Baby food OK?

[haylo]

I have two budgies, I've tried tons to get them to eat veggies/pellets, one will eat pellets but only Zupreems "Fruitblend Flavor" for finches. The other doesn't eat pellets, nor veggies. The only time he tried carrot was when i had blended it up - neither seem interested in whole pieces/small pieces. If it's not seed-sized or smaller, they won't go for it. However, with one budgie (Benji, my blind boy,) when he was younger, he ate baby food for me when he was first home and pretty malnourished so I was desperate.
My other boy, Bailey, has picked at some broccoli tops but nothing else. He does however eat the finch pellets (albeit he breaks them and eats half... but he does eat them.) But I'm working on trying to see if he'll eventually go for baby food.

Now, Benji will STILL eat baby food as long as its sprinkled with seeds. I only buy it if its only [veggie] + water, but I'm wondering if this is a reasonable fill-in for regular veggies long term? I've tried blending my own with water, just blending, chopping them small, etc. etc,. they won't go for it if its not basically mush. My other boy, Bailey, has picked at some broccoli tops but nothing else. He does however eat the finch pellets (albeit he breaks them and eats half... but he does eat them.) But I'm working on trying to see if he'll eventually go for baby food.

I've also thought about sprouting though it doesn't really click with me, I understand why it might be an option. And is that sustainable for their long-term diet too?

Just trying to do the best for them. thanks for any help!

edit: today Bailey seems to have actually eaten some of the carrot baby food (carrot seems to be a fav among both of mine, not sure why but i won't complain.) so im more curious than ever if its worthwhile haha

 

[rheashard2]

I am interested too. I do know birds; chicks, poor health can be fed baby food. Mom did it with her quail. I don't know about long term use. Eating half a pellet is normal bird behavior. There's lot's of budgie folk here!

 

[haylo]

I am interested too. I do know birds; chicks, poor health can be fed baby food. Mom did it with her quail. I don't know about long term use. Eating half a pellet is normal bird behavior. There's lot's of budgie folk here!

Yeah, that's originally why I'd used it, since I was in dire need to get my guy some decent food and energy. But long-term is the concern. I'm hoping to find out too! Glad about the pellet thing though, I wasn't sure honestly if it could be helped haha.

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

Baby food, as long as it avoids the foods poisonous to parrots, should be fine. There's no extra salt and stuff in it . If they'll experiment with birdy bread, you can sneak some into that!

Good luck! Birds can be sooooooo stubborn at times. **Eyes her cockatiel warily** LOL

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Are you talking about human baby food or baby bird food? Human baby food should be great for birds that want to eat it. Just check labels for ingredients that birds can't eat. Chunky toddler food would be good.

 

[haylo]

Are you talking about human baby food or baby bird food? Human baby food should be great for birds that want to eat it. Just check labels for ingredients that birds can't eat. Chunky toddler food would be good.

Human baby food! Bird baby food would be kind of weird, or i imagine not really good for them at this point?

I got them well after they were babies but.. Bailey is like, four now. Time flies haha! I do check labels, its always the veggie on the front and water, or I don't buy it. Toddler food is a good place to look! Thank you

 

[haylo]

Baby food, as long as it avoids the foods poisonous to parrots, should be fine. There's no extra salt and stuff in it . If they'll experiment with birdy bread, you can sneak some into that!

Good luck! Birds can be sooooooo stubborn at times. **Eyes her cockatiel warily** LOL

Oh they might take to some kind of bread! I came on here expecting to just write a post but I read some of the existing sources and it did give me a few ideas. I'm sticking to baby food for now just for the variety though, it's been the only working thing and i'm honestly just glad they'll eat it haha.
Glad to know it's atleast worthwhile. Thank you! (And yes, stubborn is putting it nicely sometimes lol)

 

[rheashard2]

I came to this site originally looking for age related issues to be aware of. My CAG is getting ready to turn 21 yo. Had her from just over 3 months. No problems currently, just wanted to increase age related awareness. Well I got side tracked. Found chop recipe that she rattles cage bars for in morning. Then there's the birdie bread I tried. I put fine chopped hated veggies and fine crushed pecans. She loves it too! The amount of information in previous posts can cause brain aches. Keep reading and enjoy.

 

[haylo]

I came to this site originally looking for age related issues to be aware of. My CAG is getting ready to turn 21 yo. Had her from just over 3 months. No problems currently, just wanted to increase age related awareness. Well I got side tracked. Found chop recipe that she rattles cage bars for in morning. Then there's the birdie bread I tried. I put fine chopped hated veggies and fine crushed pecans. She loves it too! The amount of information in previous posts can cause brain aches. Keep reading and enjoy.

Haha, I appreciate the encouragement. I started to fall down a few rabbit holes when I came to ask this, actually! Just never got far enough into reading. I'll definitely go back and try some new things with them though, I appreciate you reminding me lol!

Good luck with your CAG!