not eating new pellets

[African_charlie]

so i got new pellets for my african grey charlie and
he really dosnt like it .
i really dont want to throw them away because it is a massive box which was expensive and a waste

 

[ChristaNL]

Oh just keep trying...

sometimes it takes months or even years for them to try or eat anything new.

Japie has been here for 3 1/2/ years of so (could be 4 1/2, I forget) and still does not eat bananaas.
(Just an example, I suspect he would live quite happily on just pellets given the chance.)
Only once in a while he will lick at one or even have a few molecules for taste and texture - while 2 feet away from him Appie is busy stuffing herself -> so he has a great example there.
(Sunny wil join in the "give me more banana"-chorus.)
Japie still sticks to his "bananaas will kill you"-attitude.
He gets offerend a try/ bite every time bananaas are on the menu- but "no".

He also really distrusted millet ...till he saw 'the other parrot' happily munching away.
Now he hoovers it!


She hated pellets at first, but now has decided breakfast is not complete without them...


and if you grey really does not want to eat them...they make edible toys...
(even use them as babyshaker/ noise material etc.)
It always nice to have materials on hand that are in no way harmfull to the bird.


Japie has this game where he will take something from your fingers ...move a few bars, and then drop it to the floor (outside the cage) -> you are suppose to retrieve it for him and the cycle starts again...
He will find a new spot every turn, and repeat it 20+ times.
Trust me, pellets make great toys
.

 

[noodles123]

Mix them in with other pellets if you must (birds CAN starve if they are stubborn enough)
Keep presenting them..
Put them in a bowl and pretend to eat them where he can see you (may or may not work, but it's worth a shot---I held some Rowdy Bush in my mouth in a moment of desperation lol...

 

[GaleriaGila]

Here's what I did...

I'd also add... pellets can go stale/expired... maybe freeze what you're not using right away, maybe buy smaller quantities?

Good for you, for reaching out.

Harrison's Bird Foods

I feed Harrison's, supplemented by fresh healthy treats. My first, and later, my current avian vet recommended it. My bird loves the pellets now, but to get him converted, my avian vet suggested putting pellets out all day, and putting seeds (his old diet) out for two 15-minute periods a day. That would sustain him but leave him hungry enough to try new stuff. I presume the same technique could be used to get him to eat other healthy stuff, like fruits and vegetables! My guy was eating pellets in a couple of days, and now I can feed a good variety of other stuff, knowing he has the pellets as a basic. Pellets are out all day... fresh treats a few times a day. I also like Harrison's via mail because I never have to worry about out-of-date products.

 

[Scott]

What GaleriaGila posted!

Greys are famously stubborn and his spurning of a new pellet is not surprising. Might have to get creative and mix with other foods and slowly wean them away. I used the Harrison's conversion techniques religiously and had success with all 8 of my flock: Diet Conversion: Medium to Large Bird | Harrison's Bird Foods

 

[LeaKP]

Yes and yes! Greys are fantastic food critics!!! Yes to all of Gail’s advice. My grey has to be manipulated into trying anything new (i.e., tons of rewards around the new food).


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