Getting him to eat pellets when he picks them out?

[happycat]

When I got my kakariki the owner of the parrot store gave me what he was eating. Cockatiel seed mix and Zupreem fruit pellets. Well be picks out nearly ALL of the zupreem. I thought I'd finish up the cockatiel seed mix then wean him onto pellets.
But he doesn't like him zupreem. How can I get him to eat it? His diet now is cockatiel food with a mix of zupreem (that he won't eat most of) and fresh fruit. Any tips? I was about to buy him Harissons bit I didn't think he'd like that either.

 

[HalfInsane]

I can think of a few options to try off hand. You could continue to mix the pellets and seed, but gradually reduce the amount of seed so there's more pellets until its only pellets. You said he likes fruit, so perhaps try soaking the pellets in a bit of fruit juice (just change them after a few hours to prevent bacteria growth). Or, pretend to eat them in front of him and make a HUGE deal out of how SUPER DELICIOUS they are. Birds love drama and they also seem to always want what you have. If you're really dedicated you could even actually eat the pellets and/or combine this technique with the fruit juice. Your call lol. It's possible I've eaten pellets in the past... :54:

You'll also eventually want to get him to eat veggies and a wider variety of foods in general... but you probably know that. And it's best to go at it one battle at a time

 

[legal_eagle]

I have had great results with Roudybush Daily Mainenance ... my GCC loves them!

 

[happycat]

I can think of a few options to try off hand. You could continue to mix the pellets and seed, but gradually reduce the amount of seed so there's more pellets until its only pellets. You said he likes fruit, so perhaps try soaking the pellets in a bit of fruit juice (just change them after a few hours to prevent bacteria growth). Or, pretend to eat them in front of him and make a HUGE deal out of how SUPER DELICIOUS they are. Birds love drama and they also seem to always want what you have. If you're really dedicated you could even actually eat the pellets and/or combine this technique with the fruit juice. Your call lol. It's possible I've eaten pellets in the past... :54:

You'll also eventually want to get him to eat veggies and a wider variety of foods in general... but you probably know that. And it's best to go at it one battle at a time

I love the fruit juice idea! I know about gradually changing, but I still don't think he'd eat it. Its always in his bowl buy he still wont each much.
He generally eats what we eat. I eat a lot of fruit and bread and pasta do he gets that when we eat it.
Ill have to try some of those ideas. I especially like the idea of soaking them in juice because there's a type of food he doesn't like but he found out when he soaks it in his water bowl, it tastes "yummier" so he soaks it and eats it only that way"

 

[MonicaMc]

You might find this thread helpful.
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-health-care/23367-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html

You might also try getting some LaFeber pellets and mixing those with seeds.... they typically look a little closer to seeds than other pellets do.


However, IMO, he should be getting equal parts seed and pellets in his diet, along with other foods.