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Budgie Nutrition in the UK

by Alex
(London, UK)

I have 2 budgies both of who are under 6 months of age.

I am worried that they are not getting enough nutrition because:
1) They are on a 100% fortified seed diet as;
a) pellets are very expensive on the websites I have looked at.
b) They refuse fruit and veg even with continuous fresh fruit and veg.

2) They refuse to use the cuttlebone and mineral block

3) They are eating their own faces on a daily baiss,a nd it is hard to keep on top of it.

Basically, what I want to know is:

1) Are there any UK pellet companies that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

2) How can I get them to eat fresh fruit and veg as wastage is proving very expensive?

3) Should they have any calcium or vitamin and mineral supplements due to refusal of cuttlebone and mineral block?

4) Does the eating of their exrement mean deficiencies?

5) Should I consult the vet about the above matters? The vet will cost me, but if I can get them healthier, then I will pay.

I hope you can help.

Alex




Comments for
Budgie Nutrition in the UK

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Jan 04, 2012
Pellets
by: Alex

I have looked at Harrisons and I cannot afford to be feeding them on that.

Seed and pellet UK price comparrison

5kg seed £12.99 (pets at home)
2.2kg pellets £31.99 (Harrisons)

every pellet company I have found have prioces that in no way am I willing to pay.

My Mum said that at those prices, stick to a seed diet, and although I want the best for them, I am inclined to go along with her suggestion.

Jan 04, 2012
Feeding budgies in the UK
by: Tracie

Dr B has answered this question for others, so I will post his answers below, with a little added information.

1) Are there any UK pellet companies that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

Answer: This is hard to answer since we do not live in London. You can order Harrison's from a UK site at

http://www.mah-shop.co.uk/ the specific page for Harrison's is http://www.mah-shop.co.uk/high-potency-diets-14-c.asp and possible your local avian vet sells it too.

2) How can I get them to eat fresh fruit and veg as wastage is proving very expensive?

Answer: You can't get them to eat it, you can only continue to offer it. If they are eating Harrison's pellets, they don't need to eat fresh food.

3) Should they have any calcium or vitamin and mineral supplements due to refusal of cuttlebone and mineral block?

Answer: They should NOT get supplements unless prescribed by your avian vet. If they are eating pellets they don't need them, and if they are eating fortified seed, you may cause a toxic overdose with a supplement. (I personally killed a bird with a vitamin supplement.)

4) Does the eating of their exrement mean deficiencies?

Answer: It is unlikely the bird is actually eating the feces, it is likely cleaning it's cage bottom. This is normal for birds to do.

5) Should I consult the vet about the above matters? The vet will cost me, but if I can get them healthier, then I will pay.

Answer: Dr B always suggests yearly vet visits, because birds hide illness and yearly well visits will catch illness and disease and possibly save the bird's life.

Dr B has had an avian vet practice for over 30 years and teaches at a university. He has been able to compare birds that eat Harrison's or Roudybush pellets to those that eat fresh food and seed.

The birds that eat 70 - 80% quality pellets (not colored pellets or pellets with sugar and chemicals) have significantly lower health issues and live longer.

You might try to Find an Avian Vet in your area and see if they sell pellets and also find out what yearly check ups cost. Most vets take payments here in the USA.

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