seed to pellets

[minky]

Hi all..I bring my baby home in just over a week, the breeder said that he is feeding seed..I know pellet is best so can anyone advise how I go about changing him over when I have him home..thanku

[Harpmaker]

First off, pellets aren't necessarily best. Most vets do recommend them, because they are as easy as seeds and much better than nothing but seeds. However, pellets are drier than anything birds eat in the wild, and you can't get a good analysis of what is in them. I feed my birds "gloop"-cooked whole grains, white beans, and vegetables; and "chop" a mixture of raw and cooked produce. There are several recipes on this site that you can search for. This is served in the morning, and around an hour before sunset I remove it and put in a good seed mix for dinner. I remove the seed mix when I put the bird to bed at sunset.

But in any case, babies need soft food for a while. Even if your breeder believes the bird to be weaned, it is normal for very young birds to regress on their weaning as a reaction to the stress of a new home. Human baby food will work. Only use the vegetables and fruit.

If you want to switch from just seeds to something else(recommended), the general method is to mix the seeds they are used to with what you want them to eat instead, whether pellets or gloop. Gradually reduce the amount of seed until the bird is eating only the new food.

We have other members that can give you more details, but this should get you started.

[liz]

Minky, welcome to the forum.

Harpmaker, I agree with everything you said and admire how you were able to reduce the explanation and still get the info out.

[minky]

Very helpful Thanku

[Pajarita]

Yep, Harpmaker was spot-on right on the explanation. I've been feeding gloop with raw produce for breakfast/all day picking and a measured portion of a good quality seed mix for almost 20 years and it has worked very well. Pellets are the easiest but not the best dietary option for parrots.