Hi just introducing myself

[bkk_al]

Hi everyone just saying hello, I am Al and I have an african Grey my first parrot . I am hoping to get some insight and learn how to be the best parrot owner I can be to ensure my pet is well taken care of. Java is about 16 Weeks old and Im trying to get him to eat his pellets and food and he just seems to break it up into pieces.

Any advice or guidance on how to properly wean him would be greatly appreciated I have read many things online and there seems to be a great variance of how to correctly wean them.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to learning more from this forum.

 

[itzjbean]

Hello to you Al and to Java!

So am I correct in assuming you are still feeding him formula? Weaning time is a particularly tricky time for baby parrots and you will find on this forum many feel strongly that those without proper experience hand-feeding/weaning baby parrots should not take on this venture. It can be so tricky to get them to wean properly, while gaining weight and to help them learn the things that they need to learn.

I have only ever weaned cockatiel babies so I won't be able to be of much help as they had their parents/other clutchmates to help them understand how to eat, perch and play.

Perhaps eating some of the things you offer in front of your bird (essentially you could share a plate!) could help. Most fruits and veggies are great to give to parrots, pellets I know can be tricky. Some mash them up in warm water. You could also make 'bird bread' essentially a cornbread muffin mix, mixed with fruits and veggies they wouldn't normally eat. Most parrots go crazy for that stuff, mine do!

Again, welcome to you and Java!

 

[Flboy]

Hi and welcome! Almost missed you first time though!

 

[bkk_al]

Thank you, and yes I would have prefered to not have to hand feed him however, we got him from a breeder (who now I question their practices) who said oh it is normal and easy. The more I read the more I realized this was not true at all.

He is a good bird and plays and seems to enjoy being around my wife and I however this is all rather new and we just want to make sure and do our best to be good and responsible owners for him.

I have been giving him Exact formula, he has pellets, as well as some other fruity food we got from our exotic vet. He does seem to like to break open peanuts, sunflower seeds, and he seems to also like to chew corn as well as cooked carrots.

Again thank you for your reply I appreciate it and I hope you have a nice day.


Al

 

[Scott]

Welcome Al and Java, thanks for joining!

I don't have personal experience with weaning, perhaps a member with large parrot experience will post. You might consider creating a new and distinct thread in the Breeding/Raising Parrots forum for better advice. If you'd prefer, I can move this thread to that forum since weaning is a critical period. (please send me a PM if you desire)