Converting your Fids to pellets

Well, maybe you've just acquired a bird or maybe you are thinking of changing the current diet of your fid(s). There are many considerations you should investigate prior to embarking on this adventure.
Before changing your bird’s diet, you should consult your avian veterinarian to ensure your bird is healthy and strong enough to go through a diet change.
Consider what your bird currently eating. A bird that already eats more than seed (grains, rice, vegetables, fruit, and pasta) is more likely to try new things. If your bird only eats seeds, don't fret, it is still possible to convert your bird to eating pellets.

The first step is to purchase a separate dish and the pellets of choice. If possible, purchase a shallow clear dish. (http://shop.featheredaddictions.com/Dishes-and-Feeders_c25.htm) This ensures maximum visability of the new food item. Fill the dish about half way. Place the new dish beside the most frequently used perch or platform (http://shop.featheredaddictions.com/Platforms_c27.htm). Move the normal diet to a lower location in the cage (preferably the lowest and least used perch, but make sure it is still accessible).

Choosing the type of pellets: Well, this can be a tricky one! There are many pellets on the market for pet birds. The best choice is by far Harrison's pelleted diets. The pellets are certified organic and balanced. They come in 3 sizes and 2 varieties. The smallest is Super Fine. This pellet size is suitable for any bird starting out from Finches to Cockatiels. It can be a bit small for some cockatiels, but it is a good place to start, as it is as small as most of the seeds and may be easily accepted. The next size is Fine. This is a great size for any bird up to a large conure. The third and largest size is the Coarse. This size is great for all medium and large sized parrots. Unlike the fine and super fine, it can be purchased in both regular and pepper varieties.

Another great variety (my favorite) is the Mash. The mash is basically a powdered pellet that offers the same nutrients, but, does not contain corn, which is used in all (except rice varieties) of pellets (as far as I know!). Mash is also available in lifetime (regular) and high potency formulas.

If you do choose Harrison’s as your birds main diet, please note that for the first few months, you should purchase the High Potency variety. This variety is higher in nutrients and is needed to get your bird used to Harrison’s diets. It is available in all three sizes as well. (http://shop.featheredaddictions.com/Harrisons-Bird-Food_c14.htm)

Please also note with Harrison’s that once the bag of pellets is opened, it needs to be used up or discarded in 6-8 weeks, as it is organic and does not contain any preservatives.
Roudybush is also a good choice, although not seen as “the best” it is definitely a great alternate choice. Roudybush has many sizes. They have nibbles to large size. Please keep in mind that the large size is as big as a large multi-vitamin (sometimes even bigger). This size should only be used for the very largest macaws or birds that enjoy a huge pellet. You can purchases limited sizes at Feathered Addictions. Special orders for other sizes and quantities gladly accepted. (http://shop.featheredaddictions.com/Roudybush_c15.htm)
Other pellets: Since I started working with birds, I have not had a lot of experience with other pellets. Some of which I have heard of are: Pretty Bird, Zupreem, and Lafeber. Although I have not heard much about these pellet types, generally any pellet is still better than a seed-only based diet. If you are looking for any of these pellet types, please email me for details and pricing, as I can special order them for you. info@featheredaddictions.com
Keep the pellets in the cage at all times. Discard and refill the dish, even if untouched every week to ensure freshness.
While converting your bird(s), always offer their normal diet, if they continue to ignore the pellets, try mixing half and half (normal diet and pellets). Continue to have the main dish for pellets. This may help your bird recognize that the pellets are food.
Don’t give up, many birds take quite a while to take pellets as their main diet. Also note, that some never do learn.