Transitioning to Pellets

Hi, I'm Robin. I'm sure this question has been asked and ansered a million times, but I am new to this forum and just adopted my first bird two days ago. She is a 9 mo. old Sun Conure. She has been eating a seed blend that seems a bit heavy on the sunflower seeds, and the general consensus from what I have been able to read so far is that is is best to get birds onto a pellet diet and just supplement with seeds and nuts as treats. Since she is in a new home, I don't want to go too fast with this and overwhelm her (she seems to be a good eater overall), but I was wanting to know what is the best way to transition over to pellets: gradual or cold-turkey? Don't know yet if she will eat fresh fruits and veggies, her previous owner only tried fresh banana with her (which I am assuming she ate). But the dried banana chips are the only things she is tossing out of her seed mix. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Robin & Skittles

Hi Robin, welcome to the forum!

I would suggest not going cold turkey, but this is just my personal opinion. I would get a pellet that most birds convert to quite easily, Zupreem. Some may not agree as Zupreme does have dyes and some sugars, BUT it's better than seeds! Also, once you have converted to pellets it's a lot easier to convert to a different pellet.

I would take a bit of the seed mix and sprinkle it in with the pellets. That way she will realize that it's a food and be more likely to give it a try.

As far as the fruits and vegg I highly reccomend a skewer. That way you can try different types cut in chunks. My bird loves almost anything when presented on a skewer that you hang from the top of the cage. It also adds a foraging aspect : )

Zupreme pellets: Zupreem Fruit Blend Medium 2# Bag - ZUPREEM by MY SAFE BIRD STORE

I've also had good luck w/ these pellets and they are free of the dyes and sugar:
Goldenfeast Goldn 'Obles BULK PER POUND - GOLDENFEAST by MY SAFE BIRD STORE

Skewer: Scooter Z Stainless Steel Skewer Small - CAGE ACCESSORIES by MY SAFE BIRD STORE

Thanks, I appreciate this. I looked at the links and I like the Kabobs because the only small one I have seen like this is made of plastic. Also, I like that in the natural pellets you mentioned the first ingredient listed is not corn like on the others I have looked at. I have learned from my experience with cats that gound corn or corn gluten meal is really not the best ingredient for pets. And I assume it would be the same with birds. Sure some corn should be ok, but as the main ingredient I just don't see how that can be more nutritious than sunflower seeds. So I like that about those pellets, plus they don't seem excessively expensive. I will order those two items for sure, I want to support this store if they are sponsoring and covering some of the costs of this forum.

As for the ZuPreem Fruit pellets, I can get those locally, but I was warned by a friend that besides maybe the artificial colors not being so great for them, that when they moisten the pellets and then decide to sling the pellets or drop them, they will stain everything around the cage: the drapes, the carpet, the bedding. Plus it sometimes comes through in the poop and if it gets outside the cage, also stains everything. I don't really want to go through that if I know about it and can avoid it for an unnecessary ingredient.

Thanks so much. Any other replies welcome. Robin

It took me about two-three months to transition my budgies to pellets. I started with a 1:4 ratio of pellets and seeds, and gradually increased the ratio. Worked well.

Also have veggies and fruits in the cage on hand. If she enjoys your company, sometimes they're more keen to take the food you're eating. E.g. Apples, carrot, pasta, etc. Tell them how yummy it is when eating and they'll generally take to it.

Good luck!

Re: Stains - sadly, you'll have to get used to it. If it isn't pellets, its fruit, veggies or anything else being thrown around. Just get yourself a steam mop for the floor (don't use chemical cleaning agents), vinegar works well, and strangely enough bi-carb.