scavenging on and eating newspaper/ad circulars

[felisdomesticus]

The past week Scarlett has suddenly become a picky eater. I've been feeding her fresh veggies and fruits--mango, peach, apple, grape, cherry, canteloupe, kale, zucchini, yellow squash, sweet potato, corn, cucumber, lettuce, carrot, etc. She's been devouring it all. But this week she wants no part of it. She's been eating more of her dry food mix (sunflower seeds, Zupreem colored shapes/non-colored nuggets, peanuts, and who knows whatever else) and almost none of her fresh food mix. I even sliced off corn kernals from last night's corn on the cob for her but she didn't want it. Any ideas?

I also found her trying to eat the circulars and newspaper that I lined the bottom pan of her cage with. She's doing that and scavenging for I'm-not-sure-what. She never hangs out on the bottom of the cage but she's been trotting all over the place the past few days.

thanks for any input!

[The Outlaw]

My guess is that she's about to start creating a nest site. I'm not sure of her age, but anytime after one year they seem to find that especially entertaining.

As for her not eating, mine all go through that periodically. Continue to offer her what you think is appropriate.

THE OUTLAW

[felisdomesticus]

according to the rescue, she's 18 months old.

She also has apparently been worked with for 6 months for a biting problem. Still can't get any more info on that from them yet but I feel better now after having her bite the hell out of me for the first 2 weeks. Nice to know it wasn't just *me*.

[felisdomesticus]

and is it okay if she ingests newspaper or the circular glossy stuff? My biological guess is that newsprint is okay but to stop lining her pan with the shiny circular paper.

God knows what they eat in the wild and I'm sure I'm being an overprotective nervous mom--I see people like me all the time in the dog/cat rescue world. :) I guess I just wanted some reassurance.

Nest site? why would she want to build that? Is she going to want to mate? I've read horror stories about hormonal birds.

[felisdomesticus]

should I take out the newspaper lining and just hose out the pan daily?

[bgmacaw]

Have you thought about using the ground walnut shell to line the pan? I got tired of having the paper pulled up through the bottom grate and shredded. The bird shops use it so I got some, makes clean up quick. Get a scoop and a sifter and take a quick skim each day. Then on the weekends I vacuum it out, wash the pan and cage and refill. You can get small bags at pet shops. The bird shop I frequent sells it by the pound. I buy it in 25lb bags.

[Monica]

You must be careful with walnut shells as they can be harmfull if too much is ingested as these do not break down easily in the stomach...

I've got two budgies which atleast one of them enjoys chewing the newspaper to shreds, both of which are males...

[LivingFiction]

Paper is one of Hurley's favorite toys. I try not to let him have anything with ink on it if I can help it.

It's interesting you should say that about Walnut Monica, I've heard that the bedding is not good to use for that reason as well.

[The Outlaw]

felisdomesticus:

If you privately IM me, I'll give you my private phone number and I'll give you the skinny on female Ekkies. I have one and I've walked in your shoes.

THE OUTLAW