Pellet conversion affecting budgie personality

[Beluga]

Hi guys,

I have successfully converted Skippy from the Kaytee like pellets from the pet shop to Harrison high potency in about two weeks. However, his personality and behavior has also changed.

Skippy was about 6 weeks old when I brought him home. The very next day, I started the conversion process, hoping it would be easier since he just got of formula and only began eating pellet for just a few days.

He ate the Harrison on the very first time we gave it. But it took two weeks to fully convert it, because he was very stubborn and probably didn't like the organic taste without any sweetness like his old pellet.

The problem here is that, for the first week, Skippy was very clinging to us. However, after the second week, where we tough love it to force it to eat more of the Harrison, Skippy has become more distant to us. He has become more self independence.

He would still come to us and play with us on occasion, but he spends most of his time sleeping on the coffee table or his new favorite place, in the printer.

Do you guys think the conversion could have affected him in someway? As far as I know, he doesn't look sick. But the amount of time he is sleeping throughout the day is a cause for concern.

Thanks for you guys time and help again ....

[BUUZBEE]

i'd have to say the only way to know for sure is to give him the old pellets again, and see how his personality is.
am i understanding that you have had him for 2 weeks? maybe its just his personality settling in?
If your concerned its the pellets, i would mix some of his old ones in with the new stuff or give him it 100% and give him 2 weeks. he seems pretty good at changing it over. do you give him any seeds?

[Beluga]

BuuzBee,

Yes, I have only had him for about two weeks. I have begun to feed him seeds in the morning and then Harrison the rest of the day. I planned to continue this routine for about a month or so to see how he adjusts, before I start introducing him to fruits and veggies. Is this okay?

Thanks for the suggestion.

[BUUZBEE]

If i were you, i would start on veggies now. They will only benefit him. They might even perk him up a bit. keep us posted!

[Budgiekin]

Great advice Anna. I agree that it would be a good idea to mix the old diet with the newer one. Veggies are great to offer earlier rather than later too.

Good luck and please let us know how it goes! :rolleyes:

[BrokenJohnny]

In my personal experience, my budgies personality took about 3 or 4 months to solidify. I've had him for about 7 months, and the last few have been the best! He's confident, learning to fly with his new wings, and chatting up a storm.

[1scifi1]

It took several months for my budgies to develop their personalities too. Alaska finally exploring the cage after two months.

[Beluga]

Buzzbee, you are right. Skippy wasn't completely converted to the Harrison and wasn't eating enough. That was why he was lethargic. After we started feeding him the old pellet and some seeds, he has become normal again.

You guys are right about the personality adjustment. We can see that Skippy is becoming more and more adjusted by the day. He is more comfortable with each day and more and more active and playful with his surrounding and with us, not to mention more chatty too :)

Thanks for all your help again!