How long do cockatiels live on average if they live off of exclusively seeds??

I purchase cockatiel seeds that have a mixture of dried vegetables, and fruits I think. I've tried pellets, I've tried fresh vegetables, I've tried fresh fruits, I've tried boiled eggs, I've tried cooked chicken, I've tried cooked rice, multi-grain bread, cooked yams, and cooked sweet potato. But it seems like mine are hell bent on just seed and water diet. Fine with me; I'm done trying, and there's nothing that anyone can say that will make me change my mind or try again.

SO keeping that in mind, from your experience, how long do these birds live on exclusively seed diet??

Uhmm... your post sets up quite a quandary for many of us, here. Your starting position is that you refuse to change your mind and even consider the possibility of trying to shift your 'tiels from an all seed diet to something far healthier and more variegated. But, in doing so, you make it quite difficult for anyone to answer your question without inadvertently co-signing on your decision.

I'm not one to demonize seeds. In moderation, they can even be beneficial. But not when given as the entirety of their diet. Now, from all that I've read, cockatiels are better able to handle an all seed diet than most other parrots.

BUT... feeding them nothing but seeds still renders them far more susceptible to liver disease, fatty tumors and arterial build-up. It also leads to nutritional deficiencies and will almost certainly take away from the potential strength of their immune systems. These factors, and possibly more that I've either forgotten to include or don't yet know myself, can significantly decrease a cockatiel's potential lifespan.

You've said nothing will change your mind, so perhaps what I've said will do nothing to sway you. But I can only hope that you've somewhat overstated the intransigence of your resolve on this. I can understand your frustration. Parrots can be extremely stubborn when it comes to changing their diets. For the most stubborn cases, it takes a considerable investment of time, patience, and even creativity to yield the desired results.

But I'd say our feathered friends are worth it, no?

Dear Stephen: I :smile015: your reply! PERFECTLY said, my Rock!

I think you are trying too much too soon. And too hard. This is a long process.

Try eating the food in front of the birds.
My son's tiels love to eat from a plate. If they see him eating food...they want to eat the food too. BUT remember that sometimes they just aren't interested. Please don't take their seed food away from them all at once. This should be a gradual thing and may take many months to do.

I hope you will try again.

There is SOOO much more I originally wanted to say. However, I think I will refrain (for now).

But please, CYNToronto, PLEASE have a long, hard look at THIS thread. With patience and guidance, your cockatiels can EASILY be converted to eat a MUCH healthier diet than the one you currently provide, thus greatly prolonging their longevity: http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html

What you're asking is the equivalent of someone asking how long they will live on a McDonald's diet...have you ever watched that movie where the guy eats McDonald's all day, every day for a month? Ew.

Even though it tastes good (to some), it's not good for you to make it your sole source of nutrition. When we go on diets or try to change the way we eat- it can be really hard!! Because why should I give up the tastiest things I love so much?! Lol

It takes time for new diets to be established, and sometimes it can take A LOT of trial and error. Please don't take my post personally- I'm only trying to put in perspective for you. Wendy posted a link for a WONDERFUL thread- I hope you find some suggestions within it to convert your 'tiel to a healthier diet.

Well in amazons (well studied seed junkies) at least, they have a 60+ year lifespan on a healthy, varied diet. Ones who are fed exclusively seed diets typically start suffering fatty liver disease in their 20's and after suffering for a good decade (maybe more depending on the tenacity of the individual), usually by the time they are in their late 30's or early 40's, it's all over. Obviously, an all seed diet takes a HUGE chunk off their overall lifespan and not just that, it takes a huge chunk out of their "good" years on this earth because they are suffering from chronic medical issues. And with the price of avian veterinary care these days, that can also be extremely costly when they start declining in health. Cockatiels don't have anywhere near a 60 year lifespan potential, so I would imagine you'd be lucky to get a *good* 10 years followed by a few more years of suffering. It's not fair when you know better to subject a bird to that IMO.

There are many different methods to get seed eaters converted to healthier diets. Your AV can advise you professionally, or you an read over the (likely) hundreds of threads on here addressing the issue. And keep in mind, change can come slowly, VERY slowly. It took a few YEARS to convert our die-hard junk food fiend of a bird to a healthy diet, and even now, he begrudgingly eats most fresh produce. He still eats it at least and has a healthy diet now. Definitely worth the effort to us, as he will have a longer/better life Are you sure your birds aren't worth it to you for the initial frustration to give them a healthier, happier, longer life?

getwozzy said:

What you're asking is the equivalent of someone asking how long they will live on a McDonald's diet...have you ever watched that movie where the guy eats McDonald's all day, every day for a month? Ew.

Even though it tastes good (to some), it's not good for you to make it your sole source of nutrition. When we go on diets or try to change the way we eat- it can be really hard!! Because why should I give up the tastiest things I love so much?! Lol

It takes time for new diets to be established, and sometimes it can take A LOT of trial and error. Please don't take my post personally- I'm only trying to put in perspective for you. Wendy posted a link for a WONDERFUL thread- I hope you find some suggestions within it to convert your 'tiel to a healthier diet.

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CYNToronto, for having asked such a difficult question, you certainly received some informative, considerate and well thought out replies. It makes me think a lot of our forum members have your cockatiels' best interest in mind.

I have my tiel on Zupreem natural meduim sized pellets. I converted Kalypso off of an all seed diet. First I crushed up the pellets into a fine dust and put it into the seed. So she could get used to the taste. Then I started adding a few pellets mixed in and also tried giving Kalypso some every now and then outsice the cage. When she finally learned that these things arent that bad, she eats them. Fruits and Veggies are a whole diffrent story with Kalypso. I cannot get her to eat anything except for Chili Peppers and Corn. Its dried Chili peppers at that. It may be some work but its worth it.

10 years sounds good; if they get sick and start to bore me, I can just dump em at a shelter

CYNToronto said:

10 years sounds good; if they get sick and start to bore me, I can just dump em at a shelter

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Please tell me you're joking....

CYNToronto said:

10 years sounds good; if they get sick and start to bore me, I can just dump em at a shelter

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It was (not so) nice meeting you. I hope you enjoyed your stay (while it lasted).

Happy New Year.

Hahahaha yea, wait, no I'm not; it's in the constitution that's my unequivocal rights. What you do gonna do bout it, bruh??

getwozzy said:

CYNToronto said:

10 years sounds good; if they get sick and start to bore me, I can just dump em at a shelter

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Please tell me you're joking....

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Enjoy the forum, bruh!

After reading this thread, what I am going to do is quote you a line from the Forum Rules that you should keep in mind.
This site is NOT a public owned nor government site. ParrotForums.com is privately owned and operated, so freedom of speech does not apply here!


It is located here:
http://www.parrotforums.com/new-members-welcome/41827-forum-rules-members-please-read.html

You will find on this forum that we not only care about the welfare of our birds, but also the welfare of other people's birds. You posted this thread and got some wonderful responses, and your reply about the shelter was like a slap in the face to those of us who love our birds and would do anything for them.

Just saying, Bruh.