Quaker diet - Just pellets, or a pellet and seed mix?

[HobanWash]

Hello!

I'm running into some confusion on pet bird diets. I've read that a seed only diet isn't good for them, which makes sense, but then whether or not a pellet only diet is good for then seems to be contended. Is just pellet OK? Or should there be a seed mix? And when I say pellet only, I mean as far as pre-packaged food. Right now I'm doing a seed/pellet/chop mix, but he doesn't seem to eat the chop very much.

When it comes to store bought food, are there brands to avoid? I'm staying away from things like sunflower seeds right now, because I want him to be eating well without being too picky.

 

[Kiwi's Dad]

This should help Feathered Food Court What your feeding sounds good Seed/Pellet/chop mix just make sure not to feed too much seed. Let's wait for more people to respond

 

[ems08]

Quakers are among the species that are especially prone to being "perch potatoes", becoming over weight, and developing atherosclerosis. Because of this it's generally not recommended to freely feed a seed mix in addition to pellets. I feed Riley Zupreem Natural (it's what his breeder weaned him onto and he refuses Harrisons) and fresh food daily. He also gets safflower seeds, sunflower seeds, or little bits of almond daily but he doesn't have free access to them. If he did he would completely ignore his pellets, I'm sure! I only use seeds as rewards for good behavior and training. He does also get some nutriberries as foraging opportunities-- I usually hide them in toys, wrap them in paper, or otherwise make him work for them. Aside from health, the other challenge in feeding seeds freely is that you lose the ability seeds have to be so compelling when you're trying to train your bird!

I personally think the solid foundation of pellets, whatever brand you can get him to eat, is ideal when then supplemented with lots of enriching variety where you regulate the availability.

 

[Mizzely]

A varied diet is always best

For my quakers I always did at least 50% pellets, seeds and nuts in treat amounts (less than 10% of the diet, about 1/2 tsp a day), and the rest veggies with a bit of fruit.

 

[HobanWash]

Quakers are among the species that are especially prone to being "perch potatoes", becoming over weighti

Is that why so many of them look fat? I know a lot of times they're just fluffed out, but I swear sometimes they just LOOK chunky.

 

[HobanWash]

A varied diet is always best

For my quakers I always did at least 50% pellets, seeds and nuts in treat amounts (less than 10% of the diet, about 1/2 tsp a day), and the rest veggies with a bit of fruit.

Is there a way to get him to eat more of the fruits and veg? Or are there certain things that are liked by most quakers, like general favorites?

 

[Mizzely]

Is there a way to get him to eat more of the fruits and veg? Or are there certain things that are liked by most quakers, like general favorites?

Time, mostly! Birds are naturally scared of new things.

Some tips:

Converting Parrots to a Healthier Diet - Tips

A healthy parrot starts with a healthy diet. Although the perfect diet is controversial, many parrot enthusiasts and experts agree on one thing; a seed only diet is a diet that is lacking in essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that adding fresh foods and pellets to a...

forums.avianavenue.com

My Chop "Recipe" (tips nearer the bottom)

Journal - Should zoo foods be chopped (macaws)

Thought this was interesting (emphasis below is my own)... Abstract Globally, many zoological collections provide their animals with diets that are chopped into small chunks, yet there is limited empirical research to measure the benefits of this practice. Preparing chopped diets takes...

forums.avianavenue.com

 

[HobanWash]

Time, mostly! Birds are naturally scared of new things.

Some tips:

Converting Parrots to a Healthier Diet - Tips

A healthy parrot starts with a healthy diet. Although the perfect diet is controversial, many parrot enthusiasts and experts agree on one thing; a seed only diet is a diet that is lacking in essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that adding fresh foods and pellets to a...

forums.avianavenue.com

My Chop "Recipe" (tips nearer the bottom)

Journal - Should zoo foods be chopped (macaws)

Thought this was interesting (emphasis below is my own)... Abstract Globally, many zoological collections provide their animals with diets that are chopped into small chunks, yet there is limited empirical research to measure the benefits of this practice. Preparing chopped diets takes...

forums.avianavenue.com

Thanks!!

 

[Pixiebeak]

Hmmm...mine are not perch potatoes or prone to being fat. But they are full flighted out of cage all day and are part of a flock.

I feed pellets, seed mix and lots of fresh veggies daily. While they are out they only have veggies and pellets. Seedmix only available in cage in evenings with separate pellets bowls available always.
Love their veggies

Quakers eating veggies- photo dump

Just some quakers enjoying their lettuce! I'm especially proud of Penny ! This was a 2 year journey to get her eating romaine lettuce! One of her favorites now! Pikachu enjoying her romaine, is Phoebe plotting something? Yep Little theif But I'm a proud momma that they take like its a...

forums.avianavenue.com