12 week old grey refusing to eat

Hi everyone,

My baby grey is on two feedings a day and he's been flying now for 2 weeks. In the past two days, he's been refusing to eat his morning and evening formula, he only takes about 2-3 spoon fulls. Just before his feeding times, he begs for food but when I attempt to feed him he flies away. I've been offering a variety of fruit and veggies and he eats a little only when I put it in front of him. He also hasn't been nibbling at his pellets (which he was doing before)...Is this all part of the weaning process? I don't want him to starve.

Thanks in advance

Hopefully someone who has weaned a grey can give advice on this behavior. But for just basic parrot info I would suggest taking him to a certified avian vet to get there opinion. A lack of appetite can be a sign of illness. But who knows, I've never weaned a bird before so this could be normal behavior.

If he is still refuses to eat and drink I would get him to vet ASAP
I'm not sure of weaning behaviour either but every time I call the vet first question they ask is if the biurd is eating and drinking.

When birds start to wean yes, they refuse their formula after a couple of tastes. This said however is always at the same time the bird is eating solid foods thus being too full for the formula. They are very conflicted, because they still love that nurturing feeling they get from the hand feedings while also wanting to break away and be a bit more independent. I however would worry if my bird refused feedings and wasn't eating solid foods. Is he eating vegetables, grains, fruits? If this isn't happening and if he/she started this behavior suddenly I would say a visit to the vet is probably a good idea.

all he's saying is 'hey, I don't want that baby stuff anymore'

Like brian said, if he's not eating solid foods to sustain himself, you can try a variety of things to entice him to eat on his own. He's had a syringe/spoon in his mouth for a long time, so the pellets and other types of foods are confusing to him, he's trying to figure it all out.

Just watch his poops, if they get smaller, he's not getting enough food.
Birds do not naturally starve themselves, they will eat!
It's just a transition they go thru, but you should watch his demeanor, and make sure he's ok.

If you can, offer him his formula at lunch time, give him the morning to figure how to eat the new foods.
by lunch time he'll be good and hungry and may not refuse the formula

Thank you all for replying. The good news is that he took his evening feeding of formula today and his crop was full. He's now nibbling at the pellets again. Will see how it goes with him tomorrow and if he still refuses feedings I will definitely take him to my avian vet. It was just a big worry, sorry if the question was a bit silly.

Hi there Sohnam.

Do you have a digital scale for your baby? If you don't, I urge you to get one ASAP. Monitoring your baby's weight during the weaning process is VERY important.

Weigh him first thing in the morning, before offering him breakfast, and then again before you tuck him in for the night. As he gets older you will only have to weigh him once a day (always in the AM).

Next: Try and relax

Each baby bird weans on their own pace. Some may suddenly refuse all formula as they "think" they're now flying and independent and all, only to want to be fed again a few days later. All this is normal. Go with his pace.

Always offer plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, a healthy mix, pellets, AND millet. Millet is a GREAT weaning food. If nothing else, he will most likely peck at the millet. You can even plump it (by briefly boiling it) if you wish.

Have a look in our bird food section. There are tons and tons of AWESOME recipes for your grey baby.

As others have already said: Watch his droppings.

Lastly: Ask as many questions as come to mind.

Another question, is it ok to let him try a bit of human baby food (stage 1)? And if it is, should I warm it up and give it to him just like that or mix it in his formula?

A few members have given their birds baby food, but stick with organic and check the ingredients to make sure it's healthy.

I spoon feed my adults baby food from time to time. Its a great way to give meds when needed later in life.

When babies start their weaning process they may refuse formula cause they're loosing a bit of weight for flying purposes. Usually resume in a short period like your two day period. This is the process I don't enjoy is chasing after them....lol