katana600 Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 I was reading the label on two brands of almond milk yesterday. One listed zinc at 8% of daily human dietary recommendation, the other listed none. This started me reading more and trying to understand the difference. We all are pretty much aware that the metal zinc is harmful to our parrots. One thing I didn't know about it was listed here http://www.birdclinic.net/avian1.htm I was very surprised to find monopoly pieces on the list. I am assuming it would be the metal car, shoe etc. rather than plastic. Next I recall reading on our forum in Dave's thread on sunflower seeds that the mineral zinc is beneficial to our parrot's diet. Until now, I had not specifically realized zinc is also a mineral that is healthy and necessary. http://www.naturalbird.com/mcwatters/zinc.htm Sure enough, when I read the label on our Harrison's pellet, zinc sulfate is listed. I guess I just wanted to post and say it struck me when I saw zinc on the almond milk label but before I banned it, I needed to know a little more. I would like to know if others have anything to add to the conversation. Thanks forum friends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kins2321@yahoo.com Posted February 27, 2014 Share Posted February 27, 2014 Excellent post katana600 YOU are an excellent mama! I sometimes feel, that I fail Sophie, that I don't read labels closer. I know I provide her with a great seed mix, as I always work with my trimmer. I always provide her with fresh veggies more than fruit... and I am proud that she now eats them after years of her throwing them at the walls,,, but I always worry I am not doing enough! Sunny is very old, needs a diet high in carbs and fats per my groomer. It is tough hand feeding him yogurt, macaroni and cheese, and keeping Sophie happy away from the things I offer Sunny. Nancy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaileysPapa Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 Metal zinc is different than micronutrient mineral zinc. Metal zinc is many times more zinc, to a toxic level. Of course, zinc is zinc. But a living organism can metabolize the micronutrient. And it is good for growth, bone health, and blood chemistry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greywings Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 I think the problem with an overdose of Zinc causing serious health problems (paralysis) or death occurs when they swallow paint with toxic levels (Chinese caging) or toy parts such as bells with zinc clangers inside. Try to stay with stainless steel when buying metal toys for your birds. Great article on this subject by Sally Blanchard- https://companionparrotonline.com/zinc.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray P Posted February 28, 2014 Share Posted February 28, 2014 Great tread on zinc Dee. From time to time it`s good to look back on things we have learned in the past only to find out that we should have paid more attention in the first place. So many things to learn and try to keep up with and so many grey forum members ready to help bring problems back to the top of the list of things you should know when living with parrots. (Not that they get into things that they shouldn't) lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve 2 Posted March 1, 2014 Share Posted March 1, 2014 Good information. I'm trying to redo my outside aviary, but I've used galvanized mesh the first go round which I read has zinc. Been looking for healthy alternatives for fencing materials. Steve 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katana600 Posted March 1, 2014 Author Share Posted March 1, 2014 Hi Steve, I do not have an outdoor aviary, but several of our other members do. I found a site this morning that may interest you: http://www.naturalbird.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49&Itemid=63#afterweld This may be a good starting point to have discussions with like minded people. Another source of information I would seek out is Parrot University in Ohio. They have huge outdoor aviaries and a vested interest in the health and well being of companion parrots and may be able to give you suppliers and information. I'm not affiliated with either of these links, it just looked like where I would go if I was asking questions. One of our members has a memorable thread on building an outdoor aviary http://www.greyforums.net/forums/showthread.php?195570-New-Aviary!/page4 Now all y'all are getting me interested. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greywings Posted March 3, 2014 Share Posted March 3, 2014 Our Sanctuary Veterinarian (who is both avian and Zoological certified) says that the galvanized wiring is safe to use until it begins to break down after weathering for some years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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