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Why Should I Feed My Pet Bird a Pelleted Diet?

Why feed my pet bird a pelleted diet?

Pelleted diets have been specially formulated to contain the
nutrients essential to keep birds healthy.

Unfortunately, even birds on a seemingly balanced diet of seed
and vegetables with some fruit miss out on some of the nutrients
they need.


Birds that are fed a seed only diet are especially prone to
problems and often have a shorter lifespan than can be expected
from a complete diet.


Seeds are deficient in a number of vitamins and minerals and
these can cause deficiencies in birds making them sick or can
predispose to other diseases. Some seeds are very high in fat,
which easily cause birds to become overweight, leading to joint
problems, tumours, and liver and kidney problems.


You may also notice your bird does not eat all of the seeds in
its bowl, some are regularly left behind, or it has favorites it
will eat first.


Pellets contain a fairly even mix of nutrients among the pellets,
and are even in taste and texture so the bird doesn't
unintentionally avoid the nutrients it needs


How to get your pet bird eating pellets

There are a number of methods to get your bird eating a pelleted
diet.

If you have a number of birds it is usually easier, as one will
usually convert over faster than the others and by doing so the
rest of the birds will be encouraged to eat the pellets.

It is very important when changing to a pelleted diet that your
bird does not lose weight. A very small amount of weight loss
(less than 10%) is acceptable in healthy birds, but any weight
loss is concerning in a sick bird. You can monitor your bird's
weight at home on a set of digital kitchen scales and its body
condition by feeling the amount of breast muscle either side of
the bird's keel. The muscle should feel even and rounded, not
triangular, sharp or sunken. If your bird seems to be losing
condition, it is essential to increase access to the seed and
discuss any problems with your vet.


Smaller birds are often more difficult to convert to seed, but it
can still be achieved; they often just need more time. Plan to
convert your bird over a month. Some will convert in just a few
days, but a period of adjustment is required by many birds.


5 Steps to changing to a pelleted diet

Step 1. Measure how much seed your bird is eating each day

Step 2. Measure out required amount of seed for one day for birds
larger than a cockatiel, two days for cockatiel size and smaller.

Step 3. On day 1, replace 1/10th of the seed with pellets, leave
out enough for 1 day (2 days for small parrots) and do not
replace until all food is eaten.

Step 4. Every three days, increase the amount of pellets compared
with seed by 1/I0th.

Step 5. Continue this until the bird is readily accepting pellets.


Tips and hints

Feed pellets in the same dish and the same location as seed
previously was


Vegetables and fruit should not be fed during conversion period,
add these to the diet later


Additionally, millet sprays and seed blocks should not be fed
during the conversion and only in limited quantities after the
bird is readily eating pellets


The younger the bird, the easier conversion tends to be

Seed can be restricted to 15 minutes morning and night in large
and overweight birds and pellets left in the cage at all times to
encourage feeding on the pellets


Pellet can be crushed or crumbled, and can even be moistened
Pellets can be fed ad lib in a separate dish to the seed/pellet mix


Pellets can be moistened and made into patties, with seed pressed
into them to help encourage feeding. Please remember, if your
bird is not eating, is losing weight, or
is looking sick, consult your veterinarian.

Changing to a pelleted diet should not be done in very ill, very
stressed birds, or birds that are moulting.

Specific diets are available for special conditions, please
consult your veterinarian on which is most suitable for your bird.

Breeding birds have special nutritional feeds, and breeder diets
are available.

Feeding Pet & Exotic Birds

Lake's Pelleted Bird Food ....  is specially formulated to provide optimal,
balanced nutrition for birds to help them live long, healthy lives.
These are highly-digestible formulas, which are made from only
the best ingredients.

Optimum nutrition helps give your bird vibrant natural looking feathers,
proper skeletal formation and alert attitude.

You will see the Lake's difference in all your birds, from babies to
adult and breeder birds. All parrots and companion birds from the
smallest parakeet to conures, cockatiels, african greys, amazons,
cockatoos and macaws benefit when on Lake's diets. Lake's is even
proven optimal for rehabing all parrots and even wild  backyard birds.


Compare Lake's avian formulas to other diets. Ask yourself if you're
paying for quality ingredients and not just a unique manufacturing
process or chicken feed?

* Balanced nutrition. No known supplements necessary. We do recommend the
addition of fruit and treats.


* A high quality base of wheat, corn, isolated soy protein, alfalfa,
kelp, sunflower (small %), soy oil, fish  solubles, and a
complex balance of vitamins & minerals.

* 100% edible!

* 80-85% digestible protein formulas!

* A truly "pelleted" (not expanded) manufacturing process.


* NO Ethoxyquin or artificial colors/flavorings/sweeteners!

Select The Lakes Ultimate Bird Food Picture
To view more about Each Pelleted Diets for Pet Birds




See Also:

Compare Lake's Pelleted Bird Food


Index of All Bird Care & Birdie Fun Stuff

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