[Anya]

Sunflower seeds are very good for birds until they are consuming too much. Have you just tried weaning him off them? Maybe start by giving him half of amount he normally eats, then gradually reduce the amount over time? You can also go cold turkey with him and stop giving them entirely except for treats. It would be rare for a bird to die from hunger. A bird will eventually eat if they get hungry. Maybe you can add a little of his other treats to replace the sunflower seeds, (hemp or chia) then gradually remove them.

Sorry, I am not much of a help suggesting seed mixes. I have basically used Higgin Safflower Gold, but Pugsley does not like safflower, so like you, I am needing to look for something else. Just be sure to read the ingredients when looking for another seed mix. Do not buy any seed mix with peanuts. Reports suggest that our birds should not eat peanuts due to possible aflatoxins. Have you ever thought about sprouting? You can sprout sunflower seeds. Soaking them in water starts them germinating, which uses all the fat reserves in the seeds making them healthier.

 

[Anya]

I know, it stinks that Goldenfeast was bought out and the new owners didn't keep the original recipes. I won't buy it anymore either. They ruined it. This morning I noticed that there were bugs in The Safflower Gold bag. That is the first time that it has ever happened to me. Ughh..I may try making my own seed mix again. So how is Piko doing? How old is he now?

 

[Anya]

Piko is ok. I’m sort of in another situation with him since he loves to be outside, once it’s cold again it’s pretty obvious that he isn’t the biggest fan of staying inside the house. I tried since he was young with toys and all sorts of things but he just never got into them . But he loves to stay on the couch and look out the window a lot.

I can tell he needs more stuff to do but I can’t seem to find out what he wants to play with,etc. So far not much luck with that. I’m afraid that as the years go on if I can’t find anything he might start plucking.

Cleopatra was the same way. She did not like any of the toys I bought her. I posted a thread about it because I was so tired of wasting money on toys she ignored. All she used in her cage was a swing, a climbing net and ladder. Her daddy and I were her favorite "toys" - she would rather hang out with us than anything else. Maybe Piko is like that. Maybe place some toys where he likes to hang out. Can you hang a rope boing or swing at the window he likes to look out? Maybe he would like that.