food question

[cowgrls101]

i was told that seed food for greys(parrots in general) was like feeding them candy . any opinions on that . i feed sandy exact parrot food bec it wasnt seed based since i was told seeds were treats . but i know other people who have had greys longer might have a different view . just curious and dont want to be feeding her the wrong thing or depriving her of something she needs .

[chapala]

Good question. It is important to learn about the nutritional requirements and keep our birds healthy. Seeds are not bad in themselves - they are not good when fed as 100% or any high percentage of the diet. A parrot fed an all-seed diet will be lacking in various nutrients, especially Vit. A, the most common deficiency of pet parrots.

 

A varied diet with everything in moderation is best. Fresh vegetables (especially high Vit. A ones), some fruit, sprouted grains and seeds, a few nuts, cooked grains/legumes, pellets, and yes, seeds, make for a good diet. Occasionally (once a week) a small amount of cooked egg or chicken is fine.

 

I feed less than 20% of the diet in pellets, and most of the grains/seeds that are fed are sprouted - they are more nutritious than when fed dry.

Reta

[Laurie]

The basis of Klaus' diet is Kay-tee Forti Diet, which has a lot of seeds in it. I put that in the bottom of the bowl, then go from there depending on what I have in the house. For breakfast, he had the base of Forti-Diet, and on top I put some shredded carrot and some trail mix (dried banana, dried papaya, raisins, nuts). I usually put a NutriBerry in there, but I'm out right now (need to go to the store!). Also, usually for one of his feedings I throw in a peanut in the shell. For variety sometimes I throw in a few multi-grain Cheerios.

I agree with Reta, variety is key.

[cowgrls101]

thanks guys , i hav been trying variety but one new thing a day that way if something doesnt settle well with her we know wat it is . but i hav been feeding her lots of different things as long as they were not on the do not feed list .

[lovemyGreys]

Hi cowgrls101 this is a great link to have a read through, it shows a wide variety of what members feed their greys.

 

http://www.greyforums.net/forums/bird-food/24030-whats-your-greys-diet.html

[chapala]

I suggest feeding fresh, natural foods to our parrots whenever possible. I don't feed any dried fruit (high amount of concentrated sugars), but they get fresh fruit, especially high Vit. A fruits like papaya, mango, cantaloupe, berries. Pomegranates right now too. Also, instead of feeding any dry seed (sprouted grains and seeds are fine though) in the morning, I feed just fresh food when they are the most hungry. The dry mix comes a few hours later. That way they don't fill up on seed and nuts and not eat vegetables and sprouts. We have to be a little tricky

[Lusya]

I am not sure where to post my question. Since it is a food question I will post it here.

 

I was feeding Izzie the same pellets since we've got her. She ate it well. In a last few days she would eat some and then she comes on top of her bowl and tries to throw away the rest. I am not sure if she is playing or she is not enjoying her food. I tried to put some seeds (actually it is a mix) inside the bowl and cover it with pellets. She gets seeds, nuts and other tasty stuff and then again tries to remove the pellets from the bowl.

 

What should I do?

[lovemyGreys]

Lusya just keep offering the pellets, as long as she is eating other foods that's fine.Have you tried softening the pellets & offering them to her ? one of my greys eats then throws the rest of her food all over the place ! she may well be playing with you.If she continues to reject them perhaps try a different brand & introduce them mixed in with other food.

[Lusya]

I tried to soft the pellets with some fresh juice, she seems to like it one day, and the next day she refuses. I will try to mix some other food into the pellets.

 

Thanks!

[Kibibi]

Putting the seeds in with pellets works when first introducing them to pellets. But most birds (especially those raised on seeds) will pick seeds over pellets any day. So if you slowly diminish the amount of seeds with the pellets and feed the pellets on a regular schedule then your bird will eventually start eating the pellets.

Obviously you need to continue to give them a well balanced diet of fruits, veggies, etc. to keep them from starving

I feed my Grey vegetables and other perishable stuff in the evening so I can clean it up before going to bed at night. I then replace her food bowl with pellets for the evening and the next day because the perishable stuff will spoil. I never put seeds in her food bowl. I have a "treat" cup that I'll occasionally put a pinch of seeds in for her. This is a rare occasion for her but she loves them.