Friday, November 18, 2005
Converting Birds from seed to Pellet - an owners story!
Dear Dr. Karen Lazas:
My husband and I had our cockatiel, Baby in to see a couple months ago. At that time it was recommended that we try to convert Baby to a pellet diet. Baby from the very beginning would eat a few pellets, but would not eat them in her cage or truly convert to the point that we felt it safe not to include seed, which obviously Baby preferred.
The purpose of this email is to tell you how we manage the conversion, that perhaps would help other people who are trying to do the same.
One day while eating corn flakes I noticed Baby's interest in them. I offered her one dry flake which she/he loved. I eat the healthiest low/no salt flakes I can purchase. From that day forward a flake was Baby's treat. We would offer her one or two a day. Each day we would work with her/him in attempts to convert to pellets.
I don't know if you will find this to be useful information. I know it worked for Baby.
While sitting with Baby and the pellets one day I got an idea. I took a corn flake crumbled it up as fine as I could and sprinkled that over Baby's pellets. Baby immediately chowed down on the pellets. We are now at the point where she prefers pellets over seeds and we no longer crumble a flake over the pellets. We did a little test yesterday with Baby, putting a small pile of pellets on the play pen and next to it a small pile of seed. She ignored the seed and ate nearly all of the pellets! That is now her preferred diet.
We also give her plenty of fresh veggies on a daily basis. Haven't found one yet that she doesn't like! Though I believe her favorites are broccoli and celery leaves...
..I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for taking such wonderful care of Baby. We are doing our best to do all that you suggested.
Sincerely,
Linda Preston-Urekew
Note: This is a client’s personal experience and not necessarily Drs. Vaughn and Lazas's advice. Please consult your veterinarian before converting your bird to pellets from seed.
Dear Dr. Karen Lazas:
My husband and I had our cockatiel, Baby in to see a couple months ago. At that time it was recommended that we try to convert Baby to a pellet diet. Baby from the very beginning would eat a few pellets, but would not eat them in her cage or truly convert to the point that we felt it safe not to include seed, which obviously Baby preferred.
The purpose of this email is to tell you how we manage the conversion, that perhaps would help other people who are trying to do the same.
One day while eating corn flakes I noticed Baby's interest in them. I offered her one dry flake which she/he loved. I eat the healthiest low/no salt flakes I can purchase. From that day forward a flake was Baby's treat. We would offer her one or two a day. Each day we would work with her/him in attempts to convert to pellets.
I don't know if you will find this to be useful information. I know it worked for Baby.
While sitting with Baby and the pellets one day I got an idea. I took a corn flake crumbled it up as fine as I could and sprinkled that over Baby's pellets. Baby immediately chowed down on the pellets. We are now at the point where she prefers pellets over seeds and we no longer crumble a flake over the pellets. We did a little test yesterday with Baby, putting a small pile of pellets on the play pen and next to it a small pile of seed. She ignored the seed and ate nearly all of the pellets! That is now her preferred diet.
We also give her plenty of fresh veggies on a daily basis. Haven't found one yet that she doesn't like! Though I believe her favorites are broccoli and celery leaves...
..I would like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for taking such wonderful care of Baby. We are doing our best to do all that you suggested.
Sincerely,
Linda Preston-Urekew
Note: This is a client’s personal experience and not necessarily Drs. Vaughn and Lazas's advice. Please consult your veterinarian before converting your bird to pellets from seed.
