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My bird refuses fruits/veggies after a sunflower seed diet. Help!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Cockatoo | Male

i got akio 4 days ago.he is 1.5 years old.he had an owner before me who only fed him sunflower seeds and corn.so he doesnt like to eat fruits & vegetables.i have tried to feed him but he doesnt want to eat.he leaves the bowl as it is and starves.what can i do? i am worried about his health.i have heard that sunflower seeds are very bad for health

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on March 27th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about Akio. You are correct in that sunflower seeds and corn are a terrible diet for birds, the equivalent of drinking cooking oil and eating white bread. No vitamins, minerals, protein and other essential nutrients. Try measuring what you place in the bowl every morning, say 4 tablespoons. The next morning, same time, measure what is left over, say 2 tablespoons. Therefore he is consuming 2 T a day. Offering 1 tablespoon in morning, and one in early evening. In a second bowl, offer human food (vegetables, some fruit, pasta, beans, whatever). Eating your food in front of him, offering by hand or visualize you placing in the food bowl. Give it time. Trust and persistence is the issue.
Good luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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