How To African Grey parrots have deficiencies in nutrition.
You think your African Grey parrot might have a deficiency in vitamins and minerals.Don't panic!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: You can spot the symptoms of a deficiency.
Respiratory issues such as wheezing, sneezing, and breathing through the mouth should be looked for.Check for discharge from the eyes, nose, and mouth, as well as a slimy appearance to the mouth.Affected birds may lose weight suddenly.
Step 2: Refer to the symptoms of Metabolic Bone Disease.
Take a look at your bird's spine or legs.Check for limping or favoring of the wing, which could be a sign of a broken bone.If you bend your bird's beak, they will eat it.Seizures, tremors, depression, trouble swallowing, weakened vocalizations and lack of balance are some of the symptoms.
Step 3: You can spot the symptoms of being overweight.
African Greys are not as prone to being obese as other parrot species.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: Know the 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 your bird's urine.The symptoms show problems with the heart, liver, and/or spleen.
Step 5: If you see any symptoms, take your bird to the vet.
If you notice any of the symptoms, take your bird to the vet.They can diagnose the problem and treat it correctly.Birds with too many seeds and not enough pellets in their diet are more prone to diseases.A vet can diagnose this with certainty.
Step 6: Take a supplement of Vitamins A and C.
Your vet will begin the process in the office.You can expect your bird to stay overnight at the clinic.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 after your bird comes home, 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 fruits and vegetables.Broccoli flowerettes, carrots, nectarines, parsley, and turnip greens are some of the foods they should be fed.The food should be served in small portions for the bird to enjoy.
Step 9: Fractures should be treated.
MBD can cause weakened or broken bones.If your bird fell off their perch, tell your vet.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 according to your vet's instructions.
Step 10: Provide high-calcium food and supplements.
Your vet will give you a regimen of calcium gluconate to start your bird.Continue to follow your vet's instructions.When your bird comes home, feed it with foods like broccoli, kale, and turnip greens.
Step 11: Take a supplement for vitamins D and 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 D3 can cause calcium to build up in vital organs.Don't change the dosage your vet prescribes.
Step 12: Ultra violet light can 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 buy 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 can become sicker or even die 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, replace them with pellets.
Step 14: If needed, 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.
juvenile birds who were born with MBD respond better to treatment than adult birds.If a bird is born with MBD, it's best to have proper nutrition.If you want to prevent further damage from developing, you need to get your bird diagnosed and treated immediately.
Step 16: Go for a mostly pelleted diet.
Most or all of the nutrition your bird needs is contained in pellet foods.They are 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: Fruits and veggies to serve.
About 15 percent of your parrot's diet should be made up of them.Aim for calcium-rich dark leafy greens, chickpeas, and carrots and sweet potatoes.Birds need both sugars and fats 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 if you can reduce them.
Step 19: Move around the cage.
Purchase a bigger cage for your bird.Place the food in smaller bowls at different ends of the cage.Provide a hanging rope for climbing and a rope perch to improve your bird's balance.If your bird's wings are clipped, install stairs.Give your bird a flight cage if its wings aren't clipped.At your local pet store, you can purchase any of these.Outside of the cage, allow your bird to exercise.If possible, set aside a bird-proof room or large enclosed area for your bird to live in.
Step 20: It's a good idea to 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 of Vitamin C should be avoided.
You should stop feeding your bird fruit.Don't eat carrots, chili peppers, and spinach.Do not give your bird baby food, juices, or commercial food formulated for humans or other animals.They have too much iron for birds.
Step 22: Provide drugs.
Take bird iron-reducing supplements.They should be fed whole grains, nuts, and seeds.Work with your vet to come up with a schedule for blood tests for the rest of your bird's life.