Thoughts on bird tricks pellets?

[parrotluvr]

Hello,so I don't have a bird yet, but I'm currently browsing pellets for my new bird(coming soon!), I've been watching BirdTricks on youtube for a long time now and found out they were selling their own pellets! I was wondering if anyone on here had bought them for their bird and if they had liked them, and aswell if they are worth buying! Thanks!

 

[Jayced!!]

TBH the common consensus is that unfortunately the BirdTricks Pellets are just repackaged TOPs. People have mixed opinions on TOPs, but personally I like them and think that they're a good choice for birds that have health issues and need a super healthy diet. Rowdybush are also known to be very good pellets, and with that it seems to be mostly just what the bird will actually eat. Mine usually take better to Rowdybush over TOPs but several still get TOPs!

 

[Emma&pico]

@Mizzely sure I’ve seen you had a lot of information on this

 

[parrotluvr]

TBH the common consensus is that unfortunately the BirdTricks Pellets are just repackaged TOPs. People have mixed opinions on TOPs, but personally I like them and think that they're a good choice for birds that have health issues and need a super healthy diet. Rowdybush are also known to be very good pellets, and with that it seems to be mostly just what the bird will actually eat. Mine usually take better to Rowdybush over TOPs but several still get TOPs!

hm that's good to know ty!

 

[Mizzely]

They are just repackaged TOPS.

They aren't the right choice for every bird. They have very low amounts of Vitamin D3 so are better suited for a bird getting that in other ways - natural unfiltered sunlight (not through a glass window), separate vitamin supplement, etc. There are not many good vegetarian sources of D3; basically alfalfa and some fungi.

They are also not super appetizing to a lot of birds, so getting them to eat it is sometimes difficult.

They aren't a good fit for my birds but they could be for yours! But don't fall for the crappy marketing that vilify ingredients like corn. Many of the oldest pellet brands that keep Avian nutritionists on staff have corn in them. I would much rather my birds eat corn based pellets than an all seed mix!

 

[parrotluvr]

They are just repackaged TOPS.

They aren't the right choice for every bird. They have very low amounts of Vitamin D3 so are better suited for a bird getting that in other ways - natural unfiltered sunlight (not through a glass window), separate vitamin supplement, etc. There are not many good vegetarian sources of D3; basically alfalfa and some fungi.

They are also not super appetizing to a lot of birds, so getting them to eat it is sometimes difficult.

They aren't a good fit for my birds but they could be for yours! But don't fall for the crappy marketing that vilify ingredients like corn. Many of the oldest pellet brands that keep Avian nutritionists on staff have corn in them. I would much rather my birds eat corn based pellets than an all seed mix!

Thanks! That's extremely helpful!

 

[rocky'smom]

I don't use them, because of the fact of who selling them as their own concoction. Birdtricks is out for your money and not for the birds. Big hype and a lot of mumbo jumbo.

 

[parrotluvr]

I don't use them, because of the fact of who selling them as their own concoction. Birdtricks is out for your money and not for the birds. Big hype and a lot of mumbo jumbo.

oh ok thanks!

 

[Respect]

I agree with what others have said. BirdTricks is the same as TOPs, just more expensive. TOPs is a good option as long as your bird will eat them and will get the necessary vitamins and minerals elsewhere in their diet and/or lifestyle.

Roudybush and Harrison’s pellets are seen as some of the best, but some birds may not find them appetizing. Roudybush sells a half-pound pouch and Harrison’s a sample kit so that you may see if your bird will eat them at all.

When it comes to pickier birds who prefer a sweetened or fruity pellet, I’ve heard good things about Zupreem’s lineup of pellets and Higgin’s InTune.

Find out what your bird is already eating, and slowly try adding new things from there. Some birds are so picky they will starve themselves if they do not have access to their favorite food

Having a scale on hand can help you monitor for and avoid weight loss while you are transitioning their diet.

Hopefully this helps, good luck with your new bird!

 

[parrotluvr]

I agree with what others have said. BirdTricks is the same as TOPs, just more expensive. TOPs is a good option as long as your bird will eat them and will get the necessary vitamins and minerals elsewhere in their diet and/or lifestyle.

Roudybush and Harrison’s pellets are seen as some of the best, but some birds may not find them appetizing. Roudybush sells a half-pound pouch and Harrison’s a sample kit so that you may see if your bird will eat them at all.

When it comes to pickier birds who prefer a sweetened or fruity pellet, I’ve heard good things about Zupreem’s lineup of pellets and Higgin’s InTune.

Find out what your bird is already eating, and slowly try adding new things from there. Some birds are so picky they will starve themselves if they do not have access to their favorite food

Having a scale on hand can help you monitor for and avoid weight loss while you are transitioning their diet.

Hopefully this helps, good luck with your new bird!

Thanks a bunch!!

 

[Peachfaced]

My flock of two turned their beaks up at TOPs, but were more than happy to chow down on Roudybush.

 

[Dartman]

The best pellets are the ones your bird will actually eat. My guys mostly eat versions of Zupreem fruity pellets and whatever else they steal or we treat them with. The Conures get mixed seeds and pellets and seem to be doing fine.

 

[choplady]

Personally I really like birdtricks. However, its cheaper to buy topps instead of birdtricks and its the same pellet. My girl will get pellets occasionally but im slowly phasing them out and am finding her hormones are kept in check better on a all chop diet.

 

[Emma&pico]

My flock of two turned their beaks up at TOPs, but were more than happy to chow down on Roudybush.

Same as mine I even tried putting tops in foraging toys with banana chips safflower seeds they wouldn’t touch any of it and that’s their favourite treats
I haven’t tried blu with them yet though

 

[ctea]

I have a friend who has a bird sanctuary. They (very many years ago) consulted with several avian vets, a nutritionist, a chemist, a dietian, a pharmacist and some other people, I forget all now. They came up with a human grade (not human nutrition, just grade) pellet, no preservatives, no colouring and not hard like a little stone. It requires a freezer as the shelf life is only about 3-4 weeks. The pellets are like little logs, not balls, and are able to be broken between your fingers. Every bird I have had since these were developed has loved them, and turned their beaks up at all the other pellets. I do have other pellets as when getting a new breeder (years ago) some would only eat certain brands. Because of this, and to use up extra pellets not really being eaten, and having some birds who would not touch a pellet with a 10" branch, I keep a container of pellet dust in the freezer and sprinkle it on their 'chop' or whatever they're having that day. (I grind them up in a coffee grinder) Solves two problems, getting rid of unwanted, getting to end of 'best before date pellets, and assures that even picky-ish eaters get some decent nutrition. I mix a vitamin/mineral powder in with the pellet powder too. If I have a bird who is 'fluffy' I make a small container for it, and include extra suppliments as needed. Usually this just means some extra nutrients or sometimes it just means a phone call with the vet, cheaper, easier, as I'm housebound and don't drive, and I keep extras of stuff in the freezer. I get them in 50 lb bags, and rebag them to keep in the freezer.

 

[Rebel]

I have a friend who has a bird sanctuary. They (very many years ago) consulted with several avian vets, a nutritionist, a chemist, a dietian, a pharmacist and some other people, I forget all now. They came up with a human grade (not human nutrition, just grade) pellet, no preservatives, no colouring and not hard like a little stone. It requires a freezer as the shelf life is only about 3-4 weeks. The pellets are like little logs, not balls, and are able to be broken between your fingers. Every bird I have had since these were developed has loved them, and turned their beaks up at all the other pellets. I do have other pellets as when getting a new breeder (years ago) some would only eat certain brands. Because of this, and to use up extra pellets not really being eaten, and having some birds who would not touch a pellet with a 10" branch, I keep a container of pellet dust in the freezer and sprinkle it on their 'chop' or whatever they're having that day. (I grind them up in a coffee grinder) Solves two problems, getting rid of unwanted, getting to end of 'best before date pellets, and assures that even picky-ish eaters get some decent nutrition. I mix a vitamin/mineral powder in with the pellet powder too. If I have a bird who is 'fluffy' I make a small container for it, and include extra suppliments as needed. Usually this just means some extra nutrients or sometimes it just means a phone call with the vet, cheaper, easier, as I'm housebound and don't drive, and I keep extras of stuff in the freezer. I get them in 50 lb bags, and rebag them to keep in the freezer.

What is the name of the human grade pellets ?