Converting Parrot 'Seed Junkies'

'Seed Junkies' are birds which have become fixated on a particular food item, normally sunflower seed. It is important to realise that often these are seen as 'sick birds'. At this stage they should be allowed to eat whatever they like (within reason). The diet should be considered after treating any secondary problems,such as vitamin A deficiency manifesting with aspergillosis, or run-down birds developing psittacosis. The basic routine used is:

Estimate the amount of seed actually eaten in a day and present half of it; monitor the bird's condition whilst trying the following: 'weed' the mixture, changing the balance of seeds away from sunflower seed.

Use a top quality mix. The hulled seed/fruit blends available are ideal. Importantly, they are fresh and palatable and can be top dressed with vitamins using a little peanut oil or orange juice.

Use non-threatening forms of food. Shredded carrot is less suspicious to a bird than a whole one! Try introducing new items in amongst the seed. Sprout seeds and pulses - they taste much better. Introduce a soft-food, baby cereal, fruit pulp, or proprietary egg-food type mixes. Again, this will give a vehicle for vitamins.

Consider interval feeding. Instead of leaving food in the cage all day try introducing meal times; 30 - 60 minutes access three times a day.

Move the cage; place new food items such as corn on the cob close to favourite toys.

'Monkey see, Monkey do' Birds will often take and investigate titbits which they see the owner eating. Being able to see other birds eating a better diet may also help.

Change the photoperiod. The natural photoperiod for many birds is 12 hours light, 12 hours dark. In captivity this is extended in the home by early risers and late night television. Covering the cage from 9pm till 9am can change a birds behaviour and sometimes help with establishing new feeding patterns.

Consider hospitalisation, or boarding out. A new regime may be more acceptable under new management where everything else is new. Remember - owners have starved birds to death trying to change their diet!