help with new budgie

[JoT]

We have a new budgie in the family. I bought a budgie for my in-laws. They have had a few before but the last one passed away. I don't know much about budgie care and feeding. This is a 3mo old hand fed baby. When I got it they told me it was on pellet food and being a parrot owner I was thrilled. They have always fed seeds only to their other birds. Now I am wondering if that is the best food for budgies? Do they need grit? Should they be on seeds as well as pellets. I am afraid if we offer seed it will refuse pellets. Not sure what to do? Any help would be appreciated. Also it did not eat much today. It just came home this afternoon,I know it needs to adjust,when do I worry about the eating? Thanks

 

[Lori]

No they dont need grit...
is he seperate from the others?
I recomend quarenteen for 30-60 days. JMO
If he is on all pellet great if you want to give seeds as a treat thats fine.
some mix seed and pellet but you may find him going to all seed if you offer both.
Can you see if the others will eat the pellet.

 

[JoT]

Thanks for the reply.There are no other birds. It is the only pet in the household with my mother-in-law and father-in-law. I know they used to say birds needed grit but I thought that was old thinking until I read it on a website about budgies last night. I thought maybe budgies were different than my parrots. It also said that grit was now mixed in the seed and I was worried that I was wrong in telling her it wasn't necessary and to only use seed as a treat.

 

[VintageBird]

Seed is fine. Along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Look on Google for list of safe and toxic fruits and vegetables. Remember no to avocado and ice burg lettuce.

 

[VintageBird]

Thanks for the reply.There are no other birds. It is the only pet in the household with my mother-in-law and father-in-law. I know they used to say birds needed grit but I thought that was old thinking until I read it on a website about budgies last night. I thought maybe budgies were different than my parrots. It also said that grit was now mixed in the seed and I was worried that I was wrong in telling her it wasn't necessary and to only use seed as a treat.

No GRIT! A little won't hurt, but they get little amount from cuttlebone, so it;s already taken care of. Seed, cuttlebone, water, and fresh fruit and vegetables is all you need to feed it. They are the same as other parrots. They are hook bills.

 

[zarafia]

Remember that not every bird knows how to eat pellets. Be sure they don't starve him trying to convert him to pellets.
One thing that budgies do need that is different from other parrots is iodine. I think they still make calcium blocks that have iodine added for budgies.
Good luck. A handfed baby budgie can be a great little pet.

 

[TexDot33]

Seed is fine. Along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Look on Google for list of safe and toxic fruits and vegetables. Remember no to avocado and ice burg lettuce.

No GRIT! A little won't hurt, but they get little amount from cuttlebone, so it;s already taken care of. Seed, cuttlebone, water, and fresh fruit and vegetables is all you need to feed it. They are the same as other parrots. They are hook bills.

See, now why can't you give more advice like this AND PLAY NICELY? If you could do both you could stay around here ... sometimes you frustrate me and I want to shake you, you are a good person, you just don't know when to stop!