Fading Ceres

[3baadkids]

I've noticed that it looks as if my girls' ceres are paler than should be. Even my ten yr old daughter mentioned that it looked as if Trixie is losing the brown in her cere. Tinker's cere has no brown and maybe just a hint of blue. I read elsewhere that this is an indication of poor diet. I've had these birds less than a month. Yes, I got them from a pet store(I know, some of you are cringing) and it's likely they've never seen anything other than seed or an occasional grape in their food dishes. So far, I've tried the boiled eggs and shell, sprouts, grasses, apple slices, potatoes, on and on. I've tried them alone, with seed, without seed. NOTHING has peaked their interest but cheerios. Do I withhold seed altogether(that seems cruel), do I offer the seed only at certain times of the day? I AM starting to get worried. Surely, by now, something will have peaked at least a little bit of interest.....

[brilliantfeathers]

A females Cere is tan/brown when they are in breeding condition. So my guess is they are coming out if season now.

[huntress]

Budgies ARE mainly seed eaters in the wild so its OK for them to eat seed mostly. Keep on trying with the vegis. Dark leafy greens "hung" in the cage will sometimes tempt them to nibble. Sweet corn on the cob - cooked will be more tender for first time try. Just keep putting that stuff on the plate it could take months BUT if you always use the same type of dish (try it on the floor and hanging) always in the same place they will get curious, esp when your not around.

[3baadkids]

I guess that's one thing that has me confused. I've read so many differing things about the ceres-that the females are mostly brown and "crusty" looking w/ very little color. If the brown begins to fade and white fading to light blue begins to show, it's an indication of nutrition deficiency. That the ceres will change coloring during their breeding modes, etc. How do you REALLY know when your fids are ailing? Also, please don't laugh, what does a sneezing bird sound like? Every once in a while Trixie will make a little sound-kind of like she's blowing a kiss. Don't know if it's a sneeze or what.

As far as diet goes. Once again, I read so much on these forums and other informational postings that I get confused..... Seed vs other foods-vitamin supplements vs no supplements, millett vs no millett..... Sure gets confusing. I know each bird is an individual w/ individual tastes, needs, etc, but they are also like us in that their essential needs are basically the same. Ugh! Maybe I'm just reading WAY to much....

[birdlover912]

My budgie's cears turn lighter and they don't look as 'flaky' when they are not in breeding condition.

My budgie's sneezes sound similar to an infant sneezing or blowing a kiss, like you described. When they sneeze, they usually bob their head a bit. Sneezing every once in awhile is normal, just like it is with humans, but if your bird is sneezing a lot, it could be sick.

As far as diet goes, you can't go wrong with a varied diet. I know how confusing it is with people saying you can't give your bird seed, no pellets, no millet, while others say the complete opposite! I try to be in the middle:some millet is okay, some supplement is okay, just not at every feeding.

[3baadkids]

That must be what's happening to my girls-exiting breeding condition....

Other than the occassional sneeze, Trixie is ok. I don't notice discharge or discoloration of her forehead feathers so I'm guessing possible respit. infection can be ruled out. Maybe she's allergic to me. Ha!

I only give millet as a treat and they have to come get it. I'm using it as a training tool to coax them to come into my hand. They come reluctantly, but once there seem comfortable enough.

Last night, I mixed a few sprouts, sweet potatoes and carrotts in w/ their seed. Totally ignored it. The good thing though, they were so hungry this morning that I thought I'd try to lure them out. Once the morning hullaballoo ended, I held some seed into my hand and they had to come out and get it. Neither hesitated to jump right into my hand and eat. Since then, they both seem a little more comfortable w/ me. The times I've approached them today, they've not moved away. I even got them both to step up without coaxing w/ a treat.

Sometimes I feel pretty dumb asking all these questions. However, I once had an instructor tell me, "There are no dumb questions. Just dumb people who won't ask questions."

[huntress]

Try Cooked Quinoa (pronounced Keen Wah) its a great super food similar in appearance to millet but cookes like rice and its chock full of great stuff - hubby and I eat it and so do all the fids!

[birdlover912]

That is great news, 3baadkids! It is a wonderful feeling when your budgies choose to interact with you! Congrats!

I couldn't seem to get my birds to try new foods in their normal food dishes, so I bought a special treat dish and placed it higher in the cage. I don't know if it is because the dish is higher, but they will eat almost anything I place in their dish. I tried some quinoa with mixed veggies like Huntress said, and they loved it! It might be worth a try for your girls.

I love that quote by the way. It is so true! :)

[3baadkids]

Hmm. Maybe that's another thing I need to try. I've put the foods I've been introducing into their regular food cup, maybe that's confusing them. I'll try what you've suggested about getting another cup that's specifically for new foods/treats.

Last night, the girls were ready for their evening feeding. Again, I left their food cup empty so they had to step up to get their food. My daughter got to participate in the girls having to step up to eat. She was very excited. However, the happy dance is a bit subdued this morning. Been trying that method and they're looking at me like, "Huh! You might have tricked us yesterday, but we're not THAT stupid!" Will keep trying though!

Soooo.... Where do I find quinoa? Sounds worth a try.

I love Orrin's pic. Beautiful bird!

[3baadkids]

By the way. Do your birds prefer their veggies cooked and mashed or raw and in fine pieces? Thus far, I've been trying raw.