Advice please

Earlybirdx

New member
Nov 22, 2020
3
0
North Norfolk
Parrots
Filbert
Sun Conure
Male 2 years old
Hi I have a 2 year old sun conure, he is happy and healthy, however I was advised by the vet to start feeding him premium complete food instead of seeds., which were his main diet. As soon as I changed this 2 days ago he is refusing to eat, quite vocal I may add!!!

He is eating his fruit & Veg but I am worried that I am doing the wrong thing, can you help please... my ears are ringing!!!

Thanks
 

Laurasea

Well-known member
Aug 2, 2018
12,593
10,702
USA
Parrots
Full house
Switching is a slow progression, you dont just remove all seeds and expect to eat the pelkets.....
You also need a digital kitchen scale too track weights through this process, as some will starve themselves to death
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,792
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
As Laura suggested, conversion is a process. I've used the Harrison's protocol with 8 parrots and 100% success. It ought work regardless of pellet brand, so have a read and see if it may work for you: https://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/using-our-foods/large-bird-conversion/

Your bird might not like the type chosen, so might have to change as needed. Primary consideration is to never starve a bird into submission.
 

T00tsyd

Well-known member
May 8, 2017
1,256
862
UK
Parrots
Green cheek conure - Sydney (Syd) Hatched 2/2017
When I got Syd he was on a seed only diet. The transition was painful and took a couple of weeks. At first I mixed a few Harrison Fine pellets in with the seeds. That didn't work so I started him off with seeds and during the day added pellets. Gradually he started to eat them. He will still eat seeds first on the odd occasion that I give him a few and here we are 3 years later. Veg was much tougher but it takes practice and oodles of patience. He will be much healthier on pellets.
 

Minor_Arcana

Supporting Member
Aug 17, 2018
73
Media
6
31
Iowa
Parrots
Lexa - 4 year old ‘tiel
Zephyr - 2 year old quaker
Yup, conversion takes quite a while so you shouldn't just completely convert right away.

If you're having trouble with him trying new pellets, I *highly* recommend Lafeber's pellet berries. You can request a free sample here.
https://lafeber.com/contact-lafeber-co

They are incredible generous with samples and I managed to convert my hardcore seed junkie with their products
 

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