Hyacinth diet

[OrnithAudrey]

In case you didn't see my last post, I started a new job a few weeks ago as an animal caretaker and have been put in charge of the birds, which were on the backburner until I got there. They actually already had the toucan on a good diet and did pretty well giving fresh produce, whole nuts and pellets to the rest. The problem child is Rio, our Hy. I know they need a higher fat/carb, lower protein diet and lots of nuts, but I would say about 90% of what he actually eats is nuts (mostly Brazil, almonds, pistachios and macadamias). He eats a small amount of pellets, but I don't really see a point in changing it because if he barely eats Zupreem fruit blend, I don't see him eating any other blander pellets. I have seen him eat zero produce and when I asked other employees and my boss, they said the only thing they've gotten him to eat is corn on the cob. I have tried mixing mashed up produce in cooked whole grains seasoned with cinnamon, sneaking them in birdie breads and he only touches it to toss it. I have been put in charge of ordering the food for our animals, so I can get anything within reason. So far I've tried squash, zucchini, carrots, radishes, leafy greens, snap peas, broccoli, cauliflower, assorted peppers, sweet potatoes, apples, pears, melon, coconut, berries and grapes. Nothing. I got some mangos and a pineapple to try tomorrow, hopefully he'll go for those. If you have a Hy (or experience with them) what kind of diet do you feed and what produce does your's like? Any other suggestions or ideas for this big picky boy?

 

[Birdman666]

Hy diets are a little different:

Your source for accurate information on the care, feeding and propagation of the domestically bred, pet hyacinth macaw.

THESE GUYS KNOW THEIR STUFF! Does this sound familiar?!

Hyacinth macaws are sometimes picky eaters when it comes to fruits, vegetables and soft foods. The problem eater will either ignore the soft food cup all together or dig in merrily tossing food all over the place. They can be taught to eat these foods if offered in smaller amounts rather than a bowl spilling over the top with fruits and vegetables. A bowl with that much food is an invitation, and irresistible food throwing opportunity few birds can resist. Feeding overly large servings can actually condition a macaw to throw their food and turn an otherwise good eater into a difficult one. A small serving sitting in the bottom of a large food bowl makes flinging food more difficult thus taking the fun out of playing with the food, which in turn leaves the other option – to eat the food. Those that show absolutely no interest in eating fresh fruits and vegetables will be intrigued by a bowl that requires a little effort to see what is inside and hopefully encourage some nibbling while there. Patience, creativity and persistence will eventually correct eating problems.

NO VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS!!! YOU CAN O.D. THEM!!!

It is best not to use any vitamin supplements unless under the supervision of a veterinarian. Vitamins are not necessary if you are feeding your hyacinth a balanced diet. It is very easy to cause death or severe damage to internal organs by using vitamins improperly. D3 is very dangerous in excess. Just because a supplement states it is safe for parrots on the label does not mean that it is. There are very few supplements truly researched and manufactured specifically for parrots. It is the responsibility of the consumer to verify these products prior to using them.