| Odd Budgie Diet Choices... - CLICK HERE for the Pet Manual Forum Home Page |
| Troy & Vicky Jollimore |
Our three guys are pretty healthy, and still very young. We've got their
cage well-equipped with toys and things, and they get all the food (seeds,
treats, we'll be starting them on pellets soon) they want. They get to work
this all out because we give them free-flight around the house quite often,
with most of the dangerous stuff removed. They don't tend to go around areas
that are hazardous to them anyway. They tend to stay in their favourite
spots.
But they do two things that confuse me. First, is that they tend to be
obsessed with eating their poops. I know that this normally is a sign of a
bad diet, but theirs is fine. We clean up after them as best as we can, but
they almost seem to hunt for it. The second is that we use sandpaper lining
on the bottom of their cage. One or more of them tear it up and eat it when
we're not around. It hasn't seemed to harm them yet, but I can't fathom why
they want to do this. We've provided some grit for them as well...
They also like to chew the wood up around our window trim. The problem with
this is that I've gotten some tree branches for them of different types.
They're scared to death of all of them... (:
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| Joanne |
"Troy & Vicky Jollimore" <tjollimore@NoSpam.sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:Vhdte.49302$Ph4.1315254@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
> But they do two things that confuse me. First, is that they tend to be
> obsessed with eating their poops. I know that this normally is a sign of a
> bad diet, but theirs is fine. We clean up after them as best as we can,
> but
> they almost seem to hunt for it.
What is their diet? I'd give them a mineral block or cuttlefish bone and
remove the grit. Make sure their seed is of very high quality. I would not
buy it from the grocery store. I would also not buy it from an open bin in
a pet store for health reasons. I'd also clip fresh greens to their cage
and give them a variety of foods in a dish daily, even if they don't seem to
be eating it. They will in time. I like the "kabob skewers" (available in
many pet stores) for fresh food items. Change the assortment daily. My
birds think this is a toy they can eat and wreck. Also, budgies like millet
sprays (nice and fresh) clipped to their cage.
>The second is that we use sandpaper lining
> on the bottom of their cage. One or more of them tear it up and eat it
> when
> we're not around. It hasn't seemed to harm them yet, but I can't fathom
> why
> they want to do this. We've provided some grit for them as well...
Try newspaper (non glossy supplements - black and white) just to see if this
continues. I suspect it will. It's so much fun to tear up paper. Are you
sure they are eating it? I have my doubts.
> They also like to chew the wood up around our window trim. The problem
> with
> this is that I've gotten some tree branches for them of different types.
> They're scared to death of all of them... (:
If they are given the ability to fly around the house, you can expect they
will chew on things you don't want them to.
Personally, my birds who have cage-top privileges have their wings trimmed.
Birds who don't stay on or in their cages around here are not allowed the
open-door policy. Therefore, anything in or on their cage is okay to wreck.
If birds are afraid of something, only introduce a small amount initially.
A very small fresh branch (properly disinfected) can be placed in or on
their cage until they are comfortable with it. Next time, make it slightly
larger and place it in a more prominent spot.
Good luck.
--
Sincerely,
Joanne
If it's right for you, then it's right, . . . . . for you!!!
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| Troy & Vicky Jollimore |
> What is their diet? I'd give them a mineral block or cuttlefish bone and
> remove the grit. Make sure their seed is of very high quality. I would
not
We alternate between 'regular' seed mix, and high-quality stuff. Nothing
from bins, though. They do have a mineral block and a cuttlefish bone
already. I've tried the 'greens and veggies' in dishes before. They always
ignore them, even over time. They like millet sprays, which we use as a
treat, but they also don't 'go' after anything. It's hard to use treats as a
reward when they don't really care about them...
> Try newspaper (non glossy supplements - black and white) just to see if
this
> continues. I suspect it will. It's so much fun to tear up paper. Are
you
> sure they are eating it? I have my doubts.
Started with the newspaper, which they REALLY shredded. I think they are
eating it, since there's not much debris around. I also just caught one of
them eating paint off the wall (again). Thankfully, it's water-based.
> Personally, my birds who have cage-top privileges have their wings
trimmed.
> Birds who don't stay on or in their cages around here are not allowed the
> open-door policy. Therefore, anything in or on their cage is okay to
wreck.
I've seen birds with clipped wings. They always look so expectant that they
can fly that I wouldn't take it away from them for the sake of convenience.
We 'experimented' at first to see what they shredded. Then we replaced them
with plastic-covered ones or covered them with packing tape. The birds can't
get through the plastic, and quickly give up.
> If birds are afraid of something, only introduce a small amount initially.
> A very small fresh branch (properly disinfected) can be placed in or on
> their cage until they are comfortable with it. Next time, make it
slightly
> larger and place it in a more prominent spot.
Heh. Done. I fully expected them to take a few days, like they do with new
toys and such, but they absolutely refuse to have anything to do with them.
Odd. They took to their new cage in about 5 minutes, and refused to look at
the old one anymore...
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| Gloria Carr |
"Troy & Vicky Jollimore" <tjollimore@NoSpam.sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:Vhdte.49302$Ph4.1315254@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
> Our three guys are pretty healthy, and still very young. We've got their
> cage well-equipped with toys and things, and they get all the food (seeds,
> treats, we'll be starting them on pellets soon) they want. They get to
> work
> this all out because we give them free-flight around the house quite
> often,
> with most of the dangerous stuff removed. They don't tend to go around
> areas
> that are hazardous to them anyway. They tend to stay in their favourite
> spots.
>
> But they do two things that confuse me. First, is that they tend to be
> obsessed with eating their poops. I know that this normally is a sign of a
> bad diet, but theirs is fine. We clean up after them as best as we can,
> but
> they almost seem to hunt for it. The second is that we use sandpaper
> lining
> on the bottom of their cage. One or more of them tear it up and eat it
> when
> we're not around. It hasn't seemed to harm them yet, but I can't fathom
> why
> they want to do this. We've provided some grit for them as well...
>
> They also like to chew the wood up around our window trim. The problem
> with
> this is that I've gotten some tree branches for them of different types.
> They're scared to death of all of them... (:
Sounds like a choline deficancy to me. Are you feeding any cooked eggs? Eggs
are a good source of choline. I liked to try to feed my guys scrambled eggs
with crushed eggshell about once a week, or more if I have breeding birds.
I'd get rid of the sandpaper bottom and the grit. There really isn't any
point to either. Does your cage have a grate? While I don't normally like
grates as they can be a pain to clean, they are very good at keeping birds
from injesting their poop.
Gloria
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| ZQ |
Troy & Vicky Jollimore wrote:
> we give them free-flight around the house quite often,
> with most of the dangerous stuff removed.
At least you'll know It's your own damn fault if they end up killing
themselves because not all of the dangerous stuff was removed.
>
> But they do two things that confuse me.
Gee, that's hard to believe.
ZQ
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| Troy & Vicky Jollimore |
I suppose we should just take the safety labels off of some of your
household stuff and let nature take it's course with you, then... (:
"ZQ" <thebigtrinity@wontoofree.com> wrote in message
news:1119238971.102e04305fbe234d5adb571354a83fcc@teranews...
> Troy & Vicky Jollimore wrote:
> > we give them free-flight around the house quite often,
> > with most of the dangerous stuff removed.
>
> At least you'll know It's your own damn fault if they end up killing
> themselves because not all of the dangerous stuff was removed.
>
>
> >
> > But they do two things that confuse me.
>
> Gee, that's hard to believe.
>
> ZQ
>
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| Troy & Vicky Jollimore |
> Sounds like a choline deficancy to me. Are you feeding any cooked eggs?
Eggs
> are a good source of choline. I liked to try to feed my guys scrambled
eggs
> with crushed eggshell about once a week, or more if I have breeding birds.
Tried. They're always scared of it. And they don't usually eat their
droppings in the cage, they just seem to go looking for them when they're
out. Maybe hoping they won't have to go back to their cage for food then?
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| pianoharp |
"Troy & Vicky Jollimore" <tjollimore@NoSpam.sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:YD3ue.50748$Ph4.1380477@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
>> Sounds like a choline deficancy to me. Are you feeding any cooked eggs?
> Eggs
>> are a good source of choline. I liked to try to feed my guys scrambled
> eggs
>> with crushed eggshell about once a week, or more if I have breeding
>> birds.
>
> Tried. They're always scared of it. And they don't usually eat their
> droppings in the cage, they just seem to go looking for them when they're
> out. Maybe hoping they won't have to go back to their cage for food then?
>
>
I never saw that with birds, but when I had a lovebird I let out, I'd put an
ashtray type bowl on the table, one with food and one with water. She
rarely went to them, mostly wanted a free ride on a shoulder, but you may
want to. Just make sure they know about it. Put the bowl in the cage
first, full of food, then when you put it on the table or someplace safe,
they won't have to learn what it is.
Another thing, make sure it's different from any bowl you don't want them
getting into! I'm no expert, just stuff I did.
Dave
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| NanK |
Sometimes birds do this out of anxiety or boredom.
Have you tried:
1. A bigger cage!
2. More toys.
3. Toys to shred (the soft hanginging pulpy ones are terrific).
4. Mineral blocks and grit blocks for them to pick at.
5. Millet spray daily.
6. A change in cage location (near family)
7. CHEERIOS!
Change toys frequently. They will play with anything after a couple of
days. Make sure they have a lot of room. Too small a cage makes any
bird crazy!
n
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| Debby -- TBV |
After waking up from Jigglypuff's lullaby fully refreshed on Tue, 28
Jun 2005 14:31:12 GMT, NanK <anps@enter.net> wrote:
>Sometimes birds do this out of anxiety or boredom.
>
>Have you tried:
>
>1. A bigger cage!
>
>2. More toys.
>
>3. Toys to shred (the soft hanginging pulpy ones are terrific).
>
>4. Mineral blocks and grit blocks for them to pick at.
>
>5. Millet spray daily.
>
>6. A change in cage location (near family)
>
>7. CHEERIOS!
Cheerios...It's nothing but toasted oats...I never thought of
that...My little ones would love to play/eat those I bet...What do you
think about the honey nut cheerios???...
>
>Change toys frequently. They will play with anything after a couple of
>days. Make sure they have a lot of room. Too small a cage makes any
>bird crazy!
>
>n
Debby -- TBV
--
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| Troy & Vicky Jollimore |
"NanK" <anps@enter.net> wrote in message
news:Qadwe.1302$Q75.185790@newshog.newsread.com...
> Sometimes birds do this out of anxiety or boredom.
>
> Have you tried:
>
> 1. A bigger cage!
Yup. But they do this when they're free-flight in the apartment. Not
usually when they're in their cage.
> 2. More toys.
They have quite a selection now that we alternate. They prefer to play with
my wife's ornamental bells, and the jungle jim that is our fabric-covered
vertical blinds.
> 3. Toys to shred (the soft hanginging pulpy ones are terrific).
This I hadn't thought of. They did a good job of shredding a lampshade we
had, so now we left new ones covered in plastic. They can't get through it,
but they keep trying.
> 4. Mineral blocks and grit blocks for them to pick at.
Yup.
> 5. Millet spray daily.
No. I thought this was only supposed to be given once in awhile? Although
when we do, the birds rarely pay it any extra attention. They like it, but
they can take it or leave it.
> 6. A change in cage location (near family)
It's right in the most heavily travelled location in our apartment.
> 7. CHEERIOS!
*Chuckle* I gots 'em. I'll try 'em. (:
The other thing they keep going back to doing is chewing holes...in our
gyprock walls! This is impressive, but ultimately bad for them, I'd think.
They tend to be sneaky doing this, trying to do it in places where we don't
suspect them. They usually get 1 or 2 birds to be lookouts while the 3rd
goes to work. When we come to inspect them they all pop up with the most
innocent expressions...
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| NanK |
You guys can definitely use the toy that budgies can hollow out!! I'll
look for a web link for you. It looks a little like a 5" thick bamboo
stem piece with a hole in the center, and that pulpy material is inside
(obviously it's a plant of some sort...)
I do (I admit) give Honey Nut Cheerios now and then, but I worry about
the extra sugar. They really don't need it....sigh.
More when I find the link.
nan
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| NanK |
Update:
Well, this link is basically close, but not exactly the same product.
The "log" I'm referring to has two hooks for horizontal placement in the
cage and only one large hole on top. The budgies keep working at it
until it is completely hollow. This is a good substitute though and
PetCo carries them.
Cut and paste this link, or do a search for: bird kabob
nan
http://www.petco.com/product_info.a...=0107920093&tab
=4&dept_id=2091&c1=2062&c2=2091&c3=&ct1=Parakeet&ct2=Toys&ct3=
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| NanK |
It's dried yucca plant. Looking at other sites...
nan
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| Troy & Vicky Jollimore |
Thanks, Nan! I tried the Cheerios, and crushed up, only one bird really
liked them.
I'll try that toy, outside the cage probably since I just want to distract
them from the walls and things. I cut down a bunch of tree branches for this
purpose (hey! a perch they can chew on as well!) but they're petrified of
them for some reason...
"NanK" <anps@enter.net> wrote in message
news:X0Exe.1512$Q75.258037@newshog.newsread.com...
> You guys can definitely use the toy that budgies can hollow out!! I'll
> look for a web link for you. It looks a little like a 5" thick bamboo
> stem piece with a hole in the center, and that pulpy material is inside
> (obviously it's a plant of some sort...)
>
> I do (I admit) give Honey Nut Cheerios now and then, but I worry about
> the extra sugar. They really don't need it....sigh.
>
> More when I find the link.
>
> nan
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| NanK |
Troy & Vicky Jollimore wrote:
> Thanks, Nan! I tried the Cheerios, and crushed up, only one bird really
> liked them.
LOL!!! You crushed the Cheerios!!?? The fun of them is that they are
combination toy and treat!! Sometimes I string them on small pieces of
wire or on string with a little knot in the end. Anyway, you gave me a
good laugh this morning!
Your birds will get used to all the great branches you clipped very
quickly and that will be a real joy for them.
Have a great day!
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| Christopher C. Stacy |
"Troy & Vicky Jollimore" <tjollimore@NoSpam.sympatico.ca> writes:
> I'll try that toy, outside the cage probably since I just want to
> distract them from the walls and things. I cut down a bunch of tree
> branches for this purpose (hey! a perch they can chew on as well!)
> but they're petrified of them for some reason...
Maybe try playing with them outside the cage,
sometimes offering the branches as step-up perches,
and then after they've been on and off them a few
times, move them into the cage (with birdie aboard).
After that ride is over, attach inside the cage as a perch.
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| Troy & Vicky Jollimore |
Heh. The thing is, Nan. They wouldn't go *near* the Cheerios whole.
I thought like you and Christopher at first with them and the branches,
"Give them a few days, be slow and careful, and they'll get used to them..."
NOT!
I'll try the Cheerios on a string suggestion. (My guys are more likely to
just shred the Cheerios to get at the string...) But the branches I've had
for weeks, even putting them in their favourite areas to try 'making' them.
They just stopped going to those areas, or kept a minimum 5 inch distance
between themselves and the offending branches. And they trust me, but if I
approach them with a branch, they won't let me get within 2 feet of them...
They're BIRDS, for cryin' out loud! They're supposed to LIKE branches!
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| Joanne |
"Troy & Vicky Jollimore" <tjollimore@NoSpam.sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:Jbvze.58469$Ph4.1712773@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
> Heh. The thing is, Nan. They wouldn't go *near* the Cheerios whole.
>
> I thought like you and Christopher at first with them and the branches,
> "Give them a few days, be slow and careful, and they'll get used to
> them..."
> NOT!
>
> I'll try the Cheerios on a string suggestion. (My guys are more likely to
> just shred the Cheerios to get at the string...) But the branches I've had
> for weeks, even putting them in their favourite areas to try 'making'
> them.
> They just stopped going to those areas, or kept a minimum 5 inch distance
> between themselves and the offending branches. And they trust me, but if I
> approach them with a branch, they won't let me get within 2 feet of
> them...
>
> They're BIRDS, for cryin' out loud! They're supposed to LIKE branches!
Well, there you have it. Just put the boogie branches in all the places
they are being destructive and the problem is solved. And you will have
that lovely outdoor look to your decor.
J
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| Troy & Vicky Jollimore |
I was waiting for someone to say that, too. As of yesterday, I've found that
one of them will now get close to the branches, in order to throw them off
where I've had them. Another small one right in front of one of their holes
has been nibbled on a little, but not much. Again, I suspect, just enough to
throw them out of the way.
"Joanne" <Joanne@jobirdnest.com> wrote in message
news:Hlxze.2326$BK1.814@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>
> "Troy & Vicky Jollimore" <tjollimore@NoSpam.sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:Jbvze.58469$Ph4.1712773@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
> > Heh. The thing is, Nan. They wouldn't go *near* the Cheerios whole.
> >
> > I thought like you and Christopher at first with them and the branches,
> > "Give them a few days, be slow and careful, and they'll get used to
> > them..."
> > NOT!
> >
> > I'll try the Cheerios on a string suggestion. (My guys are more likely
to
> > just shred the Cheerios to get at the string...) But the branches I've
had
> > for weeks, even putting them in their favourite areas to try 'making'
> > them.
> > They just stopped going to those areas, or kept a minimum 5 inch
distance
> > between themselves and the offending branches. And they trust me, but if
I
> > approach them with a branch, they won't let me get within 2 feet of
> > them...
> >
> > They're BIRDS, for cryin' out loud! They're supposed to LIKE branches!
>
> Well, there you have it. Just put the boogie branches in all the places
> they are being destructive and the problem is solved. And you will have
> that lovely outdoor look to your decor.
>
> J
>
>
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| Joanne |
"Troy & Vicky Jollimore" <tjollimore@NoSpam.sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:KPPze.58883$Ph4.1728425@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
>I was waiting for someone to say that, too. As of yesterday, I've found
>that
> one of them will now get close to the branches, in order to throw them off
> where I've had them. Another small one right in front of one of their
> holes
> has been nibbled on a little, but not much. Again, I suspect, just enough
> to
> throw them out of the way.
What a coincidence. I was waiting for you to say you tried it and it didn't
work.
J
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| Troy & Vicky Jollimore |
Well, it still works for the most part. I was hoping they would get bold
enough to use them as perches, not just something else that's in their way.
(:
Is there anything that I can coat the areas with that would 'taste bad' for
the birds? Sort of like the 'thumbz' stuff that discourages children from
sucking their thumbs by leaving them with a bad taste in their mouths?
"Joanne" <Joanne@jobirdnest.com> wrote in message
news:KtTze.1037$dU3.742@newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>
> "Troy & Vicky Jollimore" <tjollimore@NoSpam.sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:KPPze.58883$Ph4.1728425@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
> >I was waiting for someone to say that, too. As of yesterday, I've found
> >that
> > one of them will now get close to the branches, in order to throw them
off
> > where I've had them. Another small one right in front of one of their
> > holes
> > has been nibbled on a little, but not much. Again, I suspect, just
enough
> > to
> > throw them out of the way.
>
> What a coincidence. I was waiting for you to say you tried it and it
didn't
> work.
>
> J
>
>
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| Troy & Vicky Jollimore |
Ha! Smart-a$$... (:
It's just that these birds seem to be like my wife. Their tastes change just
as soon as you get a handle on 'em. (:
"Joanne" <Joanne@jobirdnest.com> wrote in message
news:sW0Ae.3136$BK1.2460@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>
> "Troy & Vicky Jollimore" <tjollimore@NoSpam.sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:D2Xze.58999$Ph4.1734838@ursa-nb00s0.nbnet.nb.ca...
> > Well, it still works for the most part. I was hoping they would get bold
> > enough to use them as perches, not just something else that's in their
> > way.
> > (:
> >
> > Is there anything that I can coat the areas with that would 'taste bad'
> > for
> > the birds? Sort of like the 'thumbz' stuff that discourages children
from
> > sucking their thumbs by leaving them with a bad taste in their mouths?
>
> No problem. Smear them with veggies, greens, scrambled eggs and embellish
> with whole Cheerios since they won't go near any of these things.
>
> J
>
>
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