How much to feed

Matt_95 · Aug 17, 2014

Hi all,

I'm getting my quaker in around 6 weeks. I only have access to organic vegetables once a month at the local farmers market so I will be buying my veggies and making chop before I get my bird. I'm planning on freezing the chop in baggies with one days worth in each. I'm just wondering approximately how much they would eat per day? I would like to not waste large amounts of food.
Another related question, are pellets really needed? If he's getting a large variety of vegetables, fruit, nuts, grains, seeds and sprouts, what benefit to the pellets bring to his diet?

teagal · Aug 17, 2014

Freeze the chop in ice cube trays. Then transfer frozen blocks to baggies. One block is good per day along with pellet, fresh fruit (whatever your eating etc) I also have millet and pepper spray he seems to love. It's all trial and error. No two birds ever like the same foods it seems.
Pellets are actually better than seed. I give my guy very few seed once a month just so he can have the pleasure of cracking them open. Too much seed leads to liver disease. Pellets have added vitamins and minerals your bird may not get from his/her diet.

Terry57 · Aug 17, 2014

I think that the ice cube tray sounds like a good plan

I feed all my birds a mix of seed and pellets. My vet does not recommend an only pelleted diet.
You could ask your vet for their opinion about it when you take your new baby for it's wellness check up

I can't wait to see pictures of your new baby when he/she comes home!

MrsKay · Aug 17, 2014

I feed my green cheek pellets and a mixed diet of dried fruits, veges, seeds.
When I first got him I was feeding too much as I was throwing away food. Over a short period of time I slowly reduced the amount of food in his bowl until there was little waste.
I use two bowls, one with pellets (I mix 2 different pellets) and one with mix.
I feed twice a day, replacing what is left in the bowls in the evening. If he leaves pellets in the bowl I don't replace the mix.
This food is available 24/7
In addition he gets fresh veges and fruits.
He also gets Nutriberrie (a mix of pellet,seed & fruit & vege w/honey) treats occasionally

Allee · Aug 17, 2014

My quaker's Av Vet also recommends a varied diet that includes a high quality seed mix. My quakers have organic pellets available, but they prefer fresh veggies, fruits, cooked grains and cereals.

Matt_95 · Aug 17, 2014

Thanks guys, I was of the understanding that seeds in moderation are healthy, particularly seeds like flax. I believe I read that seeds should not make up more than 20% of the diet. Does that sound correct?
I'll make sure I offer pellets as well then.
I'm not sure I'll be able to offer very much fruit, I only have access to organic fruit once a month at the farmers market, I know there are some fruits that don't have as much of a pesticide risk but I'm not sure I want to take that risk.
Would It be better to offer sprouted seeds and grains in the chop rather than cooked grains? Or maybe a mix of both?

I've got a picture of the quaker I want to get, I'll hear back from the breeder today if he will be able to keep him for me for the 6 weeks until I'm ready to pick him up. I don't want to post his picture in case I jinx it!

MrsKay · Aug 17, 2014

Hi Matt_95, OK, can't wait to see the pics. Yes, sprouted seeds are excellent as well. Variety is best according to the experts here

teagal · Aug 20, 2014

You can feed dried fruits. They make them special for birds. One place I order a lot from is www.mysafebirdstore.com
They gave everything you can imagine. I have 4 cups all day long. One with pellets, one with mash, one with fresh fruit and veggie and the other with a dried cockatiel mix that gas grains, nuts, veggies, fruit and some seed.
Plus his water bottle of course. Hope all this helps. Can't wait to see the baby pictures.

Matt_95 said:
Thanks guys, I was of the understanding that seeds in moderation are healthy, particularly seeds like flax. I believe I read that seeds should not make up more than 20% of the diet. Does that sound correct?
I'll make sure I offer pellets as well then.
I'm not sure I'll be able to offer very much fruit, I only have access to organic fruit once a month at the farmers market, I know there are some fruits that don't have as much of a pesticide risk but I'm not sure I want to take that risk.
Would It be better to offer sprouted seeds and grains in the chop rather than cooked grains? Or maybe a mix of both?

I've got a picture of the quaker I want to get, I'll hear back from the breeder today if he will be able to keep him for me for the 6 weeks until I'm ready to pick him up. I don't want to post his picture in case I jinx it!

teagal · Aug 21, 2014

Sorry Matt. I realized your question was never really answered. How much?
I give 1/8 cup of pellet, half of that of cockatiel mix, tablespoon of chop and I offered fresh all day. If after a couple of hours I empty the fresh bowls and chop bowl. They can get bacteria in them. Quakers are the best. Good luck.

Matt_95 said:
Hi all,

I'm getting my quaker in around 6 weeks. I only have access to organic vegetables once a month at the local farmers market so I will be buying my veggies and making chop before I get my bird. I'm planning on freezing the chop in baggies with one days worth in each. I'm just wondering approximately how much they would eat per day? I would like to not waste large amounts of food.
Another related question, are pellets really needed? If he's getting a large variety of vegetables, fruit, nuts, grains, seeds and sprouts, what benefit to the pellets bring to his diet?

Matt_95 · Aug 23, 2014

Thanks Teagal, I'll probably buy some dried fruit from a health store, I know they have organic grains and dried fruits there. I'll make sure to get sulphate free and unsweetened.

I'm meeting Calvin tomorrow, I am very exited, here's a couple of photos of him I've been sent.

Mrsburlingame · Aug 24, 2014

I'm about to get a 5 week old baby quaker. And I have been trying to figure out what the baby eats and what the baby lives in. I've seen the bird baby formula which I thought would be all it needs. But I've also heard that if I use a syringe *no needle* I could aspirate the baby. I've also read that the baby needs to stay warm. I didn't know if that goes for a 5week old. I saw using a heat lamp could help. Any help would be great. Thanks

Matt_95 · Aug 24, 2014

Obviously I am very far from an expert. However all of my research has said do not get an unweaned bird. Can you leave him or her with the breeder until it is weaned? I'd recommend you make your own topic, it will get seen by more people that way.

teagal · Aug 25, 2014

Just keep the baby out of drafts and your house warm enough for you. If you like it cooler, the baby probably won't appreciate it.
I started with the syringe because that was what he was use to. I switched to spoon feeding which he took to quickly.
Have the breeder show you how. Go back and do it in front of the breeder so they know you are doing it right. Offer millet and pellets.
One the baby starts exploring, he'll drop one feeding, usually mid day and he'll eat more pellets etc.

Mrsburlingame said:
I'm about to get a 5 week old baby quaker. And I have been trying to figure out what the baby eats and what the baby lives in. I've seen the bird baby formula which I thought would be all it needs. But I've also heard that if I use a syringe *no needle* I could aspirate the baby. I've also read that the baby needs to stay warm. I didn't know if that goes for a 5week old. I saw using a heat lamp could help. Any help would be great. Thanks

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Bloody balding ? :(

We brought our baby home yesterday!

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