Pellet Question

[Rapunzil]

I had my birds on seed, and decided to try pellets instead. They transitioned over very quickly.

However, I have noticed that they crap a lot more than they did on seed. Has anyone else experienced this and know why it happens?

[ac12]

My birds are primarily fed pellets; Zupreem for the zebras and LaFebers for the goudlians.
I did not notice that w the poop. Then again, most of the birds were/are raised on pellets from the beginning, so I don't have a comparison for eating seeds.

It might depend on which pellet you feed them. The Zupreem fruit pellet is colored and colors the poop, making the poop more visible that when they eat seeds.

Another thought, if the bird is not drinking enough water, the pellet might not be breaking down fast enough to be digested before it is pooped out.

As long as they are eating enough and healthy, I won't worry about the amount of poop.

BTW, what kind of birds?

[Rapunzil]

They are an assortment of finches and a lovebird. They both get the zupreme food in the appropriate size pellet for their breed.

I was concerned that if they are pooping more than normal perhaps they are not absorbing the nutrients from the food?

[ac12]

That is possible. The food might be going thru their system before they can digest it all. That is fine as long as they are eating enough to compensate so that their body absorbs enough. If they seem fit and not thin, you should be OK.

Feel the chest of the bird. If the breastbone sticks out, where there is little flesh on either side of the breastbone, then they are not eating enough.

[FeatherHarp]

You are lucky they eat pellets. I have tried to mix in some for my Finches and they won't touch the stuff.

I do bake birdie bread and hide them in there and I think they do accidentally eat some. And they are good about eating broccoli and carrots so that is better than just seeds at least.

[ac12]

Deborah
Converting bird can be a trying experience.
I used the method in the FIC. It works, but it can be a test of wills to see if you can outlast the bird. It seems that the bird knows that if it can hold out long enough they will get their seeds.
But you also have to be careful that you don't starve the bird when you do this.

For the birds that are hatched here, it is much easier as most of them are brought up on pellets. They go from an egg mix to miracle meal to pellets. I learned that if you give them a taste of seeds, it can be VERY hard to get them to eat pellets, so I don't even give them that opportunity.

[saffronfinch]

All my birds are on pellets and have been for at least over 2 years now. Sure it may cost a bit more, but less mess for me to clean up! It took me about 2 months to convert all my finches to pellets, but it was worth it. Although last month I was ready to switch back to seed, but managed to stop myself before I made that mistake. Since my birds have been doing great on pellet why switch them back? Just because seed is cheaper and more readily available in my current area it was not a good enough reason. I'll have to order my pellets online or pick up lots when I head back to Seattle.

[ac12]

Saffron
Thanks for reminding me. I need to order more Zupreem. I give the zebras the uncolored "natural" pellets. None of the local stores carry it, so I have to have PetFood Express special order it for me.

I give the gouldians LaFebers finch food. This I can get locally in the 5 pound tub.

I want to try the Roudybush pellets one of these days. But again I have to order it.

[saffronfinch]

I've never tried the LaFebers pellets, as they are not available in any pet stores near me. However I've tried the Rowdybush High Energy Breeder Pellets for my Gouldians and they absolutely loved it. I have ordered it online to try it out during the last breeding season. If I breed my finches again I'll be sure to order it again. Thank god for the internet, without it I would be unable to purchase most of my bird supplies.