Help with Pellets

[USofKawaii]

Hi everyone. New member here. Hope everyone is doing well.

I wanted some help with selecting pellets for my Indian ringneck. Unfortunately, I do not have access to a lot of highly rated pellets like Harrisons here, and they cost a lot to get them imported. But I do have access to certain pellets which are affordable. Here is the list of pellets I have access to right now:

Verafarm: Nutriblend Breeder Pellets Small, Parrot Breeder Pellets, Nutriblend Pellets Small, Nutriblend Pellets Large, Paradise Pellets.

Hagen: Tropican High Performance Biscuits for Parrots, Tropican High Performance Granules, Tropican Lifetime Formula Granules, Tropican Lifetime Sticks, Tropimix formula for Cockatiels and Lovebirds, Tropimix formula for Small Parrots.

There are also numerous Kaytee diets available to purchase as well but I have not heard good things regarding Kaytee's food standards for pets.

I am also taking him to the vet tomorrow for a health checkup because I suspect he may be suffering from Fatty Liver Disease (Bronzing of feathers, worsening feather condition, plucking under the wings). He is on a Bird Tricks seed mix and has a variety of veggies daily incorporated into his chop. I give him fruits a few times a week as well. Right now he is getting veggies 2 times a day and the only seeds he gets to eat are pearl millet, flaxseed, quinoa when training or foraging (along with 2 sunflower seeds and 2 safflower seeds for foraging), some rolled oats, and some fruit seeds like from pomegranates.

Any help would be appreciated to ensure my IRN's health.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hun have a good look at the pellets you can get especially at the ingredients listed; the first ones are the largest quantity. Look up some of those ingredients and what they are! If you do this I think you will discount several on your own.



I am sorry that it is looking like FLD, which is possible to improve depending on how long it has been established. It occurs because the bird consumes too many calories and doesnt do enough exercise. Common problem in pet birds.



It looks like Bird Tricks pellets are TOPs rebranded which is always my first choice? Are these available. They are organic, non GMO etc.



A lot of AV's endorse Harrison's and have them for sale? So TOPS or Harrison's IMHO.



It could be best to cut the sunflowers etc. See what your AV has to say and then poss come back on. With my 'too's my AV wanted me to feed NO seed whatsoever.



Wishing you luck hun.

 

[Scott]

Welcome to you and your Ringneck, deep respect for seeking veterinary diagnosis and changes for better health and longevity. Is the vet avian certified or equivalent - specialized training and equipment?

Almost any pellet is better than predominately high-seed diet for sedentary parrots. As plumsmum2005 stated, careful reading of ingredients will reveal lesser quality products with abundant sugars, artificial colors, flavorings, etc.

It is oft suggested the "best" pellet is what your parrot will eat. Fussy indeed, might require multiple attempts to find one acceptable. Not pushing Harrisons and I realize it is costly for you, but their conversion protocol was very helpful to me converting a flock of eight. Ought work for any brand - prime consideration is to never "starve a bird into submission." https://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/using-our-foods/large-bird-conversion/

 

[USofKawaii]

Hello, I'm here with an update!

First of all, thank you so much for replying and giving me advice, it was really helpful!

The avian vet ran tests and found out my IRN wasn't showing any symptoms of FLD! Thank god! Although he did notice that my bird was a bit overweight due to the high consumption of seeds. He also noted that bronzing on his head and neck could've been as a result of my perting him too much (I love showing affection through physical touch and my IRN sometimes takes a nap while I am giving him scritches on the head), so I will try not to pet him as often.

For the past few days, my parrot has been on a fresh veggie diet and he loves it. He really chomps down on his veggies now and even drops down from his cage to eat the veggies he tossed lol. He is also really active now and roams around my room, climbing up my sofa and bed, or climbing my curtains to perch on top of my bookshelf. He is also very receptive to training now, even more so than before since interactions with me are the only thing that gets him a few millet seeds and he works really hard for them.

I am just happy that he isn't suffering from FLD like I suspected. I did look at the pellets I listed and the ingredients were mostly filler or too fatty. I will save up to purchase TOP pellets for him (due to import the 12oz to 1lb bag costs around 30-40 USD, which after exchange comes around 6k PKR for me, but they should hopefully last a month once I save up enough for a few months) but until then I will be on the continuing the current veggie diet, supplementing it with grains, sprouts, fresh fruit, occasional soaked/sprouted nuts in low quantities and a nice fatty seed once or twice every other week.

 

[SailBoat]

The term 'seed' is commonly used to define a diet heavy in SunFlower seed, which because of the excessive amount can add unwanted fat. That is not true for the vast amount of 'good' seed, which is part of their natural range and diet.

Sounds like your Parrot is becoming comfortable with your home and fitting in nicely.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hi hun you can feed some seed but be choosy in what it is and what it contains ie no sunflower, low on safflower and I steer away from peanuts altogether.



You are doing fab on the feeding front as pellets available are not the best and the best ones are expensive why not concentrate on carrying on the good practise but poss incorporate some gentle supplements? I am thinking of a Probiotic, these can also contain B vitamins which are useful and maybe a calcium supplement although I would wish you get some guidance on giving this from your vet. Too much can be really bad too. Well done!


Ps TOPs can be frozen should you decide to go with those anyway which increases their freshness. Keep sniffing as your nose will tell you when they are not good.