It seems like Cupid and Psyche have been into all the stuff I've given them so far. They adore apples, the carrot was gnawed on and I think they tasted the pepper a little too. As I introduce more things, how much of the fresh are they supposed to have each day? Is little cut up pieces better than bigger chunks?

 

I was thinking about making a salad for them in a bowl each day and giving them their seed/pellet mix too. They really like the foraging stuff I've started and I thought that I could have the fresh stuff sitting there for them most of the day (til they get icky) and add the seed through foraging, as they love digging through the bottom of their cage for the spilled seed after they tear open the packets. I'd like them to eat a good balance of the two, instead of most of one. Would it be better to have the seed out and forage for fresh? Or would they mostly eat the seed then cuz its more available?

 

What are some different ways that people offer the different foods?

I make it easy for my guys to get the healthiest stuff (veggie/pasta/rice/etc. mix) and make them work harder for the seeds. Pellets I try to make a little easier too since those are also better for them in the long run.

 

As far as amounts, as long as you're sticking to good healthy veggies, let them have as much as they want. Mix it up often so that they don't get bored with it and so that they get a variety. Generally, dark leafy greens and bright orange/yellow veggies are the best. Steer clear of iceberg lettuce, celery, etc. as it's mostly water and won't provide anything nutritionally.

 

When it comes to presentation (small pieces vs. chunks) that really depends on what your budgies seem to prefer. :hap: Whatever it takes to get them to eat the good stuff is what I usually do. Some prefer chunks while others won't touch food unless it's bite-sized.

 

Sounds like you're doing an awesome job with them!

Perhaps you could scatter seeds in the salad, so that they have to dig under the leaves to get at it. Sometimes when I let my budgies out, I scatter a little seed on the ground so that they can forage as they like. Then when I put them away I sweep up the rest of the stuff.