plumsmum2005
New member
Calcium is especially essential for Grey parrots and most if not all others during the breeding season.
Greys are at risk of convulsions and death due to this deficiency.
It can be given as a additive with Vitamin D3 and there are liquid and powder forms available. (Use manufacturers guidelines).
It should be noted that any supplement in a birds water is difficult to monitor. A better way is to put it in a favoured food.
Chicks being hand reared should have it added once daily.
A diet of mainly seed is poor in calcium and due to complexes in the body it can inhibit absorption. Testing has previously found that a pelleted diet would require 100% feeding on pellets*
Excellent sources of calcium are:-
Eggs, 20 minute hard boiled, Dandelion plant, leaves and root, Bok Choy, Basil, Watercress, Chicory, Chard, and Mint leaves as well as dried figs which can be soaked until plump.
Spinach and Kale should be fed in moderation as they have been known to form bladder and kidney stones. (Common sense prevails)
I sincerely hope that you find this information useful, it is not meant to scare people into knee jerk reactions but provide you with information to add to your nutritional arsenal.
(* check manufacturers guidelines).
March 2016
Greys are at risk of convulsions and death due to this deficiency.
It can be given as a additive with Vitamin D3 and there are liquid and powder forms available. (Use manufacturers guidelines).
It should be noted that any supplement in a birds water is difficult to monitor. A better way is to put it in a favoured food.
Chicks being hand reared should have it added once daily.
A diet of mainly seed is poor in calcium and due to complexes in the body it can inhibit absorption. Testing has previously found that a pelleted diet would require 100% feeding on pellets*
Excellent sources of calcium are:-
Eggs, 20 minute hard boiled, Dandelion plant, leaves and root, Bok Choy, Basil, Watercress, Chicory, Chard, and Mint leaves as well as dried figs which can be soaked until plump.
Spinach and Kale should be fed in moderation as they have been known to form bladder and kidney stones. (Common sense prevails)
I sincerely hope that you find this information useful, it is not meant to scare people into knee jerk reactions but provide you with information to add to your nutritional arsenal.
(* check manufacturers guidelines).
March 2016
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