So much information is flooding the net these days about what to feed a companion bird, whether a budgie/parakeet, cockatiel or marvelous macaw, it’s sometimes difficult to wade through the junk science, old wives tales, well meaning owner advice or just plain dangerous suggestions.
The reason we see so many sunflower seeds in birdy mixes is because they're cheap and they're fillers. Most manufacturers don't care about our birds' health, in spite of what they might say. If they lose one customer, there's a thousand more. Birds are one of the fast growing pet trades in the world.
Just in case you're wondering, the vitamins from pet stores can sometimes cause more problems than they solve. I really wish they weren’t allowed to sell them (or the supposed antibiotics or sprays or mite protectors).
It’s generally recommended that most of today’s companion birds have a predominantly pelleted diet. Pellets have been continually updated since being introduced to the market years ago and today’s formulas are better than ever.
Supplementing this diet with fresh foods every day is ideal and many owners find they can re-introduce seeds - in limited amounts (perhaps once or twice a week) without the bird refusing the pellets overall.
Instead of sunflower seeds, try pumpkin seeds or sugar peas/snap beans, slices of banana, carrots, etc..
Better choices:
Whole grains, dark leafy vegetables, fruits and legumes. Include the colors orange, yellow , green, plus reds too! Think sweet potatoes/yams, squash, melons, oranges, peas, chard, beets and others.
Brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat couscous and natural, whole grain pastas are great choices.
Limit fats, especially the kind from animals. Good fats are most plant fats like soy, olive and canola oils. No fried anything
Even though this is put out by a cockatiel site, it’s applicable to all hook bills from budgies/parakeets to conures, greys and macaws.
http://www.cockatiels.org/articles/nutrition/diet.html cites feeding both seed and pellets, but only after weaning the bird from a mostly seed diet.
http://www.letstalkbirds.com/cockatiels.htm
Here is more on ideal nutritional needs:
The American Cockatiel Society (not just for ‘tiels, it’s for all hookbills) http://www.acstiels.com/Articles/BasicCare/cockatie.htm
The Bird Care Library at Harmony Animal Hospital http://www.petvets.com/petcare/birds.html#nutrition
For some recipes to make that both humans and birds can enjoy, check the bottom of this page www.4AnimalCare/birds
It appears that you've noticed the most subtle of changes quite early with your bird and chances are good that you can stave off complications due to diet.
Once he's feeling better you should notice his behavior is better. I really think you'll be very surprised.
Until then, it sounds you are doing a wonderful job. I like the gentle interaction and how patient you are. Understanding the psychology of the bird is equally as important as understanding the physical aspect.
Positive reinforcement counts in your favor. I wish everyone would learn that 'disciplining' a bird is non productive except to make bad habits even worse and encourage a relationship of fear and distrust. Birds aren't dogs - and it's very hard to get that through to some people. (Not that disciplining a dog works either, but you know what I mean).
So I'm very sincere when I encourage you to keep up the good work.
Certified Avian Specialist
Cert. Avian Specialist; Int. Assoc.Animal Behavior Consult; Pet Ind. Joint Advisory Council; author
Thanks for your advice. I do offer a variety of fruit & veg as well as a little seed & pellets. No vitamins or chemicals used.I steam clean the cage, toys & feeders. As well as bathing, anywhere he can, kitchen showerspray, bathroom tub or sink.
He also likes the steam, naturally from a distance. I think he must have an Identity problem. Having no siblings & taken from the nest to be hand fed at 3wks. he doesn't react to his image in a mirror or or sounds of other conures. I got him at just over 7wks & spoon fed him for a further 2wks or so. A bit late I know, but he's also started to talk, wolf whistle & mimic the kitchen timer & computer clicks. He's really sweet but just wants to be alone when out of his cage. When he's not out he shouts for re assurance that I'm around! He's ok with visitors & likes check them out. He aso acts as alookout, shouting to let me know. He's hardly ever alone as I'm a housebound pensioner so he gets plenty of attention! Thanks again.