Sort of a dilemma

[robibobi]

I have 2 cockatiels they have always been together both are about 1 year old. The one is getting a little overweight. I will weigh them both tomorrow. The male always lets the female eat first. I tried separating them but the male quit eating. So i put them back together. Both are friendly and i spend time with them everyday.I'm not sure what to do. They eat both pellets and seed plus veggies and some fruit. What can I do to help her lose some weight?The male always lets her eat first and won't eat until she is done. If I take her out and put food in he won't eat until she is back and eats first. Any ideas?
Robin

[FeathersNFur8]

Could you try two food bowls and put her at the food bowl with the lesser amount?

[Monica]

You could try letting them have full flight and letting them fly around in a controlled room (no other animals, and dangers put away/closed off)... or forcing them to fly each day while they are on your hand.

[tielfan]

When you separated them, how far apart were they? Would the male eat if they were in side by side cages so he could see when she was finished?

If he'll only eat when they're in the same cage, will he eat from a different food bowl or does he insist on eating from the same bowl that she used? If he'll use a separate bowl, the two-bowl idea may work. If he insists on using the same one, will he still eat if you take her out of the cage when you think she's had enough? If he won't, then exercise would appear to be the only option.

[robibobi]

They are out everyday all day. They are only in the cage at bedtime. They get plenty of excersise. Could it be a hormonal thing.I'm going to try the seperate cups thing and see if that will work.I'm also going to make her fly more and hopefully between the 2 she will lose some weight.I'll let you know how it goes.
Robin

[tielfan]

Good luck! You can also eliminate high-calorie seeds like sunflower.