Transition Instructions

Ways to switch your birds over to pellets or crumbles:

1. Controlled Cold Turkey:

This method may be used with finicky, resistant birds that are starting out a normal or excessive body weight. Remove all of their diet and fill the feeds with pellets. If you have the ability to weigh your bird, weight it first thing in the morning on the day of the switch and weight your bird every morning. If you bird loses more than 3-5% of its body weight, put it back on its old diet for 1 - 2 weeks, then try the switch again. If you are unable to weigh your bird, change the cage papers the day you make the switch and do not use litters, so you can evaluate droppings. If the fecal part of the dropping is small and dark green or black or if the droppings have no fecal portion, it means your bird is not eating. You can go for 2 full days for small species of birds and 3 full days for large species of birds. If your bird's droppings are still anorexic at the end of the switch period, put your bird back on its old diet for 1 - 2 weeks and then try the switch again. Most birds will switch the first time. The most finicky birds may take 3 attempts.

2. Gradual Switch:

This technique works with birds that will try and eat many different foods. Mix 3/4 of the original diet with 1/4 of the Roudybush pellets or crumbles. Feed this mixture for one to 2 weeks. Increase the proportion of Roudybush to 1/3 and feed for one to 2 weeks. Continue increasing the proportion of Roudybush. When you reach 3/4 or more Roudybush, change the cage papers and do not use litter so you can evaluate droppings. If you see anorexic droppings (see description above in Controlled Cold Turkey), add more of the original diet for a week or two. This method is slower but safe for those owners who cannot closely monitor their birds.

3. Act as if you are eating the Roudybush.

Many birds will try foods they see their owners eating. Many birds will like Roudybush pellets once they have tried them as treats from their owner and convert easily after that. Always make sure your bird's droppings indicate they are are eating once you completely make the switch to pellets.