Introducing chop to Eclectus

[Ivorbasic]

Can you please tell me how to introduce chop to Eclectus because breeder of my new eclectus feeds him with pellets. Shoud I give him chop on his first day with me or shoud I slowly start giving him chop with same pellets and then after some time start giving him only chop?

 

[charmedbyekkie]

You're getting a baby that's just newly weaned. When they experience a shift of all that they've known, many birds (especially babies) regress a little. Often times we ask that the breeder keep them long enough to confirm they've been weaned 100%, but many times breeders just want the birds off their hands and give them away immediately after weaning instead of waiting a few more weeks.

Best you keep offering him the pellets that the breeder is giving him (that means exact same brand and type) to ensure he still has something familiar to eat. While you offer him his familiar pellets, you can put a dish of chop next to the pellets, so he learns to mentally associate the two. Slowly, you'll be able to switch him over. I sprinkled his pellets over the chop for the transition meal. Then the next time, I crushed the pellets and sprinkled the broken pieces into his chop. Then I removed pellets entirely.

Do take the process slowly to make sure he is still eating. I would also recommend you track his weight. He might lose a little weight at the start due to stress and not eating comfortable, but it shouldn't be more than a few grams. If he's losing a lot of weight, that's when you know you have to feed him food you know he can eat (pellets), then try transitioning slower.


Just warning, your ekkie might even cry for baby food. If this is the case, warm mashed yam or something similar might help him through if you haven't been trained to use formula.