Can my my Titan eat TOO much ???

[sawb]

I have an Orange wing amazon and he seems to eat constantly. I feed him a seed mix and everytime I walk by he seems to be eating all the time. I havent really been feeding him too many veggies but I am going to start tomorrow. Is this bad for him to eat so much or should I maybe fill his food dish just half way up or maybe a quarter or is this ok for him to eat and eat and eat and eat......... I use Safflower Gold Large Hookbill Seed mix.with no sunflowers (Pet store said too many sunflowers are bad for him?) They said birds love sunflowers because they are sweet but have no nutrients. I was also told by the breeder that pellets are not that good for them either ? He said pellets have the nutrients they need but are not their natural food ???? So many people are experts but say opposite stuff. I dont know who to listen to so I come here where alot of people own birds and can get alot of oppinions....LOL TIM n Titan

[The Outlaw]

I agree about the pellets and only offer fresh and some seed and nuts. I have no problem with sunflower seeds, because I only offer seeds as treats, not meals.

Your zon can absolutely eat too much. Both the zons and the ekkies can get quite pudgy if you're not careful about what you offer. So, watch carbs and calories, serve lots of dark orange/yellow veggies, dark green veggies, limit sugary fruits and be careful about portions of pasta, rice and beans.

Think in terms of feeding lots of food, but only good high quality foods with little fats and sugars. I always say its like taking care of an overweight, elderly diabetic aunt (LOL).


THE OUTLAW

[Chariclo]

Those zons sure can eat! :shock:

Ramone is my first - and I am amazed at how much food means to him! He would certainly get his money's worth at one of those all you can eat buffets! He's really learned the ropes around here too. I think I could set the clock to his begging antics - he knows what I am up to in the kitchen and gets all excited when dinner is on the way!

Nancy is right about feeding him the right things though - keep a tight leash on these guys or they will get pretty chubby and suffer health problems. Fresh is best (fruits and veggies)! :D

[peeker]

Originally Posted by Chariclo

Those zons sure can eat! :shock:


Nancy is right about feeding him the right things though - keep a tight leash on these guys or they will get pretty chubby and suffer health problems. Fresh is best (fruits and veggies)! :D

I gotta agree! amazons, ekkies, and I'll add quakers to the list that can get a bit too chunky! Try to introduce him to a wide variety of fruits and veggies. It will help to keep his tummy full, his weight from going too high and give him lots of vitamins for a healthy bird. Has he been to the vet? What did your vet say about his current weioght?
Christy

[sawb]

No I havent taken him to the vet yet. I've only had him a few weeks and I kinda wanted him to get used to us before I put him through the dreaded "VET". As some of you know I got him from a breeder and he was allready a year old so I assume he is pretty set in his ways. Now I need to try to set him in MY WAYS...LOL (YEAH RIGHT!!) He is doing real good so far, He even wolf whistled for me the other day.... Like I said, He hasnt been around people too much so I think in about a week I am going to take him to the vet. I tried to put some veggies on top of his seed and he takes them out throws them to the bottom and eats the seed.....grrrr... My next move is to take the seed out completely and give him the veggies.......

[The Outlaw]

Here's what you're gonna start doing:

Only feed him fresh veggies and fruits from the morning until the evening meal. At that time, offer good stuff, but give him no more than 1/4 cup of seed mix.

Give him 30 minutes to eat then remove the seed from the cage. Most birds can hold off for a few days waiting for seed, but sooner of later, they get hungry and are forced to try other foods. He won't starve to death, I promise, but he will have to learn all about good food. I would recommend that you offer cooked sweet potatoes, broccoli, corn, steamed kale and collards, perhaps some mellon or berries, and other love carb foods. He may ignore the good stuff for a week. Don't despair. He'll eventually come around. Just DON'T give in to his seed addiction. Its not good for him and he'll only wind up with fatty liver disease down the road.

THE OUTLAW

[sawb]

Should the sweet potatoes be cooked or can they be raw ???

[The Outlaw]

You can steam them, bake them, nuke them or boil them. I usually remove the peels and mash them before serving. Mine like them warm and I sometimes add a tiny bit of butter and cinammon.

THE OUTLAW

[sawb]

Just as long as there is nothing with raw ? He seems to eat them raw just fine but I am going to try cooking them next. But, There isnt anything wrong with him eating them raw right ???...Tim

[The Outlaw]

He can eat them raw. That's fine. However, NEVER feed raw white potatoes to birds. They are in the deadly nightshade family and can be toxic. Cooked is perfectly safe.

THE OUTLAW