New bird, doesn't eat much | Quaker Parrot Forum

ponyrider
Hatchling

Posts: 6

New bird, doesn't eat much Jan 23, 2016 20:08:58 GMT -5

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Post by ponyrider on Jan 23, 2016 20:08:58 GMT -5

Hi,
I've had my Quaker for a week now and she isn't a voracious eater. I do see her eat but not a lot and not often. I have pellets and seeds in her cage which are what she was eating before I got her. I've never seen her eat the pellets and I'd like to see her eat them more than the seeds. Any tips on how I can encourage her to eat? If I have her out of the cage, she will nibble at fruits from my hand but doesn't eat them from her bowl in the cage. I know she is still adjusting to us and our home but I'm concerned she isn't getting what she needs.

Caseysmom
Top Bird/Chief Slave

Posts: 811

New bird, doesn't eat much Jan 23, 2016 20:24:24 GMT -5

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Post by Caseysmom on Jan 23, 2016 20:24:24 GMT -5

Hi, Casey only gets a tablespoon of pellets each day, plus at mealtimes she gets fresh food on top of her cage. Do you have your pellet dish near a perch your little gal likes to use? Was she hand fed? Maybe she would benefit from you making her a mash to feed her with. You could soften her pellets, or you could make some plain oatmeal mixed with some veggies. She is just getting used to everything I guess. Hopefully others will come along with more ideas.

Casey

cnyguy
Senior Forum Manager

Posts: 2,144

New bird, doesn't eat much Jan 23, 2016 20:36:56 GMT -5 julianna likes this

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Post by cnyguy on Jan 23, 2016 20:36:56 GMT -5

Soaking the pellets to soften them often works well with parrots that are reluctant to eat the dry ones. They can be soaked in water or unsweetened fruit juice. Though he eats dry pellets, Ralph likes softened ones a lot and gets some every day. I use bottled spring water to soften them, since our tap water is heavily chlorinated, but if your tap water is good, or is filtered, you could use it. You might also want to try some different brands and types of pellets to see if there's one your QP would like better. If you ask here which pellets the Forum members' parrots like best, you'll get a variety of answers. Try introducing some fresh foods too-- vegetables and some fruits. Most vegetables can be served either raw or cooked. Fresh green peas are Ralph's favorite. You will probably have to experiment a lot with fresh foods too, and be prepared to throw out lots of uneaten food. It usually takes a while for a parrot to accept new foods. Sometimes it helps to eat some yourself to show your parrot how delicious they are.