[LadyTaalia]

Hi, I don't know if anyone is coming to these bird forums since the last postings were in July but I wanted to put up a warning on changing a bird from a seed diet to a pelleted diet. My young cockatiel passed away this morning and my vet has diagnosed the death as by possible starvation. We were in the process of trying to switch her feeding from seeds to a healthier balanced pellet formula which entailed mixing the seed with the pellet until you eventually wean out the seeds. Well, it seems that if a bird doesn't like something it won't eat it. My baby was just picking the seeds but made it look like she was actually eating it all (most I guess ended up on the floor). This in turn basically put her to the point of starving herself to death, which she showed no signs of until I found her this morning fighting for life, which she lost. I am very angry and saddened by this loss and hope that no one else goes through it. Give your birdy her seeds and stick to adding vitamins to the water please, for the health of your bird. (This account is only for birds who are already use to seed diets, newly weaned birds going directly from weaning to pelleted diets do fine as this is the only food they know so they'll eat it fine and do well on it). Thanks for listening.

[Bob]

Sorry for the loss.
When switching I recommend starting at 5-10% added pellets-then over a period of two months increasing the mix to 40%. Not 100%
I have a Grey 29 years old she gets 20% pellets-this it. Seed diets that if supplemented with fruits and vegies harm a bird.

One other point you mentioned putting vitamins in the water.

This I strongly advise against

The vitamins break down in light, which’s why they are sold in dark bottles.
The vitamins harbor and generate bacteria in the water cup. How much water does a bird drink not much.

Vitamins should be in powder form sprinkled on the food.

Bob
Administrator
Petswarehouse.com

[heytania75]

Hello,
I am also sorry for your loss. I breed canaries and what is most important to me is quality and health. I decided to change their diet from seed to Roudybush Nibble Pellets because the nutritional value pellets have compared to the canaries who do not eat all the seed that is required in their diet. I slowly but surely, I successfully changed their diet.
First of all, I started them with about 20% pellet and 80% seed, I kept an eye on all of my birds to see what they were eaing. Some didn't want the pellets, those were the picky canaries. With in a few more days I added 40% pellet and 60% seed, and I continued to observe them. I saw that 50% were eating the pellets and the others were playing with it. With the canaries that were eating the pellets, I increased the amount of pellets and reduced the seed, but for the ones that didn't seem interested, I cotinued to offer 50% seed and 50% pellets mixed, I didn't want to see any of my birds starve. So I offered a separate cup of pellets with dry egg food mixed in.
Eventually, within 1 1/2 months I had my canaries eating only the roudybush pellets. I was very pleased with the results of the roudybush pellets. It was cheaper than seed, seeing that some canaries chose not to eat certain seeds and I waisted money and seed. I made this change in the molting process and I am very pleased with the results.
It takes patience and time when you decide or need to change a normal diet for birds, dogs, cats, and so on. It is a delicate process to their bodies.
I hope that my story helped you and anyone else who is thinking about changing their pets diet.
Thank you,
Tatiana Hansen
www.glostersandmore.net

Tatiana Hansen
www.glostersandmore.net

[Bob]

Thanks for the detailed answer

Bob
Administrator
Petswarehouse.com

[JDBird\'s Mom]

I was also sorry to hear about the loss of your bird. I cannot imagine losing my baby. His greeting me when I come from work - well, it makes me smile.
As for the person who said not to put vitimins in the drinking water, please try drinking bottles. With drinking bottles you never have to worry about birds pooping in their water dish and vitimins stay nice and fresh in the green bottles that do not allow ultra violet lights to penetrate. Drinking bottles are a safer way to get your bird to drink. Plus, I think they enjoy the game of it.
Switching to a drinking bottle - like switching to pellets - takes time. But is well worth it.
Judith

[JDBird\'s Mom]

What kind or brand do any of you recommend in pellet food? Thanks, JD's Mom

[Bob]

I have been using the Kaytee brand

Bob
Administrator
Petswarehouse.com

[Randi]

Sorry for your loss!

Smile-It's Contagious!

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