How much to feed a tiel?

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munami

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Apr 13, 2019
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Luna // F // Whiteface Pearl Cockatiel
I've done a lot of research on parrot diets but I can't for the life of me figure out how much food total to feed on a daily basis?


The only resource I could find is someone saying tiels eat 15g of food a day but I would like confirmation from people who own tiels or have had tiels in the past!
 
bug_n_flock

bug_n_flock

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Jan 2, 2018
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Isolated Holler in the Appalachian Wilderness
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B&G Macaw, Galah, 5 cockatiels, 50 billion and a half budgies. We breed and do rescue. Too many to list each individual's name and age etc, but they are each individuals and loved dearly.
I don't limit anything other than snacks. Alex can have as many pellets and greens as he wants. He self regulates pretty well.



Something like whole grain bread, cooked eggs, cheese, any kind of junk food: small pieces and infrequently.



If your bird is overweight that is a different story, but Alex always has done a good job keeping to the proper weight.
 
itzjbean

itzjbean

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It's going to amount to a tablespoon or two for one cockatiel. If you want, you can start feeding a certain amount like this and seeing what is left at the end of the day. It also depends on what it is your are feeding, such as seeds or fresh chop, all will be different.
 
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M

munami

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Apr 13, 2019
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Luna // F // Whiteface Pearl Cockatiel
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Thank you so much for the answers! It's a relief to hear that they regulate themselves pretty well but I'll make sure to check the tiel's weight and keelbone regularly to make sure they're not overeating.


For starter though, I'll go with itzjbean's suggestion of a tablespoon or two and then adjust from there on. I'd also like to not waste as much food as possible.
 
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munami

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bug_n_flock said:
What are you feeding/planning to feed?
Click to expand...
Currently the previous owner is feeding her a small amount of veggies and pellets but mainly seed.


Once the bird is comfy in her new enviroment, I'm gonna try to increase slowly the amount of veggies as chop and pellets, more veggies than pellets ofc and reserve seeds to small amounts or treats. I'm sure it's gonna be a hard and long process but who knows, maybe she'll take to it?

Twice a week a small bit of scrambled eggs. Then on special occasions I'm thinking of making some treats like birdie bread or something fun.



As for specific things, I'm buying Christine's Chop Shop chop mix since she's able to provide a much wider variety of veggies. She's also got some daily maintenance blend that includes a little of everything and sprouts.
That and hoping to switch the pellets to Roudybush or TOPs, I haven't decided yet since this is going to be further down the line.
 
bug_n_flock

bug_n_flock

Well-known member
Jan 2, 2018
1,371
207
Isolated Holler in the Appalachian Wilderness
Parrots
B&G Macaw, Galah, 5 cockatiels, 50 billion and a half budgies. We breed and do rescue. Too many to list each individual's name and age etc, but they are each individuals and loved dearly.
What sort of pellets? Sounds like you are off to a good start and have solid plans for improvement. :)
 
bug_n_flock

bug_n_flock

Well-known member
Jan 2, 2018
1,371
207
Isolated Holler in the Appalachian Wilderness
Parrots
B&G Macaw, Galah, 5 cockatiels, 50 billion and a half budgies. We breed and do rescue. Too many to list each individual's name and age etc, but they are each individuals and loved dearly.
My tiel goes nuts for plain mashed sweet potato. (Sorry for double post)
 
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munami

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Apr 13, 2019
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Ottawa, ON
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Luna // F // Whiteface Pearl Cockatiel
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bug_n_flock said:
What sort of pellets? Sounds like you are off to a good start and have solid plans for improvement. :)
Click to expand...
Thank you! I've been doing a lot of research and planning things out carefully so it makes me happy to hear you think so!


The two I was looking at are Roudybush Maintenance in crumble or mini and Totally Organic Small Pellets for Small Hookbills.


IF you have any suggestion, I'd be open as well!
 
bug_n_flock

bug_n_flock

Well-known member
Jan 2, 2018
1,371
207
Isolated Holler in the Appalachian Wilderness
Parrots
B&G Macaw, Galah, 5 cockatiels, 50 billion and a half budgies. We breed and do rescue. Too many to list each individual's name and age etc, but they are each individuals and loved dearly.
Alex does really well on Harrisons high potency superfine, but he is 17 years old and picky. A larger pellet size would be fine for tiels usually, but Alex just throws the larger ones around lol
 
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munami

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Ottawa, ON
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Luna // F // Whiteface Pearl Cockatiel
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bug_n_flock said:
Alex does really well on Harrisons high potency superfine, but he is 17 years old and picky. A larger pellet size would be fine for tiels usually, but Alex just throws the larger ones around lol
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the recommendation. I'm definitely going to look into it and weigh all my options before I decide on any one!
 
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