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Post by biteybird on Dec 19, 2015 15:01:07 GMT -5
As I mentioned in another thread, Bonnie has a new habit that began a few months ago. She carries her pellets to the water bowl and drops them in, one by one. After someone (Julianna?) suggested she might like them soft/soaked, yesterday I mixed a small amount of water in with them - hey presto, yesterday the pellet dropping was reduced a lot. She did, however, do some frantic dropping after being put in the cage (her way of protesting, perhaps).
Are there any techniques I should know about? Warm or cold water? How much? Yesterday I put in just enough so the pellets were softish & just swished them around in the food bowl with my finger.
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Post by cnyguy on Dec 19, 2015 22:57:01 GMT -5
I use a small glass-- shot glass size-- to soak a few pellets for Ralph every day. I put in some pellets and add enough water to cover them, then let them soak for half an hour or so. I use the bottled spring water I buy for Ralph to drink, which is kept at room temperature. Of course, each parrot has his/her individual preferences, but it might be a good starting point for Bonnie's soaked pellets.
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Post by biteybird on Dec 20, 2015 2:11:56 GMT -5
Thanks, Gary! When I checked her water bowl this morning, I realized that she actually hadn't dropped ANY pellets in there (she must have been just sipping water), then the same after today. So it seems as though it's already working. Tomorrow I'll try soaking them for 30mins like you do. We're lucky here in Melbourne, as our tap water is really good quality.
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Post by julianna on Dec 20, 2015 13:34:24 GMT -5
You can also try soaking them in unsweetened apple juice. That is one Oscar loves.
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Post by cnyguy on Dec 20, 2015 20:32:48 GMT -5
You're welcome!  That system worked like a charm with Ralph, who seldom drops anything in his water dish any more, except the occasional cracker or piece of toast-- but never any pellets. And he loves the softened pellets. The juice is indeed a good way to soften pellets too-- and may work better than water with parrots that are not as eager to eat their pellets. |
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Post by bruce on Dec 28, 2015 23:26:46 GMT -5
Cynguy, I wonder about whether I am doing ok with Chuckie's water. I have a deep well, and all the water runs through a whole house filter. Then I run any water for drinking or ice through a countertop filter. I figure that water I can tolerate should be OK for him. Is the two step filtration sufficient for his health? Thanks for any advice.
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Post by cnyguy on Dec 29, 2015 20:39:54 GMT -5
I would expect that the filtration system you're using should make for good water quality, so the water ought to be fine for Chuckie. I use bottled spring water since I don't have a water filter. It would be nice if my apartment complex would invest in a large capacity filter for the whole building, but I'm not holding my breath until that happens.
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Post by obironkenobi on Dec 29, 2015 21:44:16 GMT -5
Dunking has been going on since the dawn of pellets I suspect.
My only concern is spoilage. Pellets can last a few days in the bowl when dry. Once you soak them it makes it way easier for bacteria to grow. I wouldn't leave soaked pellets available for more then a few of hours.
Personally I prefer changing soupy water.
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Post by biteybird on Dec 30, 2015 0:43:40 GMT -5
I just reverted back to soaking Bonnie's pellets in water again, which she seems to prefer to apple juice. I hadn't thought about the bacteria thing...Bonnie seems to be happy picking at the pellets on and off throughout the day. Now I wonder if I should put half the quantity in, then a new batch later in the day(?). At the moment that would be feasible, but when I go to work I might leave them dry again, because I would leave at 7:20am and not get home until 5pm. It's food for thought!
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Post by obironkenobi on Dec 30, 2015 21:59:08 GMT -5
Your call. I guess its the same either way, soupy water or soggy pellets. Just be aware you can't leave either for long periods. You can always experiment with a drip style water feeder. I found they just clogged up with pellet shrapnel and free-flowed all the water out. Maya may just be exceptionally sloppy though.
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That system worked like a charm with Ralph, who seldom drops anything in his water dish any more, except the occasional cracker or piece of toast-- but never any pellets. And he loves the softened pellets.
