spiritbird
08-24-2015, 11:03 PM
Essential Dietary Components in Avian Diet – Calcium
Calcium is very important in our bird’s diet. Why? Calcium is needed for blood clotting, muscle function, and formation of egg shells, bones, and attachment of feathers. Furthermore, calcium is an ingredient of certain neurotransmitters meaning that it has a direct effect on the mood of the parrot especially when deficiency occurs. In order for our birds to use calcium there must be a balance between Vitamin D3 and calcium levels in the body. Natural sunlight is the key to this balance. Natural sunlight exposure is recommended at 15 to 45 minutes per day. Some of us also use full spectrum lighting. (this is another subject entirely) Most pellets have vitamin D. Some of us provide cuttlebone, oyster shells and mineral blocks. There is the possibility these can come from polluted sources.
Some food sources of calcium are: Almonds, apricots, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, collard, dandelion, eggs and shells, figs, hazelnuts, kale, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, unshelled sesame seeds, turnip greens and watermelon. Certain food items commonly given to our feathered friends are rich in calcium such as spinach, kale, almonds and soya beans, they also contain a compound known as oxalates. This substance binds with the free calcium in food and turns into an insoluble compound which cannot be processed through digestion. Hence, the calcium in these greens and nuts often goes unabsorbed. Therefore it is important to serve these foods sparingly. If the bird is egg laying do not feed these foods at that time. Some species of birds need more calcium than others so please do check with your avian vet on just what the daily recommended amount of calcium is for your bird.
Sings of low calcium in birds or hypocalcemia are tremors, seizures, weakness and soft eggs, It can be acute in nature. If these symptoms are present an avian vet visit is needed quickly. African Greys and Cockatiels are especially susceptible to low calcium.
Calcium is very important in our bird’s diet. Why? Calcium is needed for blood clotting, muscle function, and formation of egg shells, bones, and attachment of feathers. Furthermore, calcium is an ingredient of certain neurotransmitters meaning that it has a direct effect on the mood of the parrot especially when deficiency occurs. In order for our birds to use calcium there must be a balance between Vitamin D3 and calcium levels in the body. Natural sunlight is the key to this balance. Natural sunlight exposure is recommended at 15 to 45 minutes per day. Some of us also use full spectrum lighting. (this is another subject entirely) Most pellets have vitamin D. Some of us provide cuttlebone, oyster shells and mineral blocks. There is the possibility these can come from polluted sources.
Some food sources of calcium are: Almonds, apricots, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, collard, dandelion, eggs and shells, figs, hazelnuts, kale, mustard greens, romaine lettuce, unshelled sesame seeds, turnip greens and watermelon. Certain food items commonly given to our feathered friends are rich in calcium such as spinach, kale, almonds and soya beans, they also contain a compound known as oxalates. This substance binds with the free calcium in food and turns into an insoluble compound which cannot be processed through digestion. Hence, the calcium in these greens and nuts often goes unabsorbed. Therefore it is important to serve these foods sparingly. If the bird is egg laying do not feed these foods at that time. Some species of birds need more calcium than others so please do check with your avian vet on just what the daily recommended amount of calcium is for your bird.
Sings of low calcium in birds or hypocalcemia are tremors, seizures, weakness and soft eggs, It can be acute in nature. If these symptoms are present an avian vet visit is needed quickly. African Greys and Cockatiels are especially susceptible to low calcium.