Getting fussy male Eclectus to eat veggies

[EclectusLover7]

Just got a 3 yo male Eclectus a week ago and he only wants to apples and sunflower seeds!
How do I get him to try other foods, specifically veggies? He throws out his millet and protein pellets and just ignores most other fruits and veggies I try. Any suggestions on what he may like or any tips on making him try new foods?

 

[Thechoplady]

Try lightly steamed carrot and cauliflower, i find those two to be favored, at least with my girl. You can also finely chop up (very small so its almost minced) a bunch of vegetables and add in a little bit of broken up cooked pasta. Most birds love pasta and the veggies will stick to the pasta, thereby your guy will eat the vege if he is wanting to eat the pasta.

 

[EclectusLover7]

Try lightly steamed carrot and cauliflower, i find those two to be favored, at least with my girl. You can also finely chop up (very small so its almost minced) a bunch of vegetables and add in a little bit of broken up cooked pasta. Most birds love pasta and the veggies will stick to the pasta, thereby your guy will eat the vege if he is wanting to eat the pasta.

Great tips! I'll try that, thank you

 

[DonnaBudgie]

That's the idea with feeding them chop- it contains all the things you want them to eat and things they want to eat all chopped up fine so they can't pick out their favorites. Most birds, even budgies, end up liking it a lot.

 

[EclectusLover7]

That's the idea with feeding them chop- it contains all the things you want them to eat and things they want to eat all chopped up fine so they can't pick out their favorites. Most birds, even budgies, end up liking it a lot.

Good tip. I'm just feeding what the pet shop gave along with fruits and veggies so I'll look into getting or making chop next

 

[ChrisH123]

It definitely takes time and persistence. It took me 2 years to get our Meyers parrot eating fresh veggies, fruit and sprouts, but it was definitely worth it! I smile every time I see her beak down and rump up in her chop bowl each morning.

Keep trying a bunch of different foods served all different ways. Big pieces, chopped tiny, cooked and raw, in bowls and skewered. You can also pretend to eat it and say "yum". If there's any seed or nut he really loves mix it in with the fresh veggies so he has to pick around them to get to the treats. I know it can be super frustrating, but just keep trying. There are lots of other good tips in this article. https://parrotup.com/blogs/news/survival-guide-to-a-picky-parrot

 

[EclectusLover7]

It definitely takes time and persistence. It took me 2 years to get our Meyers parrot eating fresh veggies, fruit and sprouts, but it was definitely worth it! I smile every time I see her beak down and rump up in her chop bowl each morning.

Keep trying a bunch of different foods served all different ways. Big pieces, chopped tiny, cooked and raw, in bowls and skewered. You can also pretend to eat it and say "yum". If there's any seed or nut he really loves mix it in with the fresh veggies so he has to pick around them to get to the treats. I know it can be super frustrating, but just keep trying. There are lots of other good tips in this article. https://parrotup.com/blogs/news/survival-guide-to-a-picky-parrot

Thank you, very helpful tips! I'll check that article out