Why some birds hesitate at first
Parrots are wired to treat new objects with caution. Trust builds when the feeder appears, stays predictable, and never forces a choice. A slow introduction works best, and most birds come around within a week.
TL;DR
- Start with the Cube near the cage for 2 to 7 days, then mount it outside empty.
- Add favourite foods inside while keeping the normal bowl available.
- Put their familiar bowl inside the Cube, then remove it once they are confident.
- Mount at chest height for the best results.
- An Easy-Tray keeps food in one place and rinses clean.
Quick answer
Most birds take to the Seed Cube in 2 to 7 days with a slow, no-pressure introduction. Place it near the cage, then mount it outside empty to build trust, then add favourite foods and their familiar bowl inside before switching over fully. Very cautious birds may need 2 to 4 weeks, which is perfectly normal.
Step 1: Start near the cage, not on it
Place the Seed Cube near the cage so your bird can see it every day, but do not attach it yet. Most birds need 2 to 7 days at this stage. Extremely frightened birds may need 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 2: Mount it outside, empty
Move the Cube closer each day until it touches the bars, then mount it on the outside of the cage and keep it empty. The aim here is safety and familiarity, not feeding. When you are ready to move it inside, set it at chest height so entry feels natural.
Step 3: Add favourite foods inside
Place a few favourite foods inside the Cube while keeping the normal bowl available. There is no pressure to switch yet. If you are refreshing their mix at the same time, explore Forage Gourmet Seed and Vetafarm once they are relaxed and eating well.
Step 4: Put their bowl inside the Cube
Angle their usual bowl inside the Cube so it is easy to reach and feels familiar. Track a small, measurable sign of progress, such as the number of short visits or the seconds spent eating inside. Even two or three second visits count.
Step 5: Transition fully, with or without the Easy-Tray
Once your bird eats happily from the bowl inside the Cube, remove the bowl and fill the feeding area directly. You can run the feeder on its own, or insert an Easy-Tray so food stays in one place and you can swap it out quickly. Choose the Small Easy-Tray or the Large Easy-Tray to match your Cube.
How the Easy-Tray helps
Small Easy-Tray: holds wet mixes, chopped veg and fruit in one place. It slides in and out so you can change food fast and rinse it clean, in clear, bird-safe acrylic with a compact shape that maximises feeding space.
Large Easy-Tray: a removable insert for the Large Seed Cube that keeps seed and fresh foods neatly contained. It slides out for quick change-outs and a fast rinse, in lightweight, durable acrylic with a purpose-built fit that does not wobble. Hand wash or rinse in warm water, and avoid harsh chemicals or high heat.
Key facts
-
2-7 days
Typical transition time
-
5 steps
To switch feeders calmly
-
Chest height
Best mounting position
-
Macaw safe
Large model strength
Cleaner feeding
Make the switch easier
Small Easy-Tray
$19.99
The Easy-Tray drops into your Seed Cube and keeps wet mix, veg and fruit in one place, then slides out for a quick rinse. It makes the transition tidier and daily clean-up faster.
Shop the Easy-Tray
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take my bird to use the Seed Cube?
Confident birds often begin within 2 to 5 days. Very frightened birds can take 2 to 4 weeks using the near-cage and external-mounting steps.
Should I remove other bowls straight away?
No. Keep the normal bowl until your bird eats from the bowl placed inside the Cube. Remove it during the final step.
Does the Seed Cube have a door?
No. It has a covered opening. During training, mount it outside and keep it empty at first, then add food as trust builds.
Where should I mount it first?
Start on the outside, empty, to build trust. When ready, move it inside at chest height so entry feels natural.
Is it strong enough for large parrots?
Yes. The large model uses thicker UV-stable acrylic and stainless fittings, and it is macaw safe.
When should I use the Easy-Tray?
Use it for fresh foods and faster daily clean-ups. Choose Small or Large to match your Seed Cube.
What if my bird is extremely fearful?
Take it even slower. Some rescue or particularly anxious birds need 2 to 4 weeks just for familiarisation. Cover the Cube with a light cloth at first if needed, then gradually remove it.
Ready to start? Choose the right Seed Cube size, add an Easy-Tray if you want fresh foods and faster clean-ups, and introduce it slowly. Take it at your bird's pace and most are happily feeding inside within a week.
