Ask Lafeber

Question:

February 2, 2021

Eating fruit and veggies


My cockatiel is nearly 5 months old but he does not want to eat fruit or veggies. Sometimes he will nibble on broccoli.


Answer:

Hi Roanne,

It takes time for a bird to try new foods. They don’t always recognize what we offer as food. Because of this, most owners give up too soon. Try different ways of preparing the fruits and veggies. I will say that Cockatiels aren’t much for eating fruits, but they will learn to enjoy veggies. Frozen mixed veggies, served warm, are often well received. You can also cook some brown rice and mix with the veggies. Some birds prefer raw veggies, some prefer cooked. Grate harder veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes. Broccoli florets are well received, and the same can go for cauliflower. Add some chopped veggies on top of the regular diet so that the bird has to move them to get to his regular food. This can result in him tasting the veggies and learning to eat them. I can’t stress too much – keep trying. Just as you aren’t always in the mood for some foods, birds can be the same way. What they won’t eat one day, they may love a week later. Here is a link to our food guide with more suggestions.

Bird Food Guide

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda

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