[IzmirTheGreat]

Hi all,
I have two budgies. I currently feed them a seed diet (we're working on veggies but I rescued them and they were used to seed for years). Recently, the second I replace the seed in their dish, they instantly come over and scarf as if there wasn't seed in it all day. This is a very new behavior and pretty out of the ordinary. I'm still feeding them the same amount of food, at the same times. Also, there are still fresh, non eaten seeds left in the dish when I take it out. However, they are sometimes hidden under the old hulls. The food is available for them all day. Can budgies randomly become "more hungry?" I feel like this isn't what's going on because of the non eaten seeds that are always leftover. Are they having trouble finding the seeds under that day's hulls? Should I replace the food more times per day? Advice is appreciated. Thanks!
Yzma: :blue pied: Izmir: :sky blue:

 

[aluz]

You haven't mentioned the seed portions you are currently offering your budgies. Since they are presently on mainly seed diet, they need to have a food source available to them at all times in order to prevent starvation.
You can continue to work on introducing them the fresh foods and can also see if they try out some pellets.
As for the hulls, you can gently blow these so that that the uneaten seeds are visible. This will also prevent the spoilage of food.

Be sure to read the detailed information on the stickies at the top of the main page of the Diet and Nutrition section.

You can start by checking these links:
http://talkbudgies.com/diet-nutrition/309841-quality-seed-mix.html

http://talkbudgies.com/articles-diet-nutrition/315033-healthy-diet-your-budgie.html

Good luck on improving your budgies' diet!

 

[Cody]

Is the seed you are giving a mix of several different seeds? Sometimes they will have a favorite and eat that one and leave the rest uneaten, could that be the case with your birds?

 

[IzmirTheGreat]

Thank you Aluz and Cody! To clarify, the food IS out and accessible at all times for my budgies. I have been using Dr. Harvey's food mix (this was also reccomed on the helpful link you provided. I actually think I used that guide as a source when I got my budgies! Cool, huh?). I give them one scoop, twice a day using a lid from some cheaper seed that their precious owner gave me. It's about an inch deep and has a diameter of around 2-3 inches. It is very possible that they only eat some of the seeds, and would be willing to starve themselves instead of eating the other seeds. Maybe I'll try a different seed mix, and in the meantime give them a bit more of their current seed? As a side note: pellets sound like a great idea! For some reason, I had sort of ruled them out but after more extensive research I realize that they have quite a few merits (in addition to veggies, of course). Thank you both for your quick replies!

 

[Minigrace]

Have you been feeding Dr. Harvey's long? Did you notice this behaviour after switching to Dr. Harvey's? It is such a wonderful mix but I could not get my guys to touch it. Maybe you could mix it with a more simple budgie mix that contains the usual seeds. It does sound like they are picking out their favorite seeds and leaving the rest. They can be so funny about changing foods.

 

[FaeryBee]

aluz and Cody have offered excellent advice.

Take the time to re-read the stickies in the Diet and Nutrition section of the forum as well as the Budgies Articles in that corresponding section. You will find a great deal of helpful information there.

Best wishes!