Help with Pellets

[katie_fleming]

Hello!

First, an update on Jasper. I heard from the breeder he could be ready in 2 weeks! That's 3 weeks earlier than expected!! I still need to order him a cage so hopefully I can get that finished asap.

My question right now is about pellets. My plan is to keep a couple pellets in the cage while I'm at work in case he gets hungry. I'll be gone from 9:30 in the morning until 5:45-6 through the week and don't want to keep any vegetables/etc that can spoil.

I know coloured pellets are a no no, but I'm trying to find one that's not too expensive, and ok for him. I'm looking through this list: Pellets and Treats - Products

The Harrisons ones look ok but not sure if they're too "big" for a baby.

I'm at a loss, please help me find one! I will be ordering from this website, so has to be one of the ones on that page.

Thank you

 

[BreakinNewz]

Use harrison's fine not course, oh and btw I've switched my adult to the fine from the course and there is a ton less waste. The fine is like small fish pellets.

 

[katie_fleming]

I only see the coarse or pepper...where do you see the fine? Thanks

 

[dragonlady2]

Can you leave some veggies that don't spoil in his cage, like chopped carrots? A piece of corn or some beans would be fine too along with a sprig of millet.

 

[katie_fleming]

That's a great idea too, thank you!

I found the Harrison's Fine Pellets... http://parrotdiseperch.com/east/harrisons-fine How much would you recommend leaving in the cage during the day? 1 tbps?

 

[RavensGryf]

I've heard controversy over whether Eclectus should have pellets at all. I'm one who does believe in the higher quality pellets for 'other parrots' but I know Ekkies have a somewhat different digestive system. Hopefully more Eclectus owners will chime in. Land of Vos is a great resource for Ekkie owners.

Edit: I leave veggies literally all day long and never had spoilage problems. Fruits I can see going bad maybe (?) but I use vegetables.

 

[katie_fleming]

Thanks RavensGryf! Good to know that vegetables will be OK to leave.

Another question I had is about a water bottle. I purchased a glass one. How often do they need to be cleaned? Obviously they're not going to drink the entire bottle in a day, so can I clean it when it's getting low? Or does it need to be cleaned more often? I assume dish soap is safe so long as it's rinsed very well?

 

[Phlox]

I leave the chop mix (veggies, rice, etc) in the cage for like 8-10 while I'm at work and its fine. I wouldn't fret too much... as far as water bottles, I used to use them, but I actually found it was more work. It worked out better when I just put the water dish in a smarter spot, or use two.

I use plain dish soap to clean all my bird bowls.

 

[katie_fleming]

Sounds good Thanks for your help

 

[labell]

I don't like water bottles I think they are much harder to keep sanitized especially with an eclectus.
At one time I did offer mine pellets (Harrison's and TOPS) I don't any longer, mainly because they wasted them and I have read too many conflicting things with eclectus and pellets even the organic ones.

I really think people that say you can't leave fruits and veggies for more than 4 hours are being overly cautious unless your house is an absolute sauna I do not see the harm. I have never had an issue.

 

[MrsKay]

I feed my green cheek Roudybush pellets. I mix the 'mini' pellets with his fruit/vege/seed mix. I also use a mix of the 'small' size Roudybush California Blend and Maintenance which is always available. He loves them

 

[katie_fleming]

That sounds good, thanks

 

[AngelAndMe]

Is she an eclectus? Pellets don't do very well with eclectic parrots. For starters colored pellets prevent proper coloration of new feathers. The red feathers tend to turn yellowish. Also, eclectus have an unusually long digestive tract so this means they can digest nutrients way better than other breeds do parrots, kind of like us. It becomes too rich for the eclectus and they start developing hormonal and behavioral problems like screaming and feather plucking. I went through this with my eclectus parrot, angel.

I recommend leaving a mixture of seeds such as raw pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Those are commonly loved. Also, roasted unsalted peanuts in the shell are popular amount parrots and last awhile because the parrot has to open the shell, and it's very entertaining for them. Its like they're foraging (what they do in the wild). I try and stay away from pellets with my parrot.

 

[drlisaort]

I leave fresh food in each bowl when I go to work and only one tablespoon of seeds/pellets in his foraging wheel for entertainment. I run ac so the house is not hot which keeps his food fresh until I return.