Lovebird metabolism

[kotoeloncat]

I just got a new lovebird who is 4 years old, the previous owner died of old age and the bird is now in my care

how do I tell that hes been eating ? I havent seen him eat since yesterday but he is still excreting normally (normal looking poop). I know something that goes in has to go out, how long does it take for the food to pass through his system ?

I also know that p'let eats all day long while budgies eat twice a day, what about lovebirds ? I have kept p'let without a problem but I have no experience with lovebirds

can someone please enlighten me, thanks

[CrazyBirdLady]

Lovebirds and parrotlets are very similar in that they eat all the time. They also eliminate every 20-30 minutes. Food is generally processed pretty quickly. Put a piece of white paper down under the cage grate, leave the lovebird for a little while and look for seed husks or pellet crumbs on the paper.
Since the lovebird might need more adjustment time try to offer him some millet as well. Good old millet/comfort food.

[tielfan]

It often takes a few days before a bird relaxes enough to start eating normally in a new home. Offering millet spray while he settles in is a great idea - few small birds can resist millet for long.

[kotoeloncat]

thanks for the replies, will do, millets away !