calcium deficiency

[alba15031]

Hi, We are looking to get an african grey and looked at some today. The one that we liked the most has a calcium deficiency.

 

How much of a problem could this be and should we not get this parrot and go for one that has no health issues?

 

Thank you

 

Aaron

[she]

Wow this is a hard one.Its a case of following your head or your heart.Calcium deficiency I believe is quite common in greys. I feel the major cause is a bad diet.How do you know this bird has calcium deficiency? has he had blood tests? Is he on any suplements?what is his diet like? how old is he? these are questions you need to ask. At its worse calcium deficiency can cause seisures and death,but this is the worse senario.Most likely as I say it can be corrected by the right diet.My advise would be to find out more about the birds health and read all you can about calcium deficiency.Maybe a full vet check with blood work would be advisable before going ahead with a purchase.This bird may have other health issues. Hope this helps. Sheila

[alba15031]

Thank you for the fast reply, we know it has a calcium deficiency as the breeder said she had a vet look at her. She said all it will need is calcium supplement drops. We are just worried about health issues that may accure. she is 20 weeks old now the breeder said she has the deficiency because she was the last of the litter born.

 

Aaron

[she]

I am not up on breading so cant comment on the deficiency being because the bird is the last born,but I think thats unlikely.I would have your own vet check the bird out.You can give calcium drops but good diet should help.The drops are not expensive but I would want to know for sure if and why the bird has this deficiency.

[lovemyGreys]

She has offered good advice.

I would advise your vet checking the bird before you commit to purchase it,if the breeder has issues with you doing this then personally that would lead me to believe their not being entirley honest with you.

 

There are many Pellet Manufacturers that make special diets for African Greys which are supplemented with additional calcium,but how much pellet is your bird eating ? is the calcium level sufficient ?

So we need to ask How much additional calcium are they getting when you look at the overall diet?

It is important for greys to have a good natural calcium source in their diet. Dark leafy greened vegetables have a high calcium level and should be offered alongside a pelleted/ seed based diet.Foods included in this group are..

Beet Greens

Broccoli Leaves

Broccoli Stem

Cabbage (outside green leaves)

Celery

Chard

Chinese Cabbage

Collards (cooked)

Dandelion Greens

Endive

Kale

Kohlrabi

Lettuce Dark Green Leaf

Mustard Greens

Along with dairy products, cheese, egg, yogurt which can be fed within moderation.

 

Care must be taken with vitamin supplements not to provide too much calcium.Calcium levels should be checked during your annual vet visit/ well bird check to ensure the appropriate calcium levels are met.

[nims]

Hi,

 

African greys are very prone to calcium defeciency which can lead to to other things. She and LMG has given you a few ways to help.

 

Bird lamp is another ways to help get calcium into them. I have recently got one. Its a good idea if you dont get much sun here in the UK.

 

Nims