What nice parents! What color are they, boys, girls or both? I used to raise them before I got married this time. My preference was pied cause of the different patterns. Seeds shouldn't be more than 50% of their diet, 30 would be better but thats hard to achieve unless they are raised that way. I make a mash for mine, they eat it every day along w/seeds & veggies. They are not really fruit eaters, maybe apple now & then if they can make a mess!
1c 15bean soup or split peas/lentil. the more variety the better. I use organic but you can do whatever you want.
1 1/4C boiling water. Let sit covered in the pan for 1hr
add
1C rice
1C small kibble cat or dog
1C frozen corn
1C water
dump & mix, bring to a boil again, cover let sit 1hr. It should be kinda dryish & crumbly but not always! If gloppy I put in some steel cut oats, mix & let sit for awhile more.
divvy it up into ice cube trays or I use old yogurt cups, they equal 3 days worth. Freeze & bring out as needed. They may be resistant to new stuff, NP, just keep on shoving it in front of them & they will eventually try it. If there is a green treat they like you can try putting it on top. It won't kill em to take their seed away for a day, like at night. They will be hungry in the am & by lunch they should be trying it.
CORN BREAD
In blender
1pkg cornbread mix, can be jiffy or organic or whatever, even make from scratch.
3-4 whole eggs, shell & all
about 2C assorted veggie chunks, nuts, peas, broccoli, radish tops, carrots, kale, chard, cabbage, anything but avocado, they can't have that.
enough milk to make batter
whiz it up till blended & veggie chunks are small but visable..like a (split pea size)
Pour into those little tart cups, or into baking pan & bake till done. Time will vary depending on the veggies used. Mine love these treats. Freeze & use as needed.
You know they can live 20-25 years right?? Mine are 16 & 17 now so not like a hamster or bunny that is gone after a few years!
Pics??
Good luck! J