need better seed mix for conure

[GailC]

When I got shiva three weeks ago she came with a big of seeds that was just white millet and safflower seeds. I went out and bought a bag of kaytee mix, it was all I could find local as the pet store was closed for the weekend.

Surprisingly, the kaytee doesn't seem bad but shiva really only wants to eat the safflower and sunflower. She eats a little of the wheat and corn, along with any dried fruits but since most of the mix is wheat, a lot goes to waste.

She won't eat any of the huge pellets or hard dried veggies like carrots so I have to pick them out, more waste.

Can anyone recommend a good seed mix that is more appropriate for conures? One that is more balanced without the big chunks or hard stuff?

I'm working on introducing fresh foods and pellets but she doesn't seem to like wet or squishy foods yet so veggies are difficult, she seems confused by the textures.
She takes some pellets but not readily and usually only if I hand feed them to her. She seems to like sweeter foods so I'm going to try dunking her pellets in sugar free fruit juice.

I've also introduced birdy bread, she does ok with it but I don't know how much is a appropriate daily portion.

 

[itzjbean]

I feed my cockatiels Volkmann's sunflower-less seed mix. Not sure if they have a conure mix but it is definitely healthier than the Kaytee seed mix, which they also will get on occasion. They are sunflower seed pigs! lol

 

[GailC]

I plan to look at volkmans today when the pet store opens but unfortunately, they carry very little for conure and larger parrots. They should have cockatiel food though.

Shiva likes safflower better than sunflower so I don't mind some sunflower.

 

[itzjbean]

I plan to look at volkmans today when the pet store opens but unfortunately, they carry very little for conure and larger parrots. They should have cockatiel food though.

Shiva likes safflower better than sunflower so I don't mind some sunflower.

Have you considered looking online? I order my food (for all my animals, cat dog, fish, bird) on chewy.com !

 

[reeb]

I suggest the premium Versele-Laga mixes. They have one for conures, and although I am not sure of the exact ingredients, both the budgie and cockatiel mixes that I have consist of a good balance of seeds and nutritious pellets that are great for birds that aren’t so keen on larger pellets or chunks of food.


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[GaleriaGila]

My usual suggestions for conures...
Harrison's Bird Foods
I feed Harrison's, supplemented by fresh healthy treats. My first, and later, my current avian vet recommended it. My bird loves the pellets now, but to get him converted, my avian vet suggested putting pellets out all day, and putting seeds (his old diet) out for two 15-minute periods a day. That would sustain him but leave him hungry enough to try new stuff. I presume the same technique could be used to get him to eat other healthy stuff. My guy was eating pellets in a couple of days, and now I can feed a good variety of other stuff, knowing he has the pellets as a basic. Pellets are out all day... fresh treats a few times a day. I also like Harrison's via mail because I never have to worry about out-of-date products.

 

[GailC]

So the local store does carry volkman seeds for parrots, a decent variety too. I'm going to use the seed I have now before buying more thought.
I did pick up a bag of volkmans fruit and nuts, she enjoyed the change and I got to see her dunk food.

I'm trying fruity zupreem pellets since I can get them local but I plan on getting Harrison's for her soon. I have some fine Harrisons for my budgies, I'll offer her some tomorrow and see what she thinks.
I really wish diet changes were easier.

 

[MonicaMc]

My conure doesn't get a seed mix... so can't really comment there...

But I do feed him sprouts from China Prairie - mixed in with veggies and some fruits. He'd rather eat pellets...


I've ordered a lot through MySafeBirdStore.


You might look into Nutriberries, too?

 

[plumsmum2005]

Nutriberries can be a half way house in terms of seed to pellet transitioning. Totally Organics Pellets are not so hard as Harrisons as well as organic and not coloured. Remember to examine the contents of any pellet you decide on - the first six ingredients are very telling I am not keen on soy.

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-food-recipes-diet/28242-ingredients-pellets.html

Sprouting seeds also gets birds used to eating a veggie diet as the texture is different.

 

[GailC]

I have nutriberries and she doesn't really seem to like them. She will eat one once in awhile but I mostly feed them to my budgies.
I offered her some of the budgies harrisons yesterday and she went to town, seemed to really like it so I ordered a couple bags for her, the fine daily maintenance and the coarse pepper.
I would love to sprout seeds but everytime I try, they mold. I'll have to try again, I have chia, amaranth and chick peas I would really like to sprout.

 

[Flboy]

With sprouts and mold, when in doubt, throw it out! Can kill your birds!
I have never had a sprout mix mold, I, and JoJo, really like Abba Soak Seed!
SOAK

Was thinking about your issue with sprouts molding. You may be over sprouting them, when they just crack and have very small tails is when they are best!
Once my sprouts are ready, I incourage them to dry out, thus avoiding spoilage.

 

[GailC]

I always throw it out. After reading the instructions in that link, seems I have been doing it wrong. I've been leaving the seeds soaking in water 24/7 waiting for them to sprout.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Hi please don't sprout Amaranth as the unsprouted seeds have been known to cause liver damage in chickens.

Try some Mung beans, whole lentils, and the chick peas you have to start. Soak for 24 hours - I change the water during this time. If you do sprouting in jars be sure that you rinse often and they are left at an angle to drain, I use small pie dishes to support the jars. Are they on a window sill? Do each one separately in it's own jar. Pick any chick peas that have not sprouted out. Remember if they despite plenty of rinsing do not sprout then they are probably all no good and best to seek a new supply. Ensure that you use organic seeds etc meant for sprouting and not planting! Important! http://www.chinaprairie.com/

When they have sprouted rinse and keep in plastic tubs in the fridge for 5-7 days. I take out and rinse often still as I find if they dry out they are not taken to by Plum.

Check to see if you can prolong the life of the Harrisons by freezing, to keep fresh? I do this with TOPs and just have a small pot with some in to hand. Usually dates are not that long which is a good sign, not stuffed full of preservatives.

 

[GailC]

Are there any beans that aren't safe? I have a mix of homegrown dried beans from my mom but I don't know what they all are.
Many are pinto or some similar variety.

The chick peas are for human food and I know they will sprout, accidentally did it once when soaking them for hummus.

Thanks for the tip about the amaranth, I'll keep them for me.

I freeze all my pellets. Especially the Harrison's since it's not preserved.

 

[Flboy]

Yes, there are beans that will make you and your bird sick if just sprouted! Lima beans and kidney beans are two examples!

 

[Inger]

Here’s a great list put together my MonicaMc:

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html


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