Diet for a breeding pair

[Boysmom]

I rescued a bonded pair of Zons. They were on a diet of some really cheap pellets that were multi colored and bought in 50 pound bags. I do intend to allow them to lay a clutch if they want to, as they are so in love and couldnt be separated as they are older birds. I want to make sure they receive the most nutritous diet possible to insure their health. They have accepted my mixing their bad pellets with Harrisons pellets, and they have began to eat the fresh veggie I offer them, but they seem quite picky about the food.

 

[henpecked]

Diet depends on where they are in their breeding cycle. If you think they are thinking about it, cut back on the fresh veggies and increase the fat (nuts seeds,etc) . harrisons is not a good breeder formula. I'd go to a feed with 9-10% crude fat until you pull babie sor they wean if parent raised. After they start to fledge and before weaning , go heavy on the fresh fruits/veggies. After weaning or you have pulled the babies ,go back to a 4-6% crude fat pellet and 25-50% fresh foods along with sprouts. There's alot more to it than just diet ,PM me if you wish and i;ll be glad to help.

 

[henpecked]

If these are "proven breeders" you can control if they breed or not. Young ,unproven birds might do all kinds of crazy things but older ,Proven birds will usually only lay when conditions are right for successful rearing of chicks. Knowing their history will help loads if you want to breed.