Mikey And Mia’s NEW Daily Diet! || Do You Really Want To Feed Pellets?

We can’t believe we have been feeding our pet macaw parrots Mikey and Mia pellets!
This video will show you their new daily diet covering their morning chop, nuts, dry mix and a bunch of info on how pellets are really made!
For more info, check out the 2nd video on Jason Creans website (the 2 hour one)
drcrean.com/nutrition
Avian Raw Whole food Nutrition Facebook
groups/AVIAN...
1:17 - Breakfast - Wet Chop
3:37 - Nuts - Positive reinforcement/Foraging
5:39 - Pellets
10:27 DRY MIX!!!
13:10 The making of our dry mix
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Thanks for watching

[@caroline9268]

Thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for confirming something I've done for a few years now and couldn't guarantee that I was 100% right. I was making my own mix with freeze dried fruits and veg, seeds, human grade nut mixture in proportion, but also a mixture of hay, dried flowers, herbs, etc until literally it looked more like rabbit/rodent mixture. Nowhere could I find info saying that this was OK to do as I would buy the best grass/hay mixtures for rabbits etc and a few people thought I was bonkers. I'm retired vet nurse so just went by my knowledge of varied nutrients in a diet and what my gut said. I've got a very much loved flock of a diva African Grey (a stray from my nursing days) who manages my life for me, a moustache parakeet who is the parrot version of chicken little and is convinced that the sky falls on a regular basis and the best comedy duo in the world of a pair of Kakarikis who we call our little upside down dodgem cars as they zoom around the roof of their bedroom avairy making exactly the same noise as roadrunner used to make in the Wily Coyote Cartoons (the infamous 'beep beep' only theirs is 'meep meep'). I had begun to doubt myself and had changed not long ago to a wide mixture of pellet!! food, thinking I may be giving my lot a better balance with of course their daily chop which, mine is a mirror of yours, I tend to go a tad over board and end up with about 2 dozen veg and a dozen fruit but I do exactly as you described and vastly over feed their chop. So.........back to step 1 with a few priceless reminders and information about being a better guardian to my jewels. Thank you so very much

[@twothumbs_uk5375]

That was long but I agree

[@weshouldsaveourselves6780]

Pellets are just a commercial gimmick. A raw vegetable based diet is way better and cheaper. Herbs and sprouts are amazing too

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Wow amazing. Your birds must be very happy.

[@bigbiemacaw]

Thay dound like so much fun, happy Xmas

[@francescacassie4880]

Ive had birds since I was 7 years old and I was always a cockatoo person. I moved to Dubai and unfortunately couldn't take my birds with me so when I moved I decided to buy a macaw. I've never had any experience with macaws so it was a huge challenge for me. I got him at 8 and a half months old so I was feeding him formula from then till about last week. I was panicking not knowing what to feed him as I had no experience with these birds so I would give him fruit blend and apples. I've been watching your channel for the last week now and it has helped me so much with his diet. thank you! :)

[@NeutralGenericUser]

You guys are seriously amazing. For someone to care this much about their parrot just reminds me how much good there is in this world. Seriously, amazing is an understatement. If I was religious, I would say there would hopefully be a special place in heaven for people like you. Thank you so much for this!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Just doing our best to keep them happy and healthy.

[@wendycottingham8011]

This is so full of perfect information!! Their are very few avian vets who have studied the nutritional part of feeding a parrot!! I truly have not found someone who has been able to follow a parrot around every second to see what they eat in the wild. But I do know everything I put in my bird should be human grade and not have much heat applied if any. The only pellet my bird gets is a few Tops or Bird Tricks. You can actually read and understand every ingredient and no heat applied! My tiny birds get a well rounded food grade seed mix I make myself. I hope this helps so many people think about what they feed their birds!!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Your birds seem like they are on a great diet.

[@tobytopaz921]

hey lovely People.. my first bird, Hawkhead was super expensive, 20 years ago , BUT I got a full care program how to bath , how to feed colour spectrum.. how to cook one day , next raw how to respect them, in their cage as a home, I knock before I come in ..the room evening, dry fruit Nuts , after they go back in their room .. feeding them , helped me to eat better .. they are healthy, colourful, and super happy...never had an issues feed the rainbows🌈 much love to YOU 🦋🦋🦋

[@Fluffaloo]

As a vet student who hopes to specialize in avian and reptiles this information is amazing. Thank you for posting the links as well for us to learn more Information about the nutrition. I hope as a veterinarian I can help educate as many people as possible about the proper nutrition for birds. Honestly my routine right now for my B&G macaw has been fresh chop and bird street bistro in the morning mixed with a handful of nuts and freeze dried veggies on top. Then she gets pellets available all the time (zupreem naturals, occasional zupreem fruit flavor, roudy bush daily maintenance, tops, and Harrison’s mixed together. I think I will start to try converting to a mostly dried chop as you are doing. Thank you as always for the excellent info.

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Thank you. Look forward to you helping other bird owners in the future.

[@mabreuable]

Thank you guys this is fantastic, keep it coming!

[@VictorianPaws]

Videos like this I find absolutely amazing. When I get my bird, I know they’ll be happy and healthy for life by starting them off on food like this. You guys are awesome!!

[@rhondavroman5191]

I was so excited to wake up to this this morning... I've been on the look out for it 👀😊... I tried the chop freezing method and I personally thought it was gross and mushy... I also spin my chop fresh everyday...its so easy with the spinner. I love the new diet and it looks fabulous and yummy. I am looking sooo forward to the next couple of videos for the ingredients and the talk with the Veterinarians 🙏God Bless and THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO ON DIET !! YOU GUYS INSPIRE ME EVER SOOO MUCH 💜 a Thousand Thank You's for what you do and are so willing to share !!!

[@lizziehn5928]

I find that the freezing method tends to work a lot better if you have less watery veggies/fruits, doesn't get as gross. Glad you found a solution though!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Aww thanks. Yes will have to start editing the next vid soon

[@kristinasoutlet2831]

I'm so glad you put so much time and effort into feeding and giving a great life to Mikey and Mia, I wish every bird could live like yours! I try to give my birds the best life and it's great to see people like you to show everyone else!❤ lots of love, xoxo

[@bigbiemacaw]

Ikr, ppl shouldn’t get these birds if there life won’t revolve around them, I never leave mine home alone even..he was at a funeral with us yesterday, he did a few laps over the ppl in the graveyard,the lady who died loved to watch him fly so it was fitting..

[@ZookeepersWife]

I've been following Dr. Crean for a couple years now. His work is amazing! So glad to see a video being made of his work. I keep planning on doing this for my channel but never can get around to it. Great video with awesome content!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Aww amazing. Yea he’s amazing. Love that we got to work together on this.

[@eclipsestar5]

I've been working on getting my little cockatiel onto chop but since she's one little bird it's hard to keep a whole bunch of veggies fresh long enough to serve them to her. For now I have her on the BirdTricks pellets and she loves them! Sometimes will give her a variety of soaked seeds (not sprouted yet) but it's another thing we are working towards. Definitely looking forward to the future talk videos to learn even more!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Aww amazing. Yes l, currently editing the chat, hopefully have it out next week

[@NancyH25]

The Birdtricks pellets are TOPS rebranded.

[@cch1586]

This was so interesting informative and sooooo helpful. Thank you guys 💚💚💚

[@shifaniameen3964]

Thank god im always waiting for a new video love this

[@skittlesrainbowprincess]

Thank you for this important information. Avian nutrition is an important topic that is often misunderstood or not discussed. (or sometimes discussions can get heated 🙀). I love that you strive to learn and do the best for your flock. That's what we should all strive to do! Inspirational 😊

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Thank you. This was such a fun video to make because of how much we learnt making it. Love doing our best for our birds.

[@nooraqeelfoodvlogs6985]

Beautiful parrot

[@H1GH.FL1Y3R]

Cant tell you how happy I am. After eating some myself and handfeeding my irn she's finally accepting it. My conure is so much calmer. Can't thank you enough for making it accessible.

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Awww this is amazing to hear. So many have said it’s made their birds so much calmer.

[@justmeandmybirds4595]

Thank you !!💞😍❤️

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Great video! We make something similar to your dry mix for our flock :) Also glad you pointed out that having seeds as part of a balanced and varied diet is so important as they aren't as bad as some people make out as long as they're used in the right way!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Thank you. It’s been so amazing learning so much recently.

[@yamunadevi68]

Such a good video, I do something similar for my Conure and budgie. Looking forward to the next video, the more info on this subject the better

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Aww thanks. Yes, currently editing now. It’s a long one haha

[@sannewaaijenborg6318]

I now feed my birds special seed mixes specially selected for their spiecies, they also get veggies during the day! I just to feed them only pellets and veggies and they are so much happier now and also much more energetic

[@californiadreamin5093]

Wow! What a FABULOUS video! Thank you! I have a Meyers parrot, and tried to convert her to pellets. She hated them! My avian vet insisted I keep trying. My feeling is, if I was given nothing else to eat but Brussels sprouts (I hate them!) I would eat them to keep from starving, but my quality of life wouldn’t be very good. And, I’ve never seen a pellet tree! Birds eat seeds in the wild. I have been giving her a very healthy brand of seed (no sunflower) and supplemented her diet with fruits, vegetables, pasta, beans, etc. But recently, I discovered a recipe for chop. I made it, rolled the mixture into little balls for my little bird, wrapped them individually in plastic wrap and froze them. I take out one each day to thaw and give to her. She loves them. I’m so looking forward to seeing more on this and learning new recipes. One question- my parrot loves scrambled egg. Is it OK to give it to her once in a while? Same with grass fed cooked hamburger. Birds eat insects in the wild and need protein, so I would think that’s OK to give to her. Thanks for all that you do!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

You seem like you are doing ok, may pop these questions on Jason’s fb page linked in the description, I know many there feed meal worms which their birds love.

[@NancyH25]

What an informative video! I’m looking forward to watching your next video. I have a female sun conure who currently eats TOPS pellets in the morning & veggie chop with chia seeds & a blueberry for dinner with nuts for training treats. I make her chop fresh every day because I think it’s disgusting when frozen but it’s difficult to purchase so many different vegetables for 1 small bird. I’ve found the prepackaged salad mixes will have a lot of variety which I can supplement & she enjoys it. Merry Christmas to you all!!

[@davidzevada9722]

Omg the thumbnail for this is just soooo cuteeee

[@rachelandtheparrots6914]

It helps a lot thanks your videos help me alot you have so much good info about birds ❤️

[@christophercumming9859]

I can understand how good that is for your amazing birds . I am currently working on doing the same thing which my 2 budgies and my peach faced conure I am all ways trying to make my birds diet better my budgies are currently free roaming and are living the best life they want. and my conure lives in a large cage and comes out four hours every day

[@flinkbag6787]

Thank you for talking about how important diet is! Species appropriate diets are slowly becoming more popular, from dogs to birds! It never made sense to me that processed kibble for dogs and cats, or pellets for birds, was a complete diet.

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Yes, many have brought up how similar this is to the dog world

[@latitudecaferoastingco.969]

We recently rescued a green-winged macaw (Charlie) who was on the lean side. We have had him for about a month now and continue to try new foods to see what he enjoys to help fatten him up a little ☺️ Thank you for creating videos like this, it truly helps others out!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Awww amazing for rescuing. And yes, diet can be so hard for birds sometimes

[@Sub2me112]

I can definitely see why that seed mix would be very good for them. You’ve opened up my eyes a little. I have two budgies and they eat pellets and a diverse diet of veggies/a small amount of fruit and grains. I occasionally feed them seed, but I know specific seeds are very fattening. They are out their cage flying around all day, so I’ll try add a few more healthy seeds into their diet. Thank you!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Great to hear. Smaller birds do need a bit more seed too.

[@Carriesue1982]

I recently moved across the country to start a homestead, I plan to grow a lot of my parrots veg, some fruit and putting in some nut trees.. I’ll also have chickens so fresh eggs as well. So excited!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Aww amazing.

[@giantenemycrab420]

Man what a healthy diet I need to get on that diet. Awesome video thanks for sharing.

[@lindabillos5096]

Awesome video. Loved it. My parakeets r getting chop and sprouts and Tops

[@jebrilsadek7660]

Great video

[@TheParrotTeacher]

It's always better to provide veg (and fruit depending on the parrot) So glad the diet change is working out for you and them! Also glad that someone with big reach is doing a video on this as it's sometimes tough to convince people. Pellets are "ok" as treat foods, but it's mostly topps/harrisons that are the best due to how they are made and the ingredients used!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Thank you. Yes, tops are cold pressed, organic ingredients, and are ok to be a small portion of your birds diet. Hope this vid helps a few out there

[@TheParrotTeacher]

@@MikeyTheMacaw Totally agree! We use pellets as a little extra rather than the primary component! Veg is best!

[@jeeyakothari7508]

Thank you

[@DonP217]

I was inspired by your videos and I built him a aviary and I look after him now

[@archiesflock7517]

so glad you made this video! archie will not eat anything that was defrosted and the only pellet i’ve ever felt comfortable giving him was TOP’s and he never ate them, his diet is fully veg, sprouts, seeds and nuts!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

His diet sounds great.

[@bizarrebudgie3589]

Also WHY DONT YOU HAVE 1 MILLION SUBS YET? you guys are one of the coolest KZbinrs out there with the info, the cool parrot free flying montage, and the love you have with these parrots. Well I’m off to clean my messy budgies cage out see ya

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Aww thanks so much. You will have to tell your mates to sub haha

[@bizarrebudgie3589]

@@MikeyTheMacaw btw I’m a little bit scared of my bird flying away and i was wondering if it’s ok to give my bird a tracker thing so I know here it is?

[@bizarrebudgie3589]

@@MikeyTheMacaw where*

[@Riccothegreenpiedirn]

Such a great informative video. I’ve never felt right about feeding pellets myself, but unfortunately have. One thing I’ve always provided was some seeds and nuts as you stated in moderation with other fresh vegetables and fruits daily. Thank you for sharing this.

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Thank you.

[@Riccothegreenpiedirn]

@@MikeyTheMacaw ❤️

[@dannorrish2304]

This is great I love it

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Yay

[@RocketandBlueberry]

I wish I could feed the amount of fresh produce as you guys can, unfortunately I am stuck with the same boring stuff my parrot gets, doesn't last long enough to have so much of it, produce is rather crappy in rural Australia at times... However make up for it with random mashes, sweet potato with radish was her Christmas mash today which she goes crazy over. The dry mix though I can do, can easily buy all that and it should last for quite a while. Gonna have to try that and go for a similar meal set up to you guys, she gets a good bit of variety but not as much as I'd like, would be good to have a dry mix to really get that enrichment. Its will help having a long lasting option to supplement her chop. And more important as got a second macaw coming who is another rehome. Thanks for being awesome owners who share your journey, only had my girl for 5 months and its awesome but difficult, she was neglected previously and wouldn't even step up when I got her, now she is a whole new parrot with some target training and good head scratches, biggest sook in the world and hopefully on a path to free flying one day. Stuff like this really helps get it all right without the long journey and research on my part that you guys have done yourself already. Keep sharing your journey its awesome!

[@cesarinho22584]

I know it's December 18 but I WANT TO SAY TO YOU GUYS, TENGAN UNA FELIZ NAVIDAD 🎄🎄🎄🎄or merry Christmas

[@pavlakohoutkova4162]

I can't wait to learn more about it. I have two lovebirds for over a year now and i just can't get them on anything healthy. I tried three brands of pellets, TOP's included, but they don't sell them in my country so i had to shipp them i it is really pricy. They even hate chop. The only vegie they eat is cucamber, salad and the green parts of some veggies and they can not be chopped, otherwise they don't tuch it. I am trying Harrisons pellets at the moment, as it is the healthiest option in my country. In the long run i would love to get them onto BirtTricks seasonal feeding system and TOPs, but as i see people are still inventing new types of food for parrots, which is great. I can't say how much i thank you for your effort. Btw you were completly right about the avian vets. My recommended colourful blend pellets that actually said 40 % millet, some vitamins and the rest crop by-products (i hope it is what its called, the things that we people do not need from the plants so we put it in the pelletes, gros). I am not going to stop the proces of converting them onto pellets, because it is still better than the all seed diet they are on now and they seem to eat Harrisons at least a little. (I know Harrisons are not the best option, i hate their first ingredience, but it is the best thing i have acess to at the moment) But in the future i think the diet you are pesenting is my goal. I just don't think mine yould accept it at the moment, stubborn littel featherd heads...

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

A lot of the time birds refuse food is because they know if they don’t eat it and hold out for long enough, the human feels bad and something better comes along. If you serve a bowl with 20 different veg/herbs/fruit/seeds/nuts etc and they don’t touch it then you give them crappy pellets because you feel bad, the bird learns very fast all the have to do is not eat, maybe scream and get what they want. Birds are survivors. With our guys, they eat what they are given or nothing else comes. They will always eat. Maybe reach out to the fb page in the description and ask a few others options, it can take time to convert a bird to new foods, start by slowly involving new foods and slowly taking out old foods but have a chat with others in that group. See your options.

[@pavlakohoutkova4162]

@@MikeyTheMacaw Thank you for your answer! Interesting opinion. I have actually had the problem that my male hadn't eaten, lost a bit of weight and became sleapier, non reacting, almost sick, when i left them with only pellets for one day to see if they will eat more, so i am a bit carefull with it after that. But i see what you mean by it. I will definitely ask some others how did they convert their birds. Marry Christmas (in few days)

[@herln1]

Bravo! You are absolutely spot on!! I have been feeding my parrots this same diet since 1972,I have been asked many times what I feed my birds and when I explain...they either say I am absolutely crazy or they say that they can't be bothered.To which I will say to them its really no bother once you get into the routine.I also do not and never will give pellets to my boys,just my personal preferences for the same exact reasons you stated Thank you , now I don't feel so much like the crazy bird lady😀💖

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Wow amazing to hear

[@darklyclad]

Such healthy babies ^_^

[@LunarSafi]

Thank you for the video! My Derbyan refused to eat pellets and I felt so guilty for feeding him seeds instead (alongside veggies of course), so I’m so happy to try this recipe instead. I know he’ll be much happier to eat this than any processed pellets.

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Amazing to hear. We are glad we made the switch. Our guys are def happier.

[@sheredoz]

I love this video so much! It confirms what my "gut" had been saying. I've had my gorgeous B&G girl, Quinn, almost 12mths now. She is only 18mths old. She came with huge, colourful, Aussie brand "macaw pellets", a list of 5 fruit & veg she liked & raw almonds. When we were comf with each other I took her for a vet check (microchip did not match # I was given) & he recommended another pellet brand, import. Before Quinn moved in, I planted my vegie/herb garden up with all things parrot (from watching your chop vid). I have basically been giving her a lot of what you have listed here & she promptly decided she no longer wanted pellets. I have not separated the wet/dry as you have, but will start this I think. Sprouts I have been slack on as they scare me with bad bacteria stories - but I will research more on growing practices (West Oz summers are hot). From the get go, I chose human, organic grade everything also. We invest so much in purchase & time for our birds, so we should do so in their diet/hygiene standards. Oh, I tried to freeze chop once - it ended up on my floor in disgust 🤣 Thanks again! Off to find your recipes, decrease the dried fruit. Hope you are all staying well.

[@sheredoz]

And, I am random with her large nut selection. I mostly hide them for foraging. Sometimes she gets them as reward, but responds so well with high praise & a kiss.

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Awww amazing to hear

[@varshabhanavidasi7739]

I am feeding them with seasonal food from Bird Tricks + Pellets from TOP`s Pellets from Netherland, as we can`t order Bird Tricks Pellets in Europe. TOP`s pellets are cold pressed- Bird Tricks suggested this kind of Pellets. Seeds and nuts I use for training and foraging.

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Amazing. You seem like you are doing totally fine.

[@haijimiiwaizumi9765]

Bird tricks pellets is also completely unprocessed and cold pressed. I have a dry mix that has dried veg (3/6) (I'm going to get freeze dried next time I make it), pellets (2/6), and healthy seeds (1/6)

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Yes they are one of the few cold pressed ones around.

[@gr8macaw1]

Wow my Moluccan wants to get his beak on that delicious mix. please hurry and make some more.

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Haha will do. Should be back in stock in the next week.

[@lorettacabral4196]

I have to agree with you 100% ...you have obviously got professional info. Pellots are what you say concocion of this and that...fresh even for humans are the best!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Thank you. It’s been so fun to learn all of this.

[@rebeccachambers4701]

I also should point out that fresh dairy versus a lot of store-bought dairy that comes in cans or that is heavily processed is very different like when you make fresh whipped cream from heavy cream it's very different from the whipped cream you get in the can.

[@birdbrain3594]

So excited for the next video! I feed Cheeky the Birdtricks seasonal chop recipes and freeze them, so I know I should upgrade to the ParrotsRus Dr Jason Crean Thrive boxes. They're just so expensive to ship to Canada! Do you think his book a Parrot's Fine Cuisine will have good enough recipes?

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Fine cuisine isn’t actually his but has a few bits from him in it. It’s a great book.

[@codexone2194]

Love the video! Just one minor problem: Soy itself isn't bad for human consumption and doesn't cause hormonal issues if you consume it in a more natural forms like tempeh, tofu or edamame. If you drink soy isolate protein shakes, those might be a bit more harmful.

[@koyame3568]

I don't know how this became so prominent seeing as Asian countries consume soy pretty regularly.

[@fiveratsinatrenchcoat4408]

Thanks! That remark really pissed me off 😂

[@guy8646]

You have to eat an inhuman amount of soy for it to accept you.

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

There are so many mixed opinions on this, after looking online and chatting to vets and biologists it’s def not recommended for birds, for humans, still not sure what’s right, the internet has so many different answers, but yes, maybe shouldn’t have outlined this without being 100% sure.

[@ruesneptune]

oh my! i’m getting my cockatiel in a week (so excited) i was planning on giving it pellets but no way i’m doing that to my little one now! only fruits 🍎 and vegetables 🥗 with nuts 🥜 as treats! thank you so much for informing me on this

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Aww amazing. Cockatiels need a bit more seed than macaws so look into this for sure.

[@amandaWL]

China Prairie has a great seed mix for cockatiels and other smaller birds called Delight. It is organic and human grade. My tiel loves it! He also gets a mainly veggie and grain (like quinoa) based chop too.

[@ruesneptune]

@@amandaWL thank you so much!!! i really appreciate the recommendation!! it sounds like a really good seed mix i’ll see how my tiel likes it!!

[@mexicancurious2195]

This video has been amazing! thank you so much for sharing. It is surprising how similar their diet is to what we - humans - should be eating, not processed at all or only as a rare treat. And keeping it all raw is best - definitely not oven processed. That thing you mentioned about vets not knowing about nutrition is the same thing that happens with doctors, when they go to university they never study nutrition nor the long term effects of food in our bodies, as a result of this we have companies selling literally poison to us, if that happens to humans, could we expect anything better from the pet industry? As you mentioned having a good diet influences so much how our bodies and brain function, as well as have a massive impact on the quality and longevity of our lives. I have seen the same on dry food for dogs, full of ingredients that although might be beneficial, the manufacturing processes strip all the goodness from them, so at the end of the day they are eating literally cookies. I usually do a chop for myself, my birds and my dogs, paying special attention to what each group can and can not eat... but in fairness, it is very similar. I didn't hear you mentioning anything about feeding your birds boiled eggs? is that something you guys do? Thanks again!!!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Thanks for the lovely comment. Yes this is huge in the dog world too. Lots of processed stuff that’s heated etc. we have never really fed egg to them to be honest.

[@kelseygillespie848]

I feed my birds BirdTricks’ pellets, they love them and I know BirdTricks put a lot of effort into making the best pellet on the market!

[@skittlesrainbowprincess]

BirdTricks pellets are just TOPs pellets with birdtricks name to add additional $. Look at the ingredients in each....

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Yes they are actually cold pressed! They have done well.

[@aphandling6315]

@@skittlesrainbowprincess Birdtricks and Tops did actually partner and make the pellets. Tops provides and makes the pellets themselves. Birdtricks pellets aren’t bad at all.

[@skittlesrainbowprincess]

@@aphandling6315 my point was simply that if you compare TOPs pellets (ingredients) and birdtricks pellets (ingredients) they are the same. TOPs also has a pellet blend with KZbinr marlene that adds nuts and seeds. The actual pellets are the same... That's all, not saying what you should feed your parrots. I personally have been feeding a natural feeding system (close to Mikey and Mia new diet) for years under the advice of an avian nutritionist. My parrots wouldn't eat TOPs but I found what works for mine. We all do what we feel is best in our circumstances and as we learn we hopefully grow and change...

[@jimbennett2795]

Can somebody tell us why Topps brand main ingredient is alfalfa. They smell like rabbit food because they mostly are. No other pellet brand uses so much. In fact others use hardly any. Am I missing something here?

[@shinyivin5119]

Remember your ‘’holiday with 2 macaws video’’ when I commented I had no bird but today on Christmas I got a cockatoo it’s a mullican cockatoo

[@H1GH.FL1Y3R]

Thats why I use Topps pellets.

[@kimmaekhyun]

YES, indomie for the win!!

[@MiniAngelMom]

woo hoo finally someone says stay away from peanuts. You guys are awesome thier diet is absolutely perfect now and I am working on getting my girls food to what your feeding Mikey and Mia. Unfortunately, I have a Cockatoo and they are the pickiest of eaters in the bird world and are quick to throw what they won't eat on the ground.

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Haha yea, I’ve noticed birds can be picky if they know something better will come if they don’t eat, if you don’t offer an alternative, they learn to eat

[@spiritmatter1553]

I’d say you’re very lucky to have a cockatoo. I just love them! 🤍 But I know they’re phobic and crazy and difficult….but wonderful!

[@progamerzz2216]

i remember tis channel when it was on 11k its grown so quickly

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Haha that would’ve been a few years ago now. Thanks for sticking with us.

[@yeukazs]

Oh wow I came quick!

[@DonP217]

Would like for you guys to see the aviary

[@o0Apocalyptica0o]

I recently rescued a half moon conure and knowing nothing about birds I decided to read and watch videos about their diet. All of them said I must feed them pellets and that's what should constitute the majority of its diet, and me living in a third world country where that is not an option, I decided to transition his food from corn dough [yes, that's what people feed birds here] to vegetables, fruits and seeds. I felt so guilty but this video is very well explained and makes more sense than thinking I need man made food to make my little guy happy. I still have problems with him being extremely picky and becoming addicted to seeds but at least it's better than corn dough, I guess. I'll keep on working to make him as happy as your birds. Thank you so much for the information!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

A lot of the time birds refuse food is because they know if they don’t eat it and hold out for long enough, the human feels bad and something better comes along. If you serve a bowl with 20 different veg/herbs/fruit/seeds/nuts etc and they don’t touch it then you give them crappy pellets because you feel bad, the bird learns very fast all the have to do is not eat, maybe scream and get what they want. Birds are survivors. With our guys, they eat what they are given or nothing else comes. They will always eat. Maybe reach out to the fb page in the description and ask a few others options, it can take time to convert a bird to new foods, start by slowly involving new foods and slowly taking out old foods but have a chat with others in that group. See your options.

[@o0Apocalyptica0o]

@@MikeyTheMacaw Thank you so much!

[@bigbiemacaw]

Great everyone is coming around to my way of thinking, I never liked the idea of pellets, you can never know what is in them ,even the ones they call good .mine love there chop still frozen, ..we get the little salad toppers from tesco there sprouted lentils,.its so hard with the human food, no matter what I eat he's over my shoulder trying to beg, on the up I'm eating a lot healthier because I know he'll want some to make better choices for my own diet with him in mind. Happy Xmas guys .

[@DonP217]

Hey guys my friend has a cockatoo that I'm sad to say he hasn't taken the best care of.... after befriending the bird I started watching videos about them and found you guys

[@Youi2190]

Thanks for all the educational vids about bords

[@H1GH.FL1Y3R]

I use cold pressed Topps pellets 😮 ps i commented before you got to the Topps comment. I feel better now... i feed your freeze dried food and Selby calming seeds.. they also get chop. I alternate between the foods daily

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Aww amazing. Thanks.

[@carmencolon1854]

GOOD MORNING, WAKING UP TO THIS IS DEFINITELY A TREAT.. YOU GUY'S ARE THE BEST!!! HAPPY SATURDAY HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND 💙💛💙💛🐦🐦🙋

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Awww thanks.

[@shinyivin5119]

If you guys go to England again visit the Buckinghem palace with mikey and Mia

[@omumacaw754]

FINALLY the way we see parrot nutrition is changing for the better! It's always best to feed them more like how they are meant to eat; biologically appropriate foods. Parrot don't eat compressed and processed pellets in the wild, so why do we feed them? People are finally catching on with their dogs and cats, feeding them a raw diet (like how I feed my cat) and it's just so refreshing to see a more natural and whole food approach to our bird companions!

[@haytch7868]

This is super interesting! Thank you for sharing! I would love to replicate this, but I have a budgie and I'm wondering how you would go about doing the dried mix for my teeny parrot! Thank you 😁

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Thank you so much. We don’t know a whole lot about a budgies diet, they do need more seed, maybe jump on the Facebook page linked in the description and ask someone with experience with them.

[@mone4910]

We have dogs, cats, mice and fish but no birds. Still, just love your videos! 💜

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Haha awww yay

[@tIfFeE11teen]

so many people make these kind of mistakes. bird owners need to watch this

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

We did, so glad we learnt.

[@ShaynaFlowers]

I can’t go without pellets because 3 of my tiels don’t eat chop almost at all. I got a new tiel, Lily, yesterday so she’s not even eating yet so I can’t switch now anyways. Sunny hasn’t even gone to eat chop for a few days now so I don’t know what’s going on with her. Luna, who I’ve only had since November 9th, eats some chop but she’s still not eating as much as I’d like. I don’t know what pellets you were using but I use TOPs pellets. There’s literally no other pellets that’s even close to be as good as TOPs. Some countries don’t have access to it so you should go for Harrison’s but if not then Roudybush. If that’s what you have to do while you switch to a raw diet. Any pellet is better than a seed diet. TOPs is cold pressed and only has good whole food. It’s organic and doesn’t have that weird added ingredients. For chop, I use BirdTricks’ seasonal feeding system but I also add more ingredients to it. Ever since my tiel, Ozzie passed away on November 9th, they have been eating as much chop. I guess she was a big part in getting the others to eat it. Booboo still goes crazy over chop so at least I have that going for me. They don’t even really eat fruit. I had to give Booboo some unfiltered apple juice (literally only apple. No added sugar. It’s better than ones with added sugar). I found out that she likes dried banana chips but it doesn’t really count. I only give them a tablespoon of pellets and they eat chop together on a plate so they feel more comfy together. My friend sent me a bunch food for the birds including mealworms. They aren’t eating the mealworms but I’m hoping they will eat it eventually. I only give nuts while training and putting them in foraging toys. If you can’t feed a raw diet, just do your best. Always feed chop but if you think you’re not feed everything they need, then you probably feed pellets anyways.

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Yea I never got the pellets or seeds thing, chop should be such an important part, it shouldn’t be pellets or seeds haha. But yea, tops are totally fine. I have noticed with birds they won’t eat new foods if they know they can hold out and get something better later though

[@ShaynaFlowers]

@@MikeyTheMacaw I tried many different ways but they never liked everything I tried. I still incorporate different food anyways despite that. They do eat chop pretty well but I can't seem to get them to like everything I've been trying. I 100% agree with you btw. I just like having pellets to keep my mind at ease since I tend to be too paranoid about everything. If I could do what you're doing, I definitely would. They're all eating chop very well now so I got that going for me. I try to find new ingredients to add but I don't have a big selection unfortunately. I started making a dry mix as well and they seem to be enjoying it a lot. Sorry my messages are all over the place. I might drop the pellets but I need to make sure that they're getting everything first. My avian vet makes it hard for me to know if I'm doing well because she's not a nutritionist and definitely has a bit of a bias.

[@ToxicatedFlow]

Hi Shayna ily

[@ShaynaFlowers]

@@ToxicatedFlow Hi Ily2

[@zoegallamore7984]

I'd love to make fresh every day, but budgies eat such small portions that I'll have to freeze to allow enough variety. Still soaking too many grains currently. Do you know if fresh, raw chop is okay to leave for the work day, or does that only apply to larger pieces of veg?

[@ed_thefreak8584]

I tapped that like button and it hit 1K ;)

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Wooooo

[@yashu7387]

Hello!!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Yay first.

[@nancylee8030]

Do you throw away a lot of that produce that’s in your fridge ? I would love for my parrot to eat like this ! Just found the links you put up I couldn’t find before! Are you in those two videos with Jason

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

We don’t throw away too much to be honest. No we aren’t in the 2 vids. They are with Jason and Dr becker

[@caitlinwenke9286]

I've been trying to get freeze dried veggies here in Australia and have looked everywhere in store and online!!!! Fruits are fine, but can only get broccoli and beetroot. Would dehydrated veggies be OK to add instead since I cannot get a hold of many freeze dried ones?

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

We replied on insta

[@rebeccachambers4701]

I have a mix that I use where it's like the pellet but I'll actually get baby formula we're not so much baby for me but the baby pure gray foods where it's got the fruits and vegetables and mix it with the kind of like pellet mixture and my bird will eat that so he's got like the sideberry with the coconut and grains and

[@jebrilsadek7660]

Nice diet

[@CamdenFarrow]

Where do you guys get the seeds and veggies to make up the diet? Do you order seeds and then combine it, or from the grocery store?

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

We order everything online. Even fresh veg gets delivered haha.

[@caitlinroeder5679]

Since the you are mixing the freeze dried foods in a large tub, do you worry about moisture getting into it over time? It seems like it will take a long time to completely go through. I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to portion out maybe 2 weeks worth and vacuum seal that individually (then store in a closed container once opened). If doing that, I would also include a desiccant pack and oxygen absorber (there are ones made to be used with human foods that survivalists use). I'm also wondering if you notice additional water consumption with the freeze dried foods? Or if you have to worry about food swelling up to be too much volume in their crop? How do you gauge the correct amount to feed the birds? Thank you so much for this video!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Hey, so great idea with the bags, we are estimating this will last around 3 months, no signs of moisture yet but will maybe make many smaller portions next time. We honestly will just feed what they eat, birds never over eat, so after the first few days we kinda say it was between 2-3 tablespoons, but the odd night they want more which is fine.

[@alexiscervantes5157]

Any tips on feeding like this in an aviary? My birds live outside and I like adding an excess of pellets that way I know no foods get bullied out of food. Feeding small amounts make me worry a bird or two may be left out. Any tips? Cant wait to see the next videos

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Why not feed exactly this but in an aviary? Feed enough of it and all birds will be happy.

[@rebeccachambers4701]

My guy also loves banana and green apples,.

[@natashamurphy7411]

Besides Sussex wholefoods, where else do u buy your food from. I am really interested in moving from pellets to this wholefood diet

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

A few places, super garden, buy whole foods online, Amazon. We are actually putting together a few samples to sell soon

[@Morphwastaken]

Where they will put the food when you give to much: The floor. Have fun cleaning! Also how did you convert them onto the new diet? My birds are so stubborn and I have been trying to get them even just onto chop and they refuse. The first time I tried to give them chop they kept me up all night long.

[@pebbles377]

Converting a bird to a new diet always needs to be a very slow process of introducing the new food slowly and working your way up to eventually being on the new diet 100%. Especially if you have smaller bird such as a budgie. They can stop eating and it can become very dangerous. You should always monitor the body weight and changes in their droppings to make sure they are doing well with the conversion to the new diet. There are tons of great articles out there on how to slowly convert your bird and the methods you could use :) Good luck!!

[@DrowningB]

Mine refuses to eat fresh aswell. She only eats pellets

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

A lot of the time birds refuse food is because they know if they don’t eat it and hold out for long enough, the human feels bad and something better comes along. If you serve a bowl with 20 different veg/herbs/fruit/seeds/nuts etc and they don’t touch it then you give them crappy pellets because you feel bad, the bird learns very fast all the have to do is not eat, maybe scream and get what they want. Birds are survivors. With our guys, they eat what they are given or nothing else comes. They will always eat. Maybe reach out to the fb page in the description and ask a few others options, it can take time to convert a bird to new foods, start by slowly involving new foods and slowly taking out old foods but have a chat with others in that group. See your options.

[@Mazloon]

Do you have a list of what you can use for your parrots dried chop?? I wanna try to replace pellets but I don’t know what I can mix up for my bird to feed him

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

There is a list from our first mix around 13mins in but we have changed a few things since then

[@N._s67]

My bird passed away yesterday and your content makes me happy keep doing what you guys do

[@leannedification]

So sorry for your loss. Hugs!

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Sorry to hear this. Glad you enjoy the content.

[@austinbonner1152]

I switched of pellets and onto Shelby’s dry mix and my black capped loves it he’s so much calmer now his feathers look the best they ever have and he no longer has that bird smell and just smells like herbs and spices now🤣 don’t stop making the stuff I don’t think I’ll ever buy pellets again

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Haha awww amazing to hear.

[@roy.s380]

What a great diet! Parrots are by no means easy pets, especially diet-wise. With all the fresh produce you guys buy, what do you guys do with the excess veggies? I often get a lot of veggies for my own parrots but often end up wasting some veggies. I dont like wasting food. Any tips?

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

We always buy small amounts, weekly shops too, but, we do eat a lot of it too haha

[@sonyapett9832]

I would love to make this for my B&G! Can you tell me where you ordered all these ingredients from. Is it a certain store online or a whole bunch of stores online?

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

We got these from healthy supplies and buy whole foods online

[@lmp7179]

What no beef tacos, ice cream, ginger cookies and coffee with their salad? My sun conure would be quite upset. 😉

[@InquilineKea]

the ideal diet for parrots is SO close to the ideal diet for humans

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

So true.

[@Kat-gq9zt]

I don't have birds but loooove Mikey and Mia but to those who say that their vet recommended something hear me out. I have a fur baby, an American Akita, and whenever we go to the vet they recommend some sort of dry food BUT always ask whether I feed my dog off the table as they can tell she is healthy and her fur is so luxurious and shiny that no amount of horrible dry food could ever provide. So just because something is 'vet recommended' does not actually mean it's good. Think about what your feather babies would eat in the wild and feed that rather than feeding them what looks like and probably tastes like dry cardboard.

[@williamgodley7805]

heyy

[@idie4dyes]

What do you think about feed your flock pellets from birdtricks? I know they make good stuff

[@idie4dyes]

Its cold pressed btw

[@MikeyTheMacaw]

Cold pressed organic pellets without synthetic vitamins and minerals are perfectly fine, raw whole foods will still be better, but there is nothing wrong with them

[@siamese3317]

Woah thanks for the vid! Great to know more things about birds :)