Exotic bird breeders and bird supplies

Kaytee Feed FAQs

Most Frequently Asked EXACT Questions

Why feed EXACT versus a fortified or plain seed diet?

EXACT diets provide all the vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other nutrients required for a balanced daily diet in each bite. Birds generally pick and choose certain seeds in a diet, therefore a balanced diet cannot be guaranteed. Other benefits are less waste, less mess, no seed hulls. No additional supplementation is necessary.

How do you convert a bird from a seed diet to EXACT?

See directions on container or EXACT booklet in canister.

Combine 75% current diet with 25% EXACT for several days, then adjust to 50% each, then 25% old diet and 75% EXACT, gradually phasing out the old diet. Do this over 14 days when providing measured amounts of food daily or use the method of each combination for one week, which will take up to one month to convert. Watch birds closely to make sure they are eating the food. It is important to read the entire package and booklet instructions.

Which EXACT should be fed if there is a parakeet and a cockatiel in the same cage?

The Parakeet EXACT should be fed because the cockatiels need for calcium is lower than that for the parakeet.

How often should the food be changed in the bird's cage?

Once a day and thoroughly clean the food dish once a week. If food becomes soiled it should be changed as soon as possible. Learn how much your bird will eat in one day and adjust accordingly.

Does other food need to be offered when feeding EXACT?

No other foods are necessary; however, other foods or treats may be offered up to 25% of the total daily diet.

Should extra vitamins and minerals be added?

No other vitamins or minerals should be added. The EXACT formulas contain appropriate levels of vitamins and minerals for the birds. Adding extra supplementation could be harmful.

Should cuttlebone be offered?

Not to birds eating Exact. There is sufficient calcium in the diet and adding to this could cause a nutrient imbalance and lead to health concerns.

What about providing grit?

Grit should not be provided with EXACT because it is not needed for digesting this product. The high mineral contact of many grits could be harmful.

How should EXACT products be stored?

They should be stored in a closed container in a cool, dry area, off the floor. Refrigeration will extend shelf life for up to 6 months and freezing in a sealed container up to one year.

Why is EXACT more expensive than a seed diet?

This product may be more expensive per pound, but will actually be more economical to use. There is less waste and the birds will consume less food, it is more nutritious, and there is no need for expensive supplements.

Are the red bits different from the brown?

No, they both contain the same formula. The red bits are only in the EXACT poly bags for added appeal. The red bits contain natural canthaxithin.

How long was this food tested before it went to market?

Over 5 years on many different species, with professional breeders throughout the United States and also at Kaytee's Avion Research Center. The products were introduced to the market in November, 1989.

What is the difference between the Professional Maintenance and Breeder Formula?

The Maintenance Formula is intended to provide the daily maintenance nutritional needs for a healthy bird. The Breeder Formula is provided when the parents are sitting on eggs and preparing to feed babies. This formula provides extra protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals for this particular time. The Breeder Formula may be provided to birds that are continuously breeding; however, the Maintenance Formula should be provided during the rest periods. The Maintenance Formula provides adequate nutrition for sporadic breeding. For birds being fed 50% fruits and vegetables, the Breeder Formula should be provided.

When should the Breeder Formula be fed?

When the parents are sitting on eggs and feeding babies. This formula may be provided to birds that are continuously breeding.

How is the RAINBOW EXACT different from the ORIGINAL EXACT?

The formula is the same as the Maintenance Daily Diets. The shapes, colors and flavor are the only difference. The droppings of birds eating the Rainbow will have different color feces due to the various colors of the shapes. This is not harmful to the birds. However, one needs to take this into consideration when observing for disease and/or illness.

Does Rainbow have more sugar in it compared to the Original?

No. There is no difference. Both the Original and Rainbow product contain very little sugar. Corn sugar is minimally present for processing, otherwise the sugar in the diet comes from the natural ingredients.

EXACT HAND FEEDING FORMULA

How should this formula be mixed?

According to the instructions on the package or booklet that is provided with the food. Any mixed food left after use should be disposed of immediately – DO NOT store mixed food.

How should the Hand Feeding Formula be stored?

If used within 30 days, store in a closed container in a cool dry area. Once opened for prolonged storage place in the refrigerator up to 6 months or freeze for up to 12 months. Always keep formula in a sealed container.

Should this product be refrigerated?

Refrigeration is recommended as a precaution; however not necessary if product is used within 30 days after opening and kept sealed in a cool dry area.

Why is this product better than other brands?

The EXACT products were researched and tested 5 years prior to marketing. High quality ingredients are used and there are strict quality control procedures for processing. A nutritionist specializing in avian nutrition formulated the product and the Kaytee Quality Assurance and Research and Development departments are continuously monitoring the product. Kaytee also provides specially trained customer service and technical services staff to assist with any questions regarding the products and how to use it.

Can a large batch be mixed up and reused?

No. Reused formula can be a source of bacteria and should not be fed. Mix only what is needed to feed babies for each feeding. Mixed product not used immediately must be discarded.

Can all baby birds use this formula?

The Hand Feeding Formulas are formulated primarily for psittacines and passerine. The Original Formula has been used successfully for pigeons, a wide variety of exotic softbills, wild songbirds, and rehabilitators are using it for other types of fledglings and animals.

Do you have to add any other foods?

No other foods are necessary; however, 20% fruits or vegetables (strained baby foods) may be added if desired.

Can vitamins or minerals be added for extra nutrition?

No vitamins or minerals should be added because it may cause an improper balance and could be harmful.

Do certain species need something extra added to the formula?

No. The EXA CT ORIGINAL Formula is recommended for all psittacines and passerines. The newer EXACT MACAW Formula has added fat, vitamin and mineral level adjustments such as lower vitamin D and is intended for macaws, hawkheads, and eclectus.

What about additional calcium for African Grey's?

African Greys do not have a significantly higher requirement for calcium, they simply show signs of a lack of calcium more readily. Therefore, no extra calcium should be added and is not recommended.

Can you freeze this product?

Yes, freezing this product will prolong its shelf life without harming the nutritional content, up to 12 months.

How can one tell if the product is fresh?

Make sure the package is properly sealed. If the container or bag has been damaged in any way, we do not recommend using the product. There is a Best Before code on the bottom of the package that will tell you when to use the product by.

Can hand feeding be used past the Best Before code?

Unopened product can be used within a reasonable time after the BB code ( 30-60 days). If the product has been opened we recommend it be used within 30 days, depending on storage conditions. Refrigerating the product will help preserve product up to 6 months and freezing it up to a year. If the product was not refrigerated or frozen, we recommend getting fresh product. All of this information depends on the climate and environmental conditions of where the product is being stored.

If the color or consistency of the product is different from the last container, is there concern?

No. There will be variances with the color of the product due to the natural colors of the grains. This product is not artificially colored to make it look the same at all times. The consistency of the dry product may also have the slightest difference. There are acceptable quality ranges regarding to the grind when dealing with this type of product. When mixed according to instructions, the product should be a creaming pudding consistency and easily flow through the syringe. Normal color or grind/consistency variances will not cause a health concern with baby birds.

How does one know how much to feed?

This depends on the age and specie of the baby. Follow the instructions as labeled. We recommend approximately 10-12% of the babies body weight (cockatiels up to 15%). Please read instructions.

What if the crop does not empty out properly?

Read instruction booklet or package thoroughly for information. It is advised to check the environmental temperature of the baby, because if too hot or too cold, this can effect the baby's digestion. If the crop has a difficult time emptying, up to 20% baby applesauce or baby oatmeal can be added to assist digestion. The crop may be gently massaged every 20 minutes to encourage the crop to empty. Also, a small amount of warm water to dilute the crop contents. If the crop does not empty within a couple of hours, if the crop is hard, or if the baby has green droppings, we recommend contacting an avion veterinarian for assistance.

What color should the baby's droppings be?

The droppings should be a brownish color and well formed. The urates should be cream colored. Green, black or consistently runny droppings may indicate a health concern, please call an avian veterinarian.

What should be used to feed this formula?

Syringes, spoons, or pipettes may be used for the Hand Feeding Formula. We recommend a syringe that is the appropriate size for the age and type of baby being fed.

Why is the baby regurgitating?

Regurgitating may be a sign of overfeeding. Try cutting back on the amount being fed. Some birds may regurgitate if the formula is not the right temperature for them, check to see if the formula is within the range of 102 to 108 degrees. If the temperature is too hot or too cold the baby may not accept the food or may regurgitate. Regurgitating my also be a sign of illness or indication of weaning. If unexplained regurgitation persists, contact an avian veterinarian for assistance.

Can the Hand Feeding Formula be fed to the parents as a nestling food?

Yes it can. It can be offered dry or slightly moistened, but then remove after 2 to 4 hours to prevent a bacterial problem.

What is the difference between the EXACT ORIGINAL and MACAW Hand Feeding Formulas?

The Macaw is higher in fat, lower in protein and has been adjusted in vitamins (such as vitamins A & D), and minerals (calcium) for the nutritional needs of macaws, hawkheads, and eclectus.

What kind of baby birds should and should not be fed the MACAW Hand Feeding Formula?

This formula is recommended for macaws, hawkheads, and eclectus babies. It may also be used for other babies that exhibit a higher energy need. This formula is not recommended for cockatoos because they have a tendency for fatty liver syndrome. The Macaw Formula has been successfully fed to cockatiels and other fast growing babies. However, we recommend closely monitoring the baby's weight.

Is the higher fat content the only difference between the two formulas?

No, the MACAW is lower in protein and has been adjusted in some vitamins and minerals.

AVIAN FORTI-DIET

What is the coloured seed and why is it colored?

The oat groats are colored in the parakeet, canary and finch diets. Some safflower seed is colored in the cockatiel diet. The colouring is added for visible appeal at a very low percentage. For more information regarding the coloring process please contact Customer Service and request the Technical Focus on "Colouring".

How is this diet fortified?

The extruded shapes, nuggets, and pellets contain the additional vitamins, minerals, and amino acids needed to provide a healthy balanced diet.

Do extra vitamins and minerals need to be offered when using this diet?

No, this diet has the necessary vitamins, minerals, and amino acids provided in the extruded shapes and nuggets or pellets. We do recommend that the bird should consume approximately 50% of the processed shapes that are provided. If it is noticed that the birds do not eat any of the fortified pieces, then we would recommend Molting, Conditioning, and Color Food or Nutra Care be offered.

Does the bird have to eat all the pellets and extruded pieces?

No, however 50% is recommended.

What if the bird does not eat any of the pellets or extruded pieces?

Try to encourage the bird to eat these items by hand feeding them until they are acquainted with this ingredient. You can also control the amount of food being offered to encourage the bird to eat all the food that is available. Often people offer more food than is necessary for a bird to eat in one day. This allows the birds to pick and choose the items they prefer and leave the rest. Cutting back on the amount being offered will encourage the bird to eat all the food. However, always watch the bird to make sure they are eating enough food.

Is it harmful to feed a diet with sunflower in it?

Sunflower is an excellent food source when properly fed. Forti-Diet has sunflower, along with a balance of other good food items to provide a balanced diet. It is not recommended that any one ingredient be the main food source available.

Do birds become addicted to sunflower?

Sunflower is not addictive. However, sunflower is often strongly preferred over other seeds. This is why it is important to offer a variety of ingredients.

What is the product's shelf life?

Refer to the Best Before code on the package. If refrigerated or frozen, the shelf life can be extended. New barrier packaging helps preserve and protect the product. Once opened it should be used within 30-60 days and kept in a closed container to keep the product fresh and prevent concerns with infestation.

Can birds breed well on Forti-Diet?

Yes, many breeders use this diet very successfully.

If parents are feeding babies, should something else be provided?

It is not necessary, however, Molting , Conditioning and Color Food or Nutra Care may be provided during this time for added nutrition.

Will freezing this product effect the nutrients?

No, it will help preserve the nutritional value and prevent environmental concerns, such as heat, humidity and infestation.

Is Forti-Diet as nutritious as Fiesta or EXACT?

These three diets are considered comparable in providing the necessary nutrition for healthy and happy birds. It is however, critical that the bird eats at least 1/2 of the included nutrient supplement to deliver the appropriate level of nutrition.

AVIAN FIESTA

Is Fiesta as nutritious as Forti-Diet?

These diets are considered comparable in providing the necessary nutrition for healthy and happy birds. Fiesta offers a much broader variety of ingredients to help assure the proper nutrient intake.

Should this product be refrigerated?

Refrigeration will prolong the freshness of the product and prevent infestation.

Is Fiesta more easily infested than other products?

Insects are attracted to the dehydrated fruits and nuts, so refrigeration is recommended. Purchasing only enough food that will be consumed within 30 days is another way of preventing an infestation problem. Fiesta is now packed in barrier bags. So infestation will not be a problem prior to opening.

What causes the different aroma with this product?

The combination of some of the dehydrated ingredients such as the coconut and bananas, may cause an aroma that is somewhat stringent.

Why won't my bird eat this new food?

The diet may be very different from the food your bird is currently eating and even if it is similar, the bird may be unsure of some of the ingredients. We always recommend doing a conversion whenever introducing a new food to your pet so they can adjust to the change. Contact Kaytee Customer Service for a Technical Focus on "New Food Conversions"

TREATS

How often should treats be fed?

No more than 25% of the total daily diet.

Are they nutritious?

Kaytee treats have added vitamins and minerals, therefore they are considered nutritious.

Can the treats be fed as the main diet?

Even though Kaytee treats are nutritious, they should not be mistaken as or fed as the sole complete diet.

How can a bird be fed yogurt treats when they are suppose to be lactose intolerant?

The lactobacillus in yogurt consumes the lactose and stabilizes the yogurt, unlike milk. The Kaytee Yogurt treats contain yogurt at very low levels.