How To Treat Nutritional Deficiencies in African Grey Parrots
You think your African Grey parrot might have a deficiency in vitamins and minerals.Don't worry!There are steps you can take to help your feathered friend live a healthy life.Only your vet can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a treatment plan, so don't do anything without their supervision.
Step 1: The symptoms of a deficiency of vitamins A and C.
Respiratory issues like wheezing, sneezing, and breathing through the mouth should be looked for.Check for discharge from the eyes, bad breath, white patches in the mouth, and plugged nostrils.Affected birds may lose weight suddenly.
Step 2: The symptoms of Metabolic Bone Disease can be identified.
Take a look at your bird's legs and spine.Check for limping or favoring of the wing, which could be a sign of a broken bone.Your bird's beak should be bent as they eat.Other symptoms include seizures, tremors, depression, trouble swallowing, weakened vocalizations, lack of balance, and eye movements.
Step 3: The symptoms of being overweight can be seen.
African Greys are not as prone to being obese as other parrot species, but that doesn't mean they are immune.There is an abnormal body size and difficulty breathing.There is evidence of dermatitis on their feet.Any evidence of joint pain could be a sign of arthritis.
Step 4: There are symptoms of iron storage disease.
This condition is rare in parrots, but it never hurts to know what to look for.Check for sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.There are yellow or green crystals in the bird's urine.The symptoms show problems with the heart, liver, and/or spleen.
Step 5: If you see any symptoms, you should take your bird to the vet.
If you notice any of the symptoms, take your bird to the vet.They can diagnose and treat the problem quickly and correctly.Birds with too many seeds and not enough pellets in their diet are prone to diseases.Only a vet can tell you if it's true.
Step 6: Take a supplement for vitamins A and C.
The vet will start the process in the office.You can expect your bird to stay overnight at the clinic, where they will receive injections.Expect to take about 100,000 IU per day.The exact dosage will be determined by the severity of your bird's deficiency.
Step 7: Any secondary infections should be treated.
The deficiency that caused them can be more dangerous than these.Tell your vet everything you know about your bird's symptoms.The vet is likely to start the treatment at the same time.If you have to continue the treatment, follow their instructions.
Step 8: Feed your bird food rich in vitamins A and C.
A pelleted diet high in vitamins A and C is recommended by your vet.Make your bird's diet 65 to 80 percent formulated foods and 15 to 30 percent fresh fruit and vegetables.They should be fed broccoli flowerettes, carrots, nectarines, parsley, and turnip greens.The food should be served in small portions for the bird to enjoy.
Step 9: Fractured bone should be treated.
MBD can result in weakened bones.Tell your vet if your bird fell off their perch.Your vet will give your bird a cast after an x-ray shows a break.Change the bandages, clean the wound, and provide pain relief, follow your vet's instructions.
Step 10: Provide high-calcium foods.
Your vet will start your bird with a regimen of 100 percent calcium gluconate.Follow your vet's instructions.When your bird comes home, feed it with foods like broccoli, kale, and turnip greens.
Step 11: It's a good idea to take a supplement of Vitamin D3.
The birds' bodies absorb calcium better with the help of Vitamins D3 and D2.African Greys don't get a lot of vitamins from food sources.Liquid vitamins like Avitron and powdered supplements like Superpreen are easier to absorb and will likely be prescribed by your vet.Follow your vet's instructions.Too much calcium can build up in the vital organs of the kidneys.Don't change the amount of medicine your vet prescribes.
Step 12: The ultraviolet light should be provided.
If you can, place your bird's cage in the sun.It can be in an open window or outdoors.An ultraviolet bulb can be shone into the cage.You can purchase it at the store.If you live in a cold weather climate, make sure you don't expose your bird to cold drafts.A sick bird is at risk of dying if it becomes chilled.
Step 13: It's a good idea to cut back on high-fat foods.
Too much fat prevents calcium from being absorbed into the body in your bird.Brazil nuts and sunflower seeds are only an occasional treat if you cut back on them.If you want to eliminate commercial seed mixtures, you need to replace them with pellets.
Step 14: If necessary, supplement magnesium.
If your bird is having seizures, your vet might prescribe magnesium.Calcium levels in your bird's blood can be raised with magnesium.Follow their instructions on how long you'll need to supplement.
Step 15: There will be different age-related results.
Young birds who were born with MBD respond better to treatment than adult birds.If a bird is born with MBD, it will develop stunted legs or wings even with proper nutrition.If you want to prevent further damage from developing, you need to get your bird diagnosed and treated immediately.
Step 16: If you want a pelleted diet, switch to it.
Most or all of the nutrition your bird needs is contained in pellet foods.They are also low in fat.Feed your bird according to your vet's instructions.pelleted food should make up 85% of an obese bird's diet.
Step 17: You can serve some fruits and veggies.
15 percent of your parrot's diet should be made up of them.Aim for calcium-rich dark leafy greens.Birds need a lot of calories in their diet, but they should make up a small part of it.Your vet can tell you what's right for your parrot.
Step 18: Cut the seeds in half.
There is too much essential fats in seeds.Talk to your vet about how much you need.If your bird likes their seeds too much, ask your vet for advice on how to reduce them.
Step 19: Encourage movement around the cage.
Purchase a bigger cage for your bird.Place the food in smaller bowls at different parts of the cage.Provide a hanging rope for climbing and a rope perch to improve your bird's balance.If the bird's wings are clipped, install stairs.Give your bird a flight cage if its wings aren't clipped.You can buy them at your local pet store.Allow your bird to exercise outside of the cage as well.If possible, set aside a bird-proof room or large enclosed area for your bird to live in.
Step 20: Cut back on iron-rich foods.
Don't cut off your bird's iron intake completely.Cut the amount of fruit and vegetables you give them.These foods can be replaced with honeydew melons, peaches, plums, and apples.
Step 21: Foods with high levels ofVitamin C should be avoided.
You shouldn't be feeding your bird fruit.Don't eat carrots, chili peppers, and beetroots.Do not give baby bird food, juices, or commercial food formulated for humans or other animals.They contain too much iron for birds.
Step 22: Provide drugs.
You should give your bird iron-reducing supplements.They should be fed whole grains, nuts and seeds.For the rest of your bird's life, work with your vet to come up with a schedule for blood tests.