My poor, itchy grey

[savagem13]

We've gad Optimus for about a month or so, and she's doing very well. Still working on getting her to eat pellets, but so far she just throws them all out of her dish in disgust. The one time I tried making her go cold-turkey, she just started dropping weight--and she hasn't got any to lose! I've tried Zupreem fruit-flavored, and Roudybush natural. No-go on both. Her previous owner had her on mostly a seed mix, and she doesn't want to give it up. She LOVES people food--waffles, Smart food, pasta, chicken soup, etc. And she gobbles her grapes and sometimes her fresh veggies. But how do I get her off the junk seed?

Second issue--she is still very ratty, and seems very itchy to me. Always messing with her feathers, scratching with her feet, etc. She's been tested for Chlamydia, PBFD, and Asper--all negative. Could she still be irritated by the nicotine on her skin and feathers? The previous owner smoked. She's been bathed numerous times, but I know it can take forever for the nicotine to be totally eliminated. My other thought is allergic reaction to the seeds and/or molds, etc. that they might contain. That's why I want her on pellets--preferably the natural type because less chance of irritation from the coloring, etc. I only tried the Zupreem in the hope that the colors/flavors would help entice her. I bought her a supplement with red palm oil called Avi Booster. Says it's an elixir of fatty acids suspended in red palm oil. The proprietor of a local bird specialty store recommended it. I've been giving her 3 drops per day (the maximum dose) for a few days now. Anything else I can try for this poor, itchy girl?

And Lisa, I still need to get you that video. I'm trying to figure out how to download. Maybe I can get my dad to help me when he's over tonight--much more computer-savvy than I am. I'll try to catch her preening/scratching action too. I'm not certain whether it's a physical thing, or a nervous-type habit. Leaning toward physical, though. She's sooooo relaxed in most situations. Kids, noises, sudden movements, etc.--they don't faze her.

[mmr]

For the pellets soak them in a little apple juice or a little peanut bitter mixed in them really well.

For the bathing and feathers go to Wal mart in the laxative isle (usually bottom shelf) and get a jug of aloe vera juice. Mix 3/4 bottle water and the rest the juice and spray. That should help her alot!

[savagem13]

Thanks. Gonna go try the apple juice and pellets right now!

[mmr]

let the pellets get a little mushy before you give them to her

[Lisa B]

good suggestion mmr!

mine like cranberry juice as well.

I have found that all of mine are different.
Sydney likes Harrisons
Emma likes Harrisons and Tops
Stirling likes Zupreem
Ollie likes tops and Zupreem wild and spicey
Harley hates them all.

they all get offered each daily. What they pick and choose, I cant control.
I too tried the Avi boost. You might want to consult your vet on that one. It was my vet who suggested that, and said that they shouldnt stay on it for any length of time. not like reg palm oil. I was going to carry it in my shop, but after talking to my vet, and relizing that is more medicinal then I relized, I dont want to be responcible for someone self medicating.
I will be getting Red Palm oil with the next Harrsions order I put in for myslef to use for my gang.

I have also noticed, my greys like to preen and scratch alot. Could be the itchy little down feathers poking through. I have noticed, they have a thin whiteish feather that grows that is down, unlike my zon or Caique. I dont know the technical name for the "feather" tho will ask my vet the next time I am there.
I try to bath them a few times a week. that seems to help.
Any spray, really no matter made by who is going to leave residue on your bird and then the bird should be baithed more often to get the residue off.

and whenever you are able to send the video is fine..

[zoegirl]

The first one is called Bird Bene-Bac. It offers beneficial intesinal flora to balance the intestinal tract to improve digestion. My birds absolutely love it, Zoe would eat it like candy if I let her. Not too spendy.

Bird Bene-Bac | Pet Solutions

The other product is AVIx Sunshine Factor Organic Dende Oil

AVIx Sunshine Factor Red Palm Oil Bird Vitamin Supplement.

My Avian vet suggested both of these products for all my birds to improve immune system, appetite, feather and skin health. They are very popular with the Mini Macaws. She told me to slightly warm the Sunshine Factor and mix it with something they like. Mine love a small piece of Whole Wheat toast so I spread it on the toast for their breakfast treat. umm umm

I also like the idea of the herb salad mentioned in someones thread. Will check it out, especially since my fids only like cooked foods and and Zupreem pellets.

[alwaysontimneh]

When we first brought our TAG home we had a problem getting him to eat the pellets, like your girl he would just throw them. We did a couple different things and he likes both ways. My husband sprayed them with water and warmed them up since we didn't know if he didn't like them or if they were too hard (hes still really young) this did work. I have found that the easiest way though is to just put them in with his fresh foods. I put fresh juicy fruit over it and I made him cornbread muffins full of veggies and mixed in pellets as well and we no longer have a problem with him not eating pellets. If it is in with his seed he will only eat the seed.

[savagem13]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I'm going to try them all, one by one, until I get this sweet girl on a better diet!