Need help

[bonita]

I have a very old Blue Crowned Conure. I have been feeding him assorted seed, fresh fruit. Now I understand I can do better by him. Please tell me several best options, exact brands, names.I also wanted to get another younger bird. Kept in a separate cage for a friend/companion. Thanks so much for your help. Buddy steps up lets you pet him, talks some and has never bit. I rescued him from a home where he was no longer wanted. Please direct me in what type of playmate/friend to get.

 

[bonita]

I forgot to mention I am on Social Security so I don't have a lot to spend on another bird. Thanks

 

[osklvste86]

Welcome. Please post a picture. There's lots of information here by experience here. Hopefully the more experience with your specific species can point you in the right feeding direction. I can say birds have their own personality. It can be love or hate at first sight. It can be love today and hate forever. I would definitely hesitate on getting a second bird until you get your feeding situation settled. Even then think carefully.

 

[onamom6]

Hi, @bonita! Most avian vets recommend a good pellet as the “base” of a parrot’s diet. Harrison’s, Tops, and Zupreme pellets are popular brands. You can get pellets sized to match your bird. My green check and black cap conures eat Harrison’s Adult Lifetime Fine. Please make sure you transition diet changes slowly over about a week or two. You want to give the bird time to adapt to the new food. Some take longer than others to start eating it.

You also want to make sure to offer fresh vegetables - many of us make our own mixes and call it “chop”. You can find many recipes here of the forums. I personally freeze mine in an ice cube tray and thaw the night before. I give each of my Conures one “cube” per day. They normally don’t finish it but do eat it.

Here are some links you may find helpful:

Thread 'Converting Parrots to a Healthier Diet - Tips'

Sep 27, 2012

A healthy parrot starts with a healthy diet. Although the perfect diet is controversial, many parrot enthusiasts and experts agree on one thing; a seed only diet is a diet that is lacking in essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that adding fresh foods and pellets to a parrots diet can not only increase their health but may also prolong their lifespan. A healthy diet can help aid a birds immune system in keeping illnesses away. Feeding a healthy diet and having your bird eat a healthy diet can be entirely two different things! So, how do you get a seed junky, perch...

• MonicaMc
• Replies: 76
• Forum: Parrot Food, Recipes and Diet

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Thread 'Chop Recipes Resource Thread'

Nov 8, 2021

Thanks to a wonderful suggestion by chris-md, we decided to create a resource thread for all the chop recipes posted by our members.
Each link will take you to a chop recipe or to tips that can make your chop more interesting for your birds. We think they will be easier to find if they are all listed here. We recommend that you also read through the replies as there is a lot of great advice & many times more recipes. Some recipes don't mention how to prepare beans, so we wanted to add this:

*All Beans need to be cooked to make them safe for your birds. We recommend:...

• Terry57
• Replies: 11
• Forum: Parrot Food, Recipes and Diet

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[Vampiric_Conure80]

Lots of good answers so far! I feed Tropican and, as seeds, a Tropican-based seed-pellet mix. I have 6 birds, and by far my stubbornest is the African Grey, LOL! My conures aren't fussy - I have 2 green cheeks and a peach front. It takes them a few days to learn to eat something new. If you act as an example and eat some of the food (or pretend to), they usually give it a try after a few tries. Good luck!

 

[osklvste86]

I agree. My CAG is a "How do I feel today eater" when it comes to chop. I literally have to eat some. I'm still having trouble getting her to accept chop completely after being sick. From the beginning she's been a Harrison bird. Her favorite is pepper.