I'm going to be adding lots of fresh veggies to his diet this summer. Lots of peas, corn, and peppers for sure.