Eating tip for picky fids!

[mamalovesrico]

Since I've had Rico, 5 months, I've tried everything I could think of to try to get him to eat fruits and vegetables. Nothing would work. I'm sure some of you already do this, but for those that haven't you might want to try this.
I ordered a skewer for Rico and it came in yesterday. I diced an apple into quarters and threaded it on to his skewer. Put it in his cage and left the room. I was peeking and after about two minutes of his investigating it he ate it. Not a whole lot but a couple hours later he ate enough. I was so excited. This is the first time he's eaten fruit since I've had him.
This morning I haven't fed him yet, but intentionally. He's whining and crying to let me know he's hungry. Just put the skewer back in with another apple. He ran to it and is mowing down as we speak! Just wanted to share this with those of you who have picky fids and having a hard time trying to get them to eat something new. Love it, love it, love it. :icon_mrgr

[The Outlaw]

Lara:

I had to stop using my skewer. Dreamer figured out how to pop the little button and everything slid to the floor. HOWEVER, you can use plain old wooden skewers and weave them throughout the bars and have the same effect. They just love to forage for food. Also, take plain dental floss and a big upholstery needle and you can string all kinds of stuff for them to eat. Hand it like a clothesline across the cage.

I agree, do what you have to to make them eat good stuff.

THE OUTLAW

[smallonion]

That's exactly how I taught finicky Humphrey to eat fruit and veg. Go Rico!

[mamalovesrico]

Rico's skewer is bird proof. It's a metal skewer and the attachment is on the outside of the cage. It's an acrylic ball that screws on from the outside of the cage so birds can't get a grip on it or even get to it.
Will attempt the strawberries tomorrow. I'll laugh my *ss off if he picks off all the seeds. lol

[The Outlaw]

Lara:

That sounds great! Where did you find that one?

THE OUTLAW

[MaryG1959]

Willy my tiel wasn't eating much of his fresh food, so I switched the bowls and put his pellets where his fresh food was and visa versa.

It worked for him!!

Angel wouldn't eat fresh food when I got him, but I persisted and now he eats like a champ.

[Franciscus]

Originally Posted by mamalovesrico

Rico's skewer is bird proof. It's a metal skewer and the attachment is on the outside of the cage. It's an acrylic ball that screws on from the outside of the cage so birds can't get a grip on it or even get to it.
Will attempt the strawberries tomorrow. I'll laugh my *ss off if he picks off all the seeds. lol

I'd be interested in that one too. It may be something we should carry in the shop I work at., and of cours I would want one myself.

[mamalovesrico]

Nancy and Franciscus, I bought it at greyfeathertoys.com. I got Rico a couple other cool toys there too. I posted some picts of the skewer and another toy that he loves. I also got him a bunch of foot toys. I thought they had unique toys for great prices. They guarantee that everything is stainless steel also. They said when they get toys in they take off all the original metal and replace it with stainless steel parts to guarantee safety. Some of their bulk wood parts I thought I would be able to find cheaper somewhere else, but for the most part...great prices. I thought. Let me know if you know different.
Here's some photos of the skewer and the treat maze. Rico loves the treat maze. Keeps him busy.
Sorry about all the photos but I wanted you to see how it all works.

[birdyland]

I'm glad Rico is eating fruit!!!

I have one of these, but for a different reason. I have the same metal one you do with the acrylic ball, and I've had it about 7 years. I use it as a refillable toy!! So easy....

I was thinking of getting a second or third one to use for my other bird and maybe one to try for fruit (don't want confusion between the chew up and throw toy and the chew up and eat food).... please share where you found it!

[birdyland]

Originally Posted by birdyland

... please share where you found it!

Sorry, guess I had my window open awhile before I replied. I see you got it at greyfeather.... thanks!