How do I get my parrot to eat pellets? It is not difficult when the parrot is not spoilt. Because a pampered parrot knows that it can manipulate its owner to get a tastier morsel.
Why pellets are the best food for parrots is discussed here. A complete parrot diet consists of 70-100% high quality pellets; the rest is vegetables, fruit, seeds and nuts. Eclectic parrots are an exception, where the diet should consist of 50% vegetables and fruit rich in vitamin A and only the rest can be OMEGA pellets. Also, due to their different anatomy, lories and lorikeets feed mainly on fruit and a special LORI NECTAR, LORI GEL or LORI DIET.
It is easiest to accustom the chicks to the new food. But it is certainly possible to accustom all parrots to pellets. Some get used to it easily, while others take several months, the main thing is not to give up too early.
What can I do to get my parrot to eat pellets?
1.Remember that as long as the parrot has seeds in the bowl, it will not touch the pellets. Nuts and seeds are like candy for children. Therefore, gradually reduce the amount of seeds given. In the morning (when the parrot is most hungry) give only pellets. And only in the afternoon or evening offer seeds. Gradually reduce the amount of seeds until finally the seeds and nuts are used only for dressage and as a treat.
2. For small parrots: remove all toys, sticks and bowls from the cage and spread white leaves and pellets on the cage floor. The parrot will have nothing to do and will start playing with the pellets by taking them with its beak. The same can be done by placing a mirror on the floor and scattering pellets on it.
3. If you have a parrot that is already eating pellets, keep both cages side by side or both parrots in one cage. Parrots learn quickly from each other.
4. Some parrots like to eat what their owner eats. Pretend to eat pellets and offer them to the parrot.
5. Place several bowls of pellets in the cage, not just one, in different placesaxis. Place one jar near your favourite anvil.
Do not lower your hands too early. It usually takes a few weeks for a parrot to try the pellets, then a few more before it starts eating them regularly.
By feeding a balanced diet, parrots will not only avoid most diseases but also have beautiful, bright feathers. Many people find that when they switch to pellets, parrots suddenly start to feed very well. This is natural, because with an unbalanced diet, the body slows down the feeding process because it does not have enough resources to grow feathers.
Which pellets to start with?
If you’re not sure which pellets to start with, the table below can help guide you. Simply match up the type of pellet with the type of parrot you have, and you’ll be on your way to happy, healthy bird.
Pellet Type Parrot Type
1. Basic Pellets – Any type of parrot
2. Seed and Fruit Mixes – Any type of parrot
3. Gourmet Pellets – Any type of parrot except those with special dietary needs (such as African Greys)
4. Baby bird pellets – For baby birds only! Not to be given to adult birds.
5. Specialist pellets – Only to be given to specific types of parrots with special dietary requirements, such as African Greys or cockatiels with diabetes. Speak to your vet before giving these to your bird.