New parrotlet mommy!

[Kschmelzle]

I just acquired my first parrotlets this Monday (3-18-13). I found them on craiglists and the poor things are in rough shape. It's not the ideal why to start being a parrotlet mommy but how could I leave them being mistreated? So, I paid the man. I know I have a tough road ahead!

However, we are making progress with trust! They will come out of their cage on their own and yesterday the male allowed to hold him. He climbed on my head and pecked at my hair for 30 min before nestling down and falling asleep.

My question is: how do I get them to eat healthy? All they have ever had is cocktail feed. They won't touch fruit or pellets. Their poor feathers look rough!

Thanks for the help!

 

[antoinette]

Welcome to the forum

 

[OOwl]

Hi, and welcome, both here and to parrot-hood. I have a special-needs parrotlet. There are many methods to convert a bird over to a healthy diet. Many of the tips are on multiple posts here, so you can do lots of reading, but the ones that worked best for my little birds (I also have two lovebirds) were to put the chunks of veggie and fruit on skewers. They treat it almost like a toy, pecking at it the way they would if it was something to destroy. Soon, they discover it tastes pretty good and will just eat it. Birdie bread, made with high Vitamin-A foods like squash and sweet potato baby food (the kind in small jars or homemade in food processor) are well received here, too. Peas and corn in a bowl seemed to be no problem and they would consume without disguise methods. As for pellets, I don't worry too much about the little birds and those. I DO sprinkle a few in with their seeds, and they do eat them, but not that many. I'm starting to think pellets are highly overrated, especially if the bird is on a balanced, healthy diet outside the seeds. Mine also really love wet greens (collards and kale are their fans). They roll around in them and then gobble holes in them. Your birds will convert to a healthier diet in no time. They're lucky they found you!

 

[BillsBirds]

Thank you for saving these precious little angels. With your love & care they will come around. Try various foods, & methods. My parrotlets each like different veggies, and always have a bowl of seeds & a bowl of pellets available. And everyday get different veggies & fruits. From the healthfood store, they get flax, hemp & chia seeds mixed in with the veg. Good luck with your new babies!

 

[wenz2712]

and welcome

 

[Jtbirds]

Hello and welcome to the forums

 

[tundra11]

Lots of people have their birds with them while they are eating. This way they are curious to see what you are eating. If you are going to give your parrotlets something make sure it is safe for them.

When my mom and I had parrotlets we gave them :corn nibblets, peas, leafy greens, and apples with no seeds.

This website will give you the scoop on pellets.

Pellets & Mutations

 

[blackhawk007]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[abirdtoy]

Welcome to the forum! I'm sorry I don't have advice for you, but I just wanted to thank you for getting the little guys out of that situation. So many times I hear of stories like this and it's so sad because most of the time, love and patience is all that's needed to give them the life they deserve.

 

[aliray]

Welcome to the forum and have fun with your new babies