cockatiel with an underbite

[tresanewgrieve]

Have a cockatiel that has an underbite and was wondering if anybody else has experience with this she has a hard time eating certain foods all she does is eat small seeds leaving anything big alone because I don't think she has the pressure to crack them even when she bites you can barely feel anything I feed her pre cracked sunflower seeds but even then she doesn't seem to really eat them wondering how she will do on a diet like a parakeet?

 

[CrazyAnimalLady]

Do you have a pic of the bird?

 

[rosembers]

Maybe try moist pellets that are sort of mashed? But that will have to be removed from her cage after about 1 hour or so because it will grow bacteria quickly. I would try Harrisons high potency so she gets maximum nutrition since she also eats seeds.

 

[tresanewgrieve]

I will have to try that thanx!!

 

[tresanewgrieve]

another pic

 

[tresanewgrieve]

Sorry dont know how to make them upright

 

[Allee]

Seed diets don't provide adequate nutrition even for healthy parrots that have no trouble eating seeds. An avian vet could more than likely treat the underbite so the cockatiel would have less trouble eating, it's quite possible the problem could be solved entirely with a single visit. Diet effects the overall health of your bird in every way, getting your bird treatment now could make a huge difference to your bird's quality of life.

I agree with rosembers, a high quality pellet softened in water mixed with a little organic juice for flavor would be ideal until the beak issue can be resolved. Steamed sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, squash and other vegetables would be nutritious and maybe easier for her to eat. Boiled eggs and pasta would be good for her too.