Have bird pets or thinking of having them? Read on to know more about the booster dietary supplements for birds.
Pet Birds and Their Care
When you get a pet bird at home, it is imperative that you give it proper care and nutrition. Find out all you need to know about your pet species and the unique care and diet it needs to ensure that it stays healthy. Nutrition is of prime importance as almost 90% of bird diseases are linked to improper diet.
Booster Dietary Supplements For Birds
Offer your birds a variety of seeds. Add thoroughly washed vegetables and fruits to their diet. In addition, your bird needs vitamins D 3, A, C, K, B and minerals and amino acids as a daily supplement to boost its health. Vitamins and minerals are essential for the proper functioning of the organ
systems in the bodies of birds.
The development of red blood cells, feathers, muscles, nerves, and bones are all governed by vitamins and minerals. An adequate quantity of calcium and protein is also essential to keep their bones and muscles strong, which aids flight. These supplements also strengthen their immune system keeping them safe from various infections.
Healthy birds also have healthy reproductive systems, which is necessary for breeding. Supplements are necessary to fill the gaps in your bird’s diet.
Why Do Birds Stop Eating?
Birds, in general, have a high metabolism, which means they need frequent meals throughout the day. Birds prefer some types of food over others, but if your pet bird is refusing to eat any food, it is a cause for concern.
There are many reasons why your bird is refusing to eat. If the feeding bowls are unclean or have chemical residues from detergents, birds may refuse to eat food in them. Always ensure that clean and well-rinsed bird feed and water bowls are placed in the cage every day.
Talk to your vet about what kind of food your bird species eats and likes. There are some foods that your bird does not eat and which may be harmful to them. Any change in an environment like a new house you have shifted into or placed your birdcage in a new area of your house can cause stress to your birds. This may result in the refusal of food by the birds, and it will take a few days for them to adapt to the new surroundings.
Some birds stop eating when you introduce new types of food. It is better to introduce new foods gradually, alongside the old ones to make your birds slowly get used to new tastes. Birds generally prefer eating natural seeds and may stop eating if introduced to fortified bird food pellets. Make the change gradual along with treats of their favorite foods.
Sometimes, a loss of appetite can point to an underlying health condition in your birds. If your bird is not eating for more than a couple of days, take them to an avian veterinarian who will examine them or order tests to diagnose if your birds are suffering from a bacterial/viral/fungal infection or parasites. A course of medication will likely solve the problem. Clean the cage and feeding bowls every day to prevent infections. Other serious issues include endocrine or hormonal diseases, liver, heart or kidney disorders, or even cancer.
How To Make Birds Eat
It is important to ensure that your bird eats enough to stay healthy. If introducing a new diet seems to be the problem, switch back to their regular diet and offer them their favorite foods. Always provide clean drinking water to keep them hydrated.
Mix the new type of food gradually into the regular food your birds enjoy so that they will not be able to pick out only their favorite food. Introduce fresh foods in the morning when birds are the hungriest.
Eat food in front of your birds to make them see it is palatable and get them interested in it. Look out for Vitamin and mineral deficiency symptoms in your birds by observing their feathers, beaks, eyes, and energy levels. Talk to your veterinarian and get the right type of supplements to keep your feathered pets in the pink of health.