14/04/2021
I sometimes see people ask: my birds eat only seeds, how do i get my birds to eat pellets?
Feeding pellets should be discussed with your avian vet (budgies and cockatiels for example, should not have a diet that is mostly pelleted).
I have converted my budgies to eating some pellets as part of their normal diet, and i do so by making "pellet balls". Follow this step by step guide, for more information :)
Step 1: blend your pellets using a food processer, into a powder. Some chunks are ok :)
Add a small amount of seed to the mix (this amount will vary: i first introduce these at a 1:2 ratio of seed:pellet, and decrease the seed portion over time).
Step 2: add a small amount of water. Just a little at a time - i will add a photo of the consistency we want, in the comments section. Always use clean utensils!
Step 3: WASH HANDS THOROUGHLY (not pictured... :) )
Step 4: dry your hands, take a small amount of the mix and roll it into a ball - or any shape really, as long as it is reasonably compact. If this is one of the first time presenting these to your birds, you can press the balls into extra seed (so the seed is visible from the outside) as required.
Step 5: present to your birds! I provide this as the only food available, for most of the day: i then feed my birds their normal diet in the eveings. I want them to be hungry enough to forage through the pellet balls, to reach the seeds: but i dont want to starve them.
Note: be sure that these are placed in an area close to their normal feed area, and where they will not get p**ped on or otherwise contaminated (the oellets are very absorbant). If these are placed in the sun, they will become hard quite quickly.
Over time:
-Add less and less seed (this process can stretch for days or weeks, so monitor what they are eating, and dont decrease the seed too quickly)
-Add whole pellets to the mix: roll a few whole pellets into the balls, and provide a few whole pellets scattered around your pellet balls
-Once you are confident your birds are eating the pellet mix, you can slowly add less and less water to the mix, and more pellets. Start introducing a dish of fresh pellets daily to the cage.
***IMPORTANT NOTES***
Keep a record of your birds weight, and monitor their weight during the process of conversion. Make sure they are not losing weight (and if so, provide their regular food, and consult your avian vet)
As above, always give your birds extra foods in the evening. The aim isnt to starve them!
ALWAYS ensure that fresh, clean water is supplied near your pellets, and your pellet balls. I provide a water dish directly next to the pellet bowl.
Once your bird is eating pellets, consider mixing up the brands occasionally. At some point, your local pellet supplier may not carry the brand your birds are accustomed to... feeding them different brands, will make a substitution easier, if it is necessary.
PELLETS CAN GO STALE. Make sure your pellets are kept in an airtight container. When your birds begin eating pellets, give them enough pellets to last only a day or two. They are highly moisture absorbant, so may soak up a stray p**p.
I am not reccomending any specific brands, but consult your avian vet for advice, on what brand will be best, for your birds.
PELLETS ARE NOT A COMPLETE DIET.
Be sure to provide ample fresh veggies, and some fruit (species dependant). Seed and nuts are fine, if they make up a small amount of your birds diet.
I feed free access to pellets and fresh veggie chop daily, with seeds only available during training, or in foraging toys.
