about me and my bird

[tootsietoots]

I created this account solely for my 3-month year old peach-faced lovebird named Tootsie, in case I have any specific questions to ask or in case I am in need of tips in the future. We got her about 3 weeks ago, and most of her feathers are blue-greyish, but her head is sort of a light tan and her rump is a bright stunning blue-purple (depends on the lighting).

She is the bird in my avatar (of course), and is the first bird I've ever had. Before her we have a rabbit, 2 dogs, a guinea pig, a hamster, and countless fish, including goldfish, koi, and a betta). Owning a bird is obviously much more different than a dog or a rabbit, but I plan (and want) to keep Tootsie healthy for over 15 years.

Right now I feed her a mixture of seeds and pellets, along with a vitamin supplement in her water. She obviously prefers seed over pellet, but when I tried to convert her to seed completely her poop changed alarmingly to a light mushy brown, which freaked me out so I put her back on seed/pellet. I really want her to live a long healthy life on pellets and occasional seeds, but I have no good way to monitor her since I am at school most of the day. But I am determined to convert her to pellets so I will eventually get there. Any tips on converting her will be very appreciated!

Tootsie is a very sweet, adventurous, and curious soul. She is super adorable and will be stubborn sometimes, but I love her. Sadly I don't have pictures on my laptop right now (they're all on my phone) but I'll upload them when I have the chance.

 

[wrench13]

SLowly reduce the amount of seed available, a little less every day. Also, she might like some fruits like banana, blueberry, kiwi, mango and veggies like squash, peas, corn. Wash them all really well to remove any pesticides.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to you and Tootsie! Converting to a healthy diet is always challenging and takes time. Pellets and fresh foods are generally best, though some species *require* a component of seed. I am not familiar with lovebirds, so other members can give better advice.

Conversion is a slow process to wean away that which you seek to lessen. This link from Harrison's might be helpful as a general tool: Diet Conversion: Small Bird | Harrison's Bird Foods
They make mention of "birdie bread", you can find many recipes in our Food and Diet forum.

You'll find other techniques, but the main consideration is to never "starve" a bird into submission!

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

 

[itzjbean]

If you have a trusted seed mix (I recommend Volkmann's) I encourage you to try Sprouting. Still seeds but allowed to germinate into sprouts, they're super nutritious for our little birds. My tiel loves them.

Here's a great article on sprouting

 

[Flboy]

Welcome to you and yours!

 

[Squeekmouse]

Welcome welcome! Tootsie is VERY cute! Good idea and good luck on the seed to pellets conversion. I have no further advice, the others already gave all the good info.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Welcome, you two!

Great advice above.

I'm glad you're here!

 

[smbrds]

Welcome to you and your lovie!

 

[Cardinal]

Hi Tootse

Welcome to the forum. I have never kept a lovebird so can't advice you there. But I have a great admiration for the Masked lovebird- the wild type- one of the most interesting looking parrots.

You may enjoy this video on a fellow peach faced lovebird and as the title says
A lovebird (or for that matter any parrot) can change your life.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2f0pCFau58&t=348s"]A lovebird will change your life - YouTube[/ame]

cheers

Avin

 

[MonicaMc]

I'd personally recommend keeping her on a seed/pellet diet and including fresh foods into her diet. This would be much better than pellets alone!