Do you know why thye aren't eating the [pellets?
2007-03-26 14:52:29 · 8 answers · asked by aamir925 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
Some birds are very hard to switch to pellets.
It is better to feed them something they will actually eat than try to force them to switch to something foreign and run the risk of them getting sick.
2007-03-27 01:00:29 · answer #1 · answered by Rev. Two Bears 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was told by my mentor that cockatiels should not be on a pellet only diet as they have a very fast metabolism and do need some seeds . If you take away all their seeds and they wont eat the pellets, they will die.Try giving them some pellets mixed in with their seeds that are made for a parakeet as they are smaller and easier to introduce to them but always leave some seeds in the cage.Bigger birds don't need the seeds like the smaller birds do as they tend to have a slower metabolism.Hope this helps you.
2007-03-27 05:36:42 · answer #2 · answered by Bird lady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give them seed or whatever they usually eat and completely cover it with a layer of pellets. This will force them to dig through the pellets to get the seed. Each day reduce the amount of seed so that they have to start on the pellets. The moment you see them eating the pellets it's byebye seeds. From then on only offer seeds as a treat and an incentive. Also start offering fresh fruits and veggies daily to get them on those too. And if you are willing you can even cook for them. I make birdie bread for my little monsters and they eat it up no problem. I even sneak in vegetables and replace half the flour in the recipe with ground up Harrison's pellets. Your birds are like little kids: stubborn and only willing to eat what they think tastes good. So you have to play their game and trick them into eating what they are trying to convince you is not for them. You may have some grumpy birds for the next few weeks:)
2007-03-26 23:10:59 · answer #3 · answered by don'tbuy,adopt 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many times they aren't eating the pellets because they have another option. Try limiting their regular food to a very small amount. Just enough to cover the bottom of the dish, and in another bowl put unlimited pellets. Don't give in. Do this for a a few days and they will likely start eating the pellets.
2007-03-26 15:28:44 · answer #4 · answered by photogirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there. To convert your birds to pellet food which is superior to seed diets, replace their seed diet with 1/4 pellets every week. Also, since you are perceived as flock leader, eat or pretend to eat the pellets in front of your birds and tell them how delicious it is. Really exaggerate your actions and words. This will peak their interest. They are very smart birds and will follow your lead. Do this a few times. They learn new things by your example. Talk to them like they are small children. They respond well to that tone of voice. It's weird but it works. Have a great day;everyday
2007-03-27 12:04:38 · answer #5 · answered by firestarter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My tiels have both seeds and pellets. I agree with the others, it can be hard to "convince" them to eat the pellets. What kind are you trying to feed them? Mine have the Zupreem fruit flavored pellets and they really like them--its like a treat. If mixing seeds with the pellets doesnt work maybe trying another brand would help.
2007-03-27 12:40:24 · answer #6 · answered by Me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was told by some bird specialists that birds that aren't used to pelleted feed, generally wont eat it.
You have to mix it with the food they are used to and get them on it gradually. (even then it sometimes doesn't work, domestic birds are tricky...but add some little bit at a time with the food they are accustomed to)
2007-03-26 14:59:55 · answer #7 · answered by spottedmyappy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The first answer is correct. They don't recognise it as food. Here is a link how to convert them sucessfully.
http://www.roudybush.com/docs/pdf/convert_flyer.pdf
2007-03-26 15:12:18 · answer #8 · answered by Christie D 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋