Cockatiel weight loss

[j-l-s]

My Cockatiel is not eating seeds because he is an old bird (29 years old), my avian vet said
the seeds are to hard for him to eat. I have tried cracking the seeds but he really doesnt eat them.

Today he dropped 2 gm, he is now at 95.5gm ... :-(

His avian vet said try cinnamon oatmeal, he didnt like it … he also suggested ground cinnamon oatmeal on his seeds, he has been eating them … but

they must be getting more difficult for him to chew.

Ive been thinking about softened pellets, he used to eat Harrison’s pellets, hot sure about this ... how to get him to eat it …

Any thoughts on what I might feed my old buddy ?

Thanks

An old pick I like ...

 

[GuineaPigster]

Welcome!! He's a beautiful boy!!
How long has his food consumption been decreasing for?

 

[saroj12]

How about seeds that are soaked overnight? They are softer

 

[Maxsmom]

I like Saroj's suggestion. Crumbled pellets? Does he eat any fresh foods? Thinking peas or applesauce perhaps. Mashed food with softened seeds? Sorry just brainstorming. Congrats on 29 years.

 

[j-l-s]

I weigh him daily ... this session of weight loss started 9-1-13, he dropped below 90gms.
He has been doing OK, but recently he has been sleeping during the day more and eating noticeably less.

Guinea To answer your question, one week.

He just doesnt seem to want to eat ...

 

[GuineaPigster]

I weigh him daily ... this session of weight loss started 9-1-13, he dropped below 90gms.
He has been doing OK, but recently he has been sleeping during the day more and eating noticeably less.

To answer your question, one week.

Has your vet tested blood? He is very old and it's natural for them to slow down.

 

[j-l-s]

What about soaking pellets in a fruit juice ?

Any ideas on flavor and type ?

 

[vmashley03]

I've soaked Harrison's in organic apple juice (not from concentrate) and that went over very well!

 

[saroj12]

Does he like cooked grains or mashes? Like brown rice and lentils? Finely chopped veggies?

 

[j-l-s]

Has your vet tested blood? He is very old and it's natural for them to slow down.

Yes, his Avian Vet did, it showed a kidney was going bad, the vet gave Corkey about 6 months to one year to live, that was 4/11, over 2 years.

 

[j-l-s]

Does he like cooked grains or mashes? Like brown rice and lentils? Finely chopped veggies?

Not really ..

 

[Anne & Gang]

welcome and what a gorgeous old man he is. Did the vet tell you not to feed him seed? At this stage in the game, if he wants to eat seeds, then give him seeds..have you tried budgie seeds? They are a lot smaller..also you might try baby food. You can also try scrambled eggs. ( you can make one easily in the microwave..put one in a microwave dish..stir nuke for 20 seconds..stir again and nuke another 20 you must make sure it is cool first as the center will be very hot.. you might also consider putting a flat perch in his cage that will help to make him more comfy..you can buy them online or make one yourself..we made one for our handicapped finch...like this..out of plywood..about 4 inches wide and runs the length of the cage.

 

[GuineaPigster]

Yes, his Avian Vet did, it showed a kidney was going bad, the vet gave Corkey about 6 months to one year to live, that was 4/11, over 2 years.

Wowzers, Corkey is an amazing bird!! (You must be an amazing parront!) good going, Corkey!

I'd feed him whatever is delicious. As long as he isn't living on millet alone!! Also make sure he's not dehydrated.

 

[CeciliaZ]

What a beautiful boy and congrats on 29 years! I agree with Anne - let him have his seeds...also you can try moistening the pellets to soften them...also small seeds like GoldenFeast treat petite.

 

[petiteoiseau]

Get some whole grains like brown rice, oat groats, barley, wheat kernels, quinoa and cook them until they are beginning to get soft and mix them with corn, baby peas, cooked and finely diced carrots. I have a 20 year old with a split mandible so, although he can and does eat seeds, he simply cannot eat enough of them because it takes him a long time with his broken beak and he eats the gloop without a problem (he was emaciated when he came to me -he also had severe liver issues- and is now at a good weight).

 

[Bailey]

I don't think anyone else wants to say this but..he may also just be letting go. He's an old chap and you should be proud to have taken such great care of him to make it this far. I know that's a tough thought, but it would be easier on you If you looked at all possibilities. I agree with crushing the pellets and soaking the seed overnight though, and give him his favorite junk food. At this point, you want him to eat anything.

 

[Bushra]

He is so beautiful
I was thinking about baby food ?? maybe
or germinated grains ,, I hope he will stay healthy ^^

 

[sunnysmom]

What a handsome boy. 29 is amazing. I think everyone gave you good suggestions. You could also try making him birdie bread. Or my tiel really likes the Higgins Wordly Cuisine rice mixes.

 

[j-l-s]

I don't think anyone else wants to say this but..he may also just be letting go. He's an old chap and you should be proud to have taken such great care of him to make it this far. I know that's a tough thought, but it would be easier on you If you looked at all possibilities. I agree with crushing the pellets and soaking the seed overnight though, and give him his favorite junk food. At this point, you want him to eat anything.

Yes I have ... it very hard for me to think about letting go ...
the Vet said, I will know when its time to (take him to the vet for the last time)

 

[j-l-s]

thanks every one for your suggestions ...