Is it worth it? (Feeder question)

[GoriAuntie]

Is it worth it to get a mess free feeder? I have 5 GCC's and after several years of accepting their proclivity to spreading their food as if they are trying to plant a garden all over the room, I am questioning this. Is a special feeder worth while? I generally just use small ceramic cereal bowls for pellets, seeds, chop so I can clean them easy. Is a no mess feeder worth getting or easy to clean? Would they just take a beak-full and walk around eating like they do now?

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I have tried many types of mess free feeders and none were really mess free. My birds are determined to throw their food everywhere.
You should post a picture of the feeder you have in mind and people will give their opinions.

 

[rheashard2]

I understand what you are going through. Have you looked at this type? This model is my back up. #1 is around 19 years old. I'm more worried about dropping damage over chewing. My CAG isn't a chewer. So unit is safe that way. My CAG was deliberately throwing pellets around as dog bait. I was worried about a dog getting their tongue bitten. There are other models out there. #1's perch is removable. Easy to clean. Take to kitchen sink. A craft stick to loosen poo. Squeeze a bit of soap and use sink spray nozzle to hose clean. I use water to touch. Wipe dry with a paper towel. Maybe 15 minutes start to finish. That's excluding removal and replacement. Sometimes my CAG insists on help so that part can make total time longer. Yes unit is expensive. By the way. My CAG refuses to be routine. She steps on perch, grabs a pellet and perches on edge tail feahers in. So pellet crumbles can be a problem. But I can live with that easier. It took awhile to find in cage placement for unit. Hopefully this will help give you ideas. This is my backup. The perch isn't removable and is slightly to narrow for a CAG.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

These kinds of hang on clear feeders have been the best "no mess" options I've tried. I currently use three small sized (about 6 inches square) ones on three of my budgie cages. Not completely mess proof because my female budgies tend to use their feet to kick seed out of any feeder I give them, but this design tends to hold the seed inside better. I would definitely invest in one of them. Get the largest size they make. Check the measurements instead of relying on ad pictures showing birds using them. Those pictures are made by AI and the scale is usually way off.

Right now I'm in the process of building melamine "boxes" to set the cages in so any food that's kicked or tossed out lands in the box instead of on the floor. Picture a 24 inch square cage set on a 36 inch square piece of melamine box with 6 inch high perimeter walls. Hopefully anything that gets kicked or tossed lands in the box where it can easily be vacuumed up- NOT on the floor.

 

[wrench13]

If Salty was a messy eater I'd try that. But he's a very neat eater.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Salty isn't doing his job! He's supposed to disperse seeds and nuts everywhere when he eats to help plants to spread and grow!

 

[rheashard2]

Does Salty at least throw his food dish on the floor? Without or without food? I thought doing that was the mark of a true parrot!

 

[Geslina]

Is it worth it to get a mess free feeder? I have 5 GCC's and after several years of accepting their proclivity to spreading their food as if they are trying to plant a garden all over the room, I am questioning this. Is a special feeder worth while? I generally just use small ceramic cereal bowls for pellets, seeds, chop so I can clean them easy. Is a no mess feeder worth getting or easy to clean? Would they just take a beak-full and walk around eating like they do now?

I think being a messy eater is just part of being a bird, and cleaning up after them is just part of being a bird owner.

 

[GoriAuntie]

Thanks to all who replied. I tried one, I paid too much and have found this: day 1, I don't see much of a difference, will it be less of a mess? Likely not. My flying piggies think I am an excellent place to perch while eating so I don't know why I thought it would change anything. Honestly, I just wanted the amazing fix that it was for my quail (different feeder setup obviously). My conclusion for anyone who might read this wondering the same question, not worth it, save your money.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I think it depends on the bird. I have budgies (females) that dig and kick the food out of whatever feeding gizmo I buy for them. They wven empty tube feeders onto the cage floor! Think of what you spent for that one and multiply times at least 20 for what I've spent trying to control the mess and waste.
My male budgies never do this so I think it's a nesting instinct.

 

[rheashard2]

I think it depends on the bird. I have budgies (females) that dig and kick the food out of whatever feeding gizmo I buy for them. They wven empty tube feeders onto the cage floor! Think of what you spent for that one and multiply times at least 20 for what I've spent trying to control the mess and waste.
My male budgies never do this so I think it's a nesting instinct.

Sadly so true. Personality makes a difference. I purchased mine because my CAG would eat then do what ever was necessary to throw food dish on cage bottom. I used a slow feed for my dog to stop him swallowing food whole. It worked great. He's now a dainty eater for a dog. My daughter's dog didn't just swallow her food whole. She inhaled with choking, wheezing results. My daughter went through a variety of slow feeders. Results varied from turning dish over to simply destroying it.