Hi there

 

I have just been down to the local pet shop to do some budgie treat shopping, and I bought some millet sprays and some pellets. These were the only brand of pellets they had, and they are "Kaytee Exact Rainbow" for parakeets and lovebirds. They are pink, green, yellow and beige in colour, and am wondering if the artifical colours would be alright for Bobby in the long run. Also any advise on the best way to convert him to this new type of food would be greatly appreciated! :ausb:

 

Thanks

 

In my experience I found that colored pellets compromise poo quality, you can’t tell if your budgie is sick it took me a few runs to the vet with a nest full of chicks and a few other birds, before I figured out it was the food, I love it as far as getting birds to try pellets, but other wise I’d try to say away from it… uncoloured is better, fresh veg is better for treats and just everyday food stuff, all of my birds love carrots, spinach and broccoli… I don’t really think any birds could hate those foods once they try it….

I would feed in moderation.

They're fine to feed to your bird for a while but it's best to find a pellet that has no added dyes/colors. A good alternative is Zupreem natural. Not only is it naturally-colored but budgies seem to really like the taste. All my birds will eat this even when they have seeds around. It's also a good size and shape for their beaks to handle. Very similar to the shape and color of seeds so I think this is part of why they seem to take to it so well.

 

As far as converting them, take a look at this page and it might help:

http://budgietalk.com/diet.html