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Changing your birds to Pellets & Crumbles | |
Birds that are accustomed to eating seed will need to modify their feeding technique to eat Pellets or Crumbles. Initially they will disintegrate the food trying to remove the husk, but they soon learn to consume the Pellets or Crumbles completely and will even eat any powder produced during feeding. Begin the change-over early in the morning on a mild day. Observe the birds regularly during the day to ensure they are eating the Pellets or Crumbles. Avoid changing over on days that are either very hot or very cold. Never totally fill the feed bowl as birds will tend to scatter the Pellets or Crumbles in search of their usual food. At most have two layers of Pellets or Crumbles in the feed bowl. Two methods can be used to convert birds on to Pellets or Crumbles: 1) Direct Change to Pellets or Crumbles: This applies to companion birds (friendly household birds), pigeons, and parrots larger than cockatiels. Remove all seed and treats and provide only Pellets or Crumbles. If the birds do not eat during the day then replace the seed before nightfall and try again the next day. If this is not successful then try introducing Pellets or Crumbles. 2) Introducing Pellets or Crumbles: This applies to small parrots, budgies, lovebirds, finches & canaries. Start with a 50:50 mix of Pellets or Crumbles and seed. Over the next few days, slowly increase the proportion of Pellets or Crumbles. Remove all the seed once birds begin to eat the Pellets or Crumbles. For very small birds such as finches and canaries the larger Crumbles may need to be slightly ground down to produce a finer grade of crumble.
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