Once the bird is accepting the new diet the length of time and number of times the original diet is fed can be reduced until completely converted. Birds will often investigate food sources being eaten by their owners. If your bird shows an interest when you are eating, offer it a sample of the new diet to try as an additional incentive for conversion. Covering the cage overnight may also promote more zealous feeding first thing in the morning. Novel food sources used to complement complete diets may also take some time to get the bird to eat.
Most owners give up far too easily.
It is worth reducing the size by shredding or mashing the food. In softbills the complete diet eventually should replace the insectivorous mix or dog food fed. It is still important to offer live-food in those species that require it. We do hold a small selection of complete diets for a range of species by Pretty Bird and Pretty Pets, most others can be ordered specifically if required. For other species we now also can obtain complete diets for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hedgehogs, Hamsters, Gerbils, Iguanas and Tortoises.