Buzz Bird Answers Your FAQs

Buzz, our hospital mascot, has some answers for you about some of your bird questions.
We regret that we cannot answer personal questions about your avian friend. A thorough examination, comprehensive history, and possible laboratory analysis, is crucial to finding an accurate diagnosis.

Q: I’m feeding seeds and nuts to my parrots. Is this adequate?
A: Squawk! Your fine feathered friend is probably a "seed junkie" if that’s all he’ll eat. But this diet guarantees ill health and a shortened life span. I don’t want to make you feel bad, but malnutrition in birds accounts for 90% of all health problems. Seed and nut mixes will not let your bird watch his waist. These high fat foods can lead to fatty liver syndrome (big problem!) which can kill him. Also, seed diets lack at least 21 essential nutrients. What do I love? Besides a small amount of dark green and yellow veggies and fruit such as spinach, mango, and sweet potato (call me and I’ll send you a complete list), I love my Harrison’s complete diet. There are no additives or preservatives, and it is all organically grown. Why even my humans could eat it! And you only have to feed a little; for me that means 3 - 4 tsp. a day. But any brand of pelleted diet is better than seeds. And please, change uneaten food daily; you don’t like day old food, do you?

Q: Is it okay for my bird to go outside?
A: It’s one of my favorite places. I love the sights, smells and the sunshine. They make me feel so great. Birds need a full spectrum of light (which doesn’t come through a window). If not in an enclosure, be sure your bird’s wings are clipped (which is a good idea inside anyway, because we’re not so smart about ceiling fans, pots of boiling water, and other human hazards). Just please watch us so that we don’t have to fight any raccoons and we don’t get too hot or cold. Please ask us for a handout on safe trees and poisonous plants.

Q: Do birds need grit?
A: Ptooey! No! It can cause an impaction, or blockage, of the digestive tract. Then food can’t pass, and your bird can starve to death. Case closed.

Q: Should I add vitamins to my bird’s water?
A: In most cases, if your bird is on a good pelleted diet, extra vitamins are not needed. But if your veterinarian recommends them or the diet is inadequate they can be important. But please, don’t put them in the water. I hate drinking foul water. You see, they promote the growth of harmful bacteria. Besides, light quickly inactivates many vitamins in solution. My doctor says to sprinkle a vitamin powder such as Prime, over the wet food because it won’t stick to seeds.

Q: How can I judge my bird’s health by his droppings?
A: Droppings can tell a story about your bird’s general health. Know the appearance of the normal droppings. A sick bird may show a change in volume, color, consistency, or frequency. Normal droppings consist of feces (which change color with diet change), clear urine, and creamy white urates. When eating a formulated diet the appearance is usually soft and brown, but may be dry and black or green with a seed diet.

If you have any questions about your bird, please visit your avian doctor. Don't have one? Here is good resource to find an avian veterinarian near you.