weaning babies

[birdman5000]

i have a clutch of budgies iv been handfeeding and they are starting to wean. but something is different. the oldest one is eating on its own but it doesnt hull the seeds, it eats everything else i offer it just fine but it eats seed whole, the younger ones have just started eating solid food and iv noticed a few seed hulls in the brooder but they seem to be eating the seeds whole too. iv handfed bird before and these are the first that neglect to peel their seed.
has anyone ever had this happen before?
does anybody know if this is a major problem?

[huntress]

It can be, I've never expirienced this with any of my babies but They cannot digest them properly. I would go out and get the Zupreem natural small. They are seed size and color and easier on the digestive system. Until they get a bit older. Then I would offer them millet on the spray as it is a bit fuzzy and the shells are harder which might encourage them to hull. With millet on the spray they often leave most of the hulls right on the stem.
Like I said, I havent had this problem but that is what I would do if I did. Besides, The Zupreem pellets are a better diet along with some seed anyway as it is more balanced. I only chose that brand because the kibble size and color is VERY similar to the white millet seed found in budgie mix - so they tend to try it sooner.

[birdlady49]

As huntress has suggested, take away the seeds or offer seeds already hulled. They're probably a little too young to understand the logistics of hulling the seeds.

As an aside, seed should be the last thing you introduce to babies because you want them to enjoy the more nutritious foods first. So the fresh food and pellets (soaked if necessary) and perhaps a small piece of wheat bread. Once they've mastered those foods, then offer the "junk" food -- millet spray and seed.

[birdman5000]

i know seed isnt their whole diet, but i do offer it to them, anything to get them eating on their own, but ill try the zupreem natural small, if i can find it i havnt seen it in any of the supply stores around my place, but ill look for it online as well, thanks

[huntress]

Its the parakeet size but you can start with the canary size as well. The recipe isnt changed enough to matter for what your doing. You can always go to a larger size later.