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Post by justy213 on Oct 5, 2009 16:20:59 GMT -5
My name is Justina and not only am I new to this community, I'm also a new tiel owner of two sweet little girls whom I've named Poppy and Petuna. They are supposedly about a year old. Unfortunately, they were neglected and aren't very pretty right now. They were very dirty and have broken feathers and stress bars. The good thing is that after a couple baths and some good food they are looking a whole lot better but still far from what they should look like... not that looks are everything.  I would appreciate any suggestions especially on how I can get them to eat fresh produce such as fruit and veggies. They were never given any before and it freaks them out. Also, Petina displays cage dominance so any suggestions on how to earn trust is welcome also. I've been teaching them the wolf whistle and they are picking it up quite easily but haven't quite got it yet. ;D Cheers! |
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Post by Just Ask Jan! on Oct 5, 2009 20:21:55 GMT -5
Welcome to Talk About Tiels. Such cute names for your girls. Usually girls are not very vocal, but some can learn to talk with persistent training.
The key to get them to eat greens is to offer fresh and put a verysmall piece on top of their seeds every day. Eventually they will have to move or remove it to get to the seeds and try some. They will be afraid at first but will eventually get used to the new items. Broccoli is a favorite at my house including the stem part, but I also offer carrot, sweet potatoe, green beans, peas, kale, cabbage and some of the greener lettuces. Mine also love granny smith apples, the green sour ones.
Have the flight feathers on the wings trimmed and that way it will be easier to work with them, if not tame. If tail feathers are broken off, they can be pulled out and new ones will come in faster. Frequent bathing will also encourage more preening and this will enhance feather condition.
Jan
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Post by justy213 on Oct 6, 2009 17:48:20 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice!!! ;D I've been trying to give them apple chucks but didn't think about putting it on top of their seed.  My girls have a vet appointment on Thursday since they've been sneezing and I don't want to bathe them more until I get them looked at just to make sure they are OK. They've been pulling out feathers like crazy since I bathed them and they look at lot better. I'm also giving them a molting suppliment but it seems pretty junky but all we have where we live is Petsmart and Petco and that's all they carry. It seems to have a lot of filler in it that they don't eat and I just end up throwing away. Any suggestions?  |
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Post by tametielsaviary on Oct 12, 2009 17:00:48 GMT -5
I have found that clipping fresh, wet greens to the cage side (using a wooden or plastic clothespin) is typically enough to at least prick their curiousity. All it takes is for them to bite a leaf and they will often partake of it anytime thereafter. My cockatiels love "broccoli slaw" a mixture containing shredded broccoli stalk, carrots and very small amounts of red cabbage. They can play with it, which encourages eating. Waste will happen, however it is worth it if they eventually take a liking to their veggies!
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