Amount of Food

[MustLoveAnimals]

How long do you think it would take for a medium sized parrot to get through a 20 pound bag of pellets? Is it different for each individual bird?
I'm trying to find out which size bag I should buy.

 

[getwozzy]

I would start out with the smallest quantities until you figure out which kind he likes- you might kick yourself for buying 20 lbs of something he won't even eat [emoji51]

 

[MustLoveAnimals]

I would start out with the smallest quantities until you figure out which kind he likes- you might kick yourself for buying 20 lbs of something he won't even eat [emoji51]

That makes sense. I'll start with a five pound bag of different kinds.

 

[EAI]

i think you also have the option of asking for samples through each company your'e thinking of using. I haven't done that but I might in order to correct Gizmo's diet a bit faster.

 

[MustLoveAnimals]

i think you also have the option of asking for samples through each company your'e thinking of using. I haven't done that but I might in order to correct Gizmo's diet a bit faster.

Even online? That would be much simpler!
Thank you!

 

[RavensGryf]

The 20 lb bags are usually what breeders or people with lots of birds buy Once a bag is opened it has a shelf life (especially the organic ones). By the time one bird eats 20 lbs, it will be quite stale :02:.

Once you find a brand that he loves, if you're finding that 5 lbs takes a while to use, you can store it in your freezer if you have room, and that will extend the life of the nutrients

 

[EAI]

It might even be free! But I honestly don't know, I'll be giving a few companies an email if I can tonight.

 

[4dugnlee]

I emailed Harrisons, Lafeber, Zupreem and Roudybush for samples. I got samples from Roudybush (2 - 8oz bags, different sizes) and an email back from Zupreem saying they offer money back guarantee. Haven't heard back from the other 2 yet. Maybe I will call them. Anyway, I agree that you should buy smaller quantity to see if your baby will eat it. I have quite a bit that mine don't really like, because I bought 10 lbs....and that is with 3 birds.

 

[APR]

One other thing to consider is VARIETY. Birds who get fed the same pellet day after day become bored with it, jus as we would. We feed our birds a variety of pellets as a staple, then add fresh fruits, veggies and nuts in the shell as an additional treat. We find that some birds will selectively pick out one color of the "fruity" colored pellets, and just wont eat them. Using Roudy Bush, ZuPreem or Harrisons uncolored pellets removes the desire to pick out certain ones but still offers a tasty variety.

I also agree that buying in smaller quantity will help keep food fresh, but it does get a bit more expensive if you compare ounces per dollar spent. Once you find a good selection of pellets that they will eat, you can increase the quantity to save money, just be sure to keep the container sealed tightly, or as others have mentioned, place in the freezer to extend the shelf life.

Art - Alabama Parrot Rescue
APR Home

 

[MustLoveAnimals]

The 20 lb bags are usually what breeders or people with lots of birds buy Once a bag is opened it has a shelf life (especially the organic ones). By the time one bird eats 20 lbs, it will be quite stale :02:.

Once you find a brand that he loves, if you're finding that 5 lbs takes a while to use, you can store it in your freezer if you have room, and that will extend the life of the nutrients

Ahh, I see. So it would most likely last a long time for a single bird.
I store my 'Tiel's food in the freezer, so it won't be a problem. Thank you!

 

[MustLoveAnimals]

One other thing to consider is VARIETY. Birds who get fed the same pellet day after day become bored with it, jus as we would. We feed our birds a variety of pellets as a staple, then add fresh fruits, veggies and nuts in the shell as an additional treat. We find that some birds will selectively pick out one color of the "fruity" colored pellets, and just wont eat them. Using Roudy Bush, ZuPreem or Harrisons uncolored pellets removes the desire to pick out certain ones but still offers a tasty variety.

I also agree that buying in smaller quantity will help keep food fresh, but it does get a bit more expensive if you compare ounces per dollar spent. Once you find a good selection of pellets that they will eat, you can increase the quantity to save money, just be sure to keep the container sealed tightly, or as others have mentioned, place in the freezer to extend the shelf life.

Art - Alabama Parrot Rescue
APR Home

Yes, I plan on feeding a couple different staple foods. I have three different mixes for my Cockatiel, not including daily fruits and veggies.