Transition from formula to food.

[Jewels1980]

I am in desperate need of help. We have purchased an African grey that was still on formula. The breeder that we got him from told us that this is the way he gives his baby birds away, it also helps to create a bond between bird and owner. Unfortunately I only found out after we purchased Dixon that reputable breeders never sell birds like this. We purchased Dixon at the end of June and were told that he was 3 months then which would make him 5 months old now. No matter what I do I can't really get him to eat. We are trying the zupreem fruit and we have also tried the vegetable. The only thing he will eat without a problems is seeds, which I don't want to feed as a main food source. Fresh fruits and veggies are pretty much a write off with him,as he only eats a little bit on occasion. If anyone can give me some advise it would be greatly appreciated, as really don't want anything to happen to my little baby.

[Dave007]

I am in desperate need of help. We have purchased an African grey that was still on formula. The breeder that we got him from told us that this is the way he gives his baby birds away, it also helps to create a bond between bird and owner. Unfortunately I only found out after we purchased Dixon that reputable breeders never sell birds like this. We purchased Dixon at the end of June and were told that he was 3 months then which would make him 5 months old now. No matter what I do I can't really get him to eat. We are trying the zupreem fruit and we have also tried the vegetable. The only thing he will eat without a problems is seeds, which I don't want to feed as a main food source. Fresh fruits and veggies are pretty much a write off with him,as he only eats a little bit on occasion. If anyone can give me some advise it would be greatly appreciated, as really don't want anything to happen to my little baby.

 

Yes, you're correct. Breeders shouldn't usually sell birds at an exact time according to age. It has to do with money. Some chicks ( even in the same clutch)need more time to wean off formula. This isn't an unusual thing. The breeder should have told you and shown you things about continued hand feeding after taking a bird home. I know a little bit about about chicks and breeding greys. My opinion is that you should get some handfeeding formula and continue that feeding method. If you can't make your own, it's sold in pet stores. Yes, some solid food should be left around the cage but more impotrantly, the bird will actually show you when the formula feeding should slow down. You'll see his interest in solid foods . Put some cheerios in the bottom of the cage. Put some string beans in the cage. Put some small fruit in the cage. Put some sunflower seeds in. Put chewable foods in the cage. Continue the hand feeding until he totally doesn't want more. This whole process is called *abundance feeding*. Your most important thing is to get quality foods in his system. Don't worry about him refusing solid food. We can show you how to do it.

BTW, did you know that in the UK, it's against the law to sell unweaned chicks?