Stubborn Bird

[Wingnut]

Hey everyone! I have a 2 year old Lovebird who I have been trying to feed properly for the past year. Between vegetables, pellets, and super healthy foods, she only eats small seeds...I wouldn't say that I'm going to give up, but can anyone recommend a good quality seed brand/type (with vitamins and what not) to feed her? I feel like shes not getting NEAR enough nutrients as she needs.



Thank You!

 

[Ira7]

Hey everyone! I have a 2 year old Lovebird who I have been trying to feed properly for the past year. Between vegetables, pellets, and super healthy foods, she only eats small seeds...I wouldn't say that I'm going to give up, but can anyone recommend a good quality seed brand/type (with vitamins and what not) to feed her? I feel like shes not getting NEAR enough nutrients as she needs.



Thank You!

Did you ever try feeding her with a feeding syringe, like you would a baby chick?

Some lovebirds love it, like their hatchling instincts kick in or something.

I don’t know WHAT kind of formula you would use, but I can’t see how using hatchling formula would hurt to at least get her acquainted with the syringe.

 

[wrench13]

Don't give up! Love birds are notoriously stubborn little things. Try different ways of preparing the veggies - chunky or finely chopped, long strips or big pieces. Sometimes that make a big difference in acceptance. Salty turned his nose up at apple slices with the skin on, until we peeled them and cut into little cubes. Now they are among his favorite snacks. Some in depth research into what lovebirds eat in their normal range might give you some clues as to what to try.

 

[Wingnut]

Hey Guys!


I know I am getting back to this thread very late. I still have had no luck trying to get her to eat anything but tiny seeds. I even tried the super fine harrison's pellets!
I was thinking about trying these 2 items next:


Formula For Syringe Feeding (I'm guessing to use this as a "treat" to give required nutrients): https://store.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/RECOVERY-FORMULA-350g/productinfo/RECOVERY/


Parrot "Mash"?: https://store.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/ADULT-LIFETIME-MASH/productinfo/ALM/


I am really curious as to how you feed a "Mash" to birds? She may like it...These are just some ideas.

 

[MonicaMc]

Have you looked at this thread by any chance?

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html

 

[Scott]

I highly recommend Monica's linked thread above.

Stubborn birds often require significant assistance, er, manipulation to encourage eating healthy foods. Have you considered Harrison's conversion protocol? Should also work for most any brand pellet: https://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/using-our-foods/small-bird-conversion/ That said, never starve a bird into submission. (not suggesting you would, just a blanket guidance)

 

[bigfellasdad]

My CAG is the same, she wont eat pellets, she loves and i mean LOVES vegetables but if i cut them wrong she will throw them on the floor. An example is if cut carrots into battons, no, if i cut them into round slices, gimme, gimme, gimme. May try different ways of presenting them?

Enzo is also hugely motivated by my reaction to food, if i eat (or appear to eat) something and make yummy sounds Enzo wants to eat them too... I did try that with pellets but she saw through my attempts.