With Kaz'z video on a carrot eating flock, and a few members asking how to get their birds to try new foods, I thought I'd share this. I bought it at a pet shop, and although it's designed for larger birds, it works wonders for my budgies and tiels. As pictured below, I fill it with grass, but have also used veggies, fruit, shredded paper... the list goes on. They have a blast pulling everything out and dropping it on the avairy floor. The example below was empty in 15mins (thanks Bert & Ernie). I'm guessing some of the food pulled out IS eatern, but as long as it keeps them happy, I'm happy!

 

 

 

NOTE: I also found it for sale here: http://myparrotshop.com/hanging-toys/nutcase/prod_161.html for those of you in AUS. These guys are great and I have used them many times. However... browse with care, the site and products are very addictive!!!

Edited January 25, 200817 yr by maesie

Haha nice one ... Much like a doggie "kong" i beleive they're called ... where thye have to work to get their treat :fear

i like that idea, i put my grass for the budgies on a shelf but they always walk through it and poo on it.

i like that idea, i put my grass for the budgies on a shelf but they always walk through it and poo on it.

 

 

I sometimes do that too deb, but as they fly around like manics, it goes on the floor... and I like to make mine 'work' for their food . Yeah Libby, reminded me of those kongs too. My sister's dog has one!

my birds make a mess of the grass because they love it but only just started on vegies and fruit and seeing they are still not keen i do not think they will want to work to get it.

my birds make a mess of the grass because they love it but only just started on vegies and fruit and seeing they are still not keen i do not think they will want to work to get it.

 

 

could be a challenge...

it has been a challenge for me working out what they do like and don't like.they are lazy as well, they like corn if i cut it off the cob for them.

we sell those at Petsmart where I work, for the birds at the store we use something called a veggie basket, which is sold for rabbits and small animals but works great for birds too. It is smaller with larger openings and cage like structure.

 

this is what it looks like

it has been a challenge for me working out what they do like and don't like.they are lazy as well, they like corn if i cut it off the cob for them.

 

LAZY!!! My tiels are like that too, but my budgies will ONLY eat it on the cob... grrr. I'm sure they're only doing it to make my life difficult You'll get there, just keep trying different stuff. Mine also like silverbeet, carrot, lentils (soaked and cooked). It can be trying and a little wasting (esp when they don't touch it and it ends up going on the lawn for gods birds)

 

Pika, I've seen them too. Both make a good serving suggestion. :(Laughing out loud):

Edited January 25, 200817 yr by maesie

That's great maesie, I've seen similar things (like Pika's picture) that I hope to get for my birds soon.

 

It sounds like they have a tonne of fun too!

That is cool maise certain makes them work for it :hap:

I use these a lot..................

 

a curtain hook

 

you get them with 2, 3 or 4 prongs on them. The small curved hook section just clips onto the cage or aviary wire...the rest of it holds all kinds of vegies. Or for a whole cob of corn you just poke one of the prong sections up the middle of the corn cob. Easy to bend to shape too. Very easy, very cheap. Most everyone has some somewhere or they know someone who is throwing some away ,,,,especially once you mention you want some. If you have to buy them they are sold in packets in the curtain accessories part of sewing and craft shops or even the hardware store.

Edited January 25, 200817 yr by KAZ

I use these a lot..................

 

a curtain hook

 

you get them with 2, 3 or 4 prongs on them. The small curved hook section just clips onto the cage or aviary wire...the rest of it holds all kinds of vegies. Or for a whole cob of corn you just poke one of the prong sections up the middle of the corn cob. Easy to bend to shape too. Very easy, very cheap. Most everyone has some somewhere or they know someone who is throwing some away ,,,,especially once you mention you want some. If you have to buy them they are sold in packets in the curtain accessories part of sewing and craft shops or even the hardware store.

 

I use them too Kaz and think they're very effective, I also connect them together to make a 'chain' so I can put on lots of different veggies :budgiedance:

:ygbudgie: Funny how we are always trying new stuff to make them happy and busy!!! :budgiedance:

We seem to go out of our way for our loved ones :budgiedance: ... but I wouldn't have it any other way :hap:

We seem to go out of our way for our loved ones :budgiedance: ... but I wouldn't have it any other way :sad:

 

:hap:

I think I'd do anything for my budgies (and other animals too of course).

My dad is costantly telling me "You care more about those bloody animals than you do anybody else!" (and then he goes and cuddles them and prepares special meals for them) :hap: .

I've seen those bird kong type things before, and always wondered if my little guys would actually use one!! Maybe when i've got a bit more $$$ i'll look at getting one. :budgiedance:

we sell those at Petsmart where I work, for the birds at the store we use something called a veggie basket, which is sold for rabbits and small animals but works great for birds too. It is smaller with larger openings and cage like structure.

 

this is what it looks like

 

You have to be very careful about these - are they made of stainless steel? If not they could be zinc coated, which is dangerous. Also that type clip is a bad idea for any bird, quick links are much safer. The chain looks small enough to catch toes to me...and check the connector for the bell too, again for beak and toe safety. it is a great idea for a foraging toy, but I think I'd keep to the ones especially made for birds for safety.

 

I use these a lot..................

 

a curtain hook

 

you get them with 2, 3 or 4 prongs on them. The small curved hook section just clips onto the cage or aviary wire...the rest of it holds all kinds of vegies. Or for a whole cob of corn you just poke one of the prong sections up the middle of the corn cob. Easy to bend to shape too. Very easy, very cheap. Most everyone has some somewhere or they know someone who is throwing some away ,,,,especially once you mention you want some. If you have to buy them they are sold in packets in the curtain accessories part of sewing and craft shops or even the hardware store.

 

KAZ, cool idea there too, again make sure they are made of a bird-safe substance.

Edited January 26, 200817 yr by Rainbow

my birds won't touch fresh fruit or vege at all I have tried everything any suggestions?

my birds won't touch fresh fruit or vege at all I have tried everything any suggestions?

 

Any of the above ideas... Or try a dish with them cut up into different shapes. Then sprinkle seeds over the top. It will take time and you'll just have to keep it up, but they will try it eventually. You could also try eating it in front of them and they 'may' copy you. Mine LOVE corn on the cob or cut off... they also like different coloured stuff, so red, green , yellow etc...

my birds won't touch fresh fruit or vege at all I have tried everything any suggestions?

Just keep trying...vegies more than fruit. Start with corn, grated carrots and finesliced spinach. Boiled mashed up egg too. Sprinkled with bird seed.

Edited January 28, 200817 yr by KAZ