On 02-17-96, GENE SHIELDS wrote to ALL:
 GS> Has any one out there had any luck with the pallet diet, or is there 
 GS> yet another way to ensure the Bird eats well.  I and the wife would 
 GS> like this bird to live long and happy!
Hi Gene,
BTW, I use the 'correct' (most common) spelling "grey".
Yep. Betcha you get lotsa replies to this question.  I've converted a wild 
breeding pair from seedsbean mash to (Katee) pellets ... tho the brand is 
not so important.  The vet is right and is also wrong, IMO.  Let me 
explain ...  Having your new found friend eat a varity of foods should be 
the goal.  A well balanced diet is important.  A nuturious (complete) diet 
is also important.  Pellets are touted (by their makers) as providing a 
nurtious complete diet ... others promote the variety diet.  Mental health 
is as important as is physical health, IMO, especially for an intelligent 
Grey.  Variety helps with the mental health aspect, but is no substitute 
for your interactions with your new flock memmber.   So ... read into this 
'double talk' ... convert to pellets yet supplement with fresh veggies, 
fruits and plenty of pizza and chicken/turkey and human/bird play!  
For your problem of conversion to pellets, I would refer you to the 
manufacturer's literature.  Kaytee recommends the 1/2 aaproach.  That is, 
give 50/50 mixture the first week, then next week make it 60/40 then 
gradually get down to 100%/0%.  --- At this point, I'd add stay at 100% 
pellets for almost a month or so, then kick back in the 'goodies' as 
positive praise.  When she does something you like or what you want more 
of, use these goodies as a treat.  Never acknowledge bad behavior 
especially thru scolding, simply ignore it -- don't make it (her) game of 
it.  Walk out of the room and leave her alone.  A few minutes should be 
enough (they have a short attention span, IMO).
Next time you visit your pet store, ask if you can read the directions 
(usually inside the can or on the back) of Kaytee.   Pretty Bird is also a 
common pellet touted here as are others.  As far as I've heard here there 
is no concenses on one bad pelleted brand.  Each here do have their 
favorites, mine is Kaytee ... tho I freely admit it is the only one I've 
ever used (my avian vet recommmended it).
What's her name? (... sung to the tune ... )
---
 * Freddie 1.2.5 * 
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