Continued from page 1Back to Fruits vs. Veggies
So back to the subject of veggies vs. fruits. The problem with fruits is that they are often lacking in nutritional value --and this of course, means that most parrots adore them. Veggies, on the other hand, are generally much higher in nutritional value, which translates to parrots (and many humans, young and old) often not liking them as much. This is obviously due to the basic rule (I think it may be one of Murphy's Laws): if it's good for you, it does not taste good. Official Disclaimer #2: I feel compelled to mention here that I really like vegetables, and eat them daily with great pleasure. However, given the option, I would NOT choose vegetables over say, chocolate cakeÉwhich I don't eat daily but would like to.
NUTRITION 101
FIRST:
The Myth of Vitamin C
Before I babble further, let me give you some background information regarding nutrition. First of all, everyone knows Vitamin C is very important for people, so they are forever trying to get their birds to eat citrus fruits. However, the truth is most animals don't need vitamin C supplementation in their diet, because they manufacture their own. The only animals I know of that don't make their own are the primates (that includes us, folks) and Guinea pigs. Most avian vets agree that healthy parrots have no demonstrable need for vitamin C in their diets. So you don't need to worry any more if your parrot doesn't like oranges. (However, if your bird is sick, your avian vet may recommend vitamin C supplementation -- especially if there is any liver involvement.)
SECOND:
The Calcium to Phosphorous Ratio
Of all the mineral interrelationships, the most critical in companion bird nutrition (and in most other species) is the relation between calcium and phosphorous. To maintain strong bones and proper health, the ratio of calcium to phosphorous should be within a range of 1*:1 to 2:1. [Richie, Harrison and Harrison, p.66] This means that a parrot needs about 1* - 2 times as much calcium to phosphorous in their diets. So if you feed something high in phosphorous -- like seed, for in-stance, or some of these cooked bean/corn/rice diets for pet birds, then you need to counteract the high phosphorous intake by getting your feathered friend to eat 1* -- 2 times as much calcium-rich foods like beet greens, mustard greens and broccoli tops.
THIRD:
Calcium & Phosphorous Plus Vitamin D3
The calcium to phosphorous ratio is critical, but there is another factor that enters into the equation, and that is vitamin D3.
Vitamin D3 is the vehicle by which the body can absorb calcium and phosphorous from the diet, so it's crucial that adequate vitamin D3 be available. According to Richie, Harrison and Harrison (again), "Inadequate vitamin D3 levels in the body can cause calcium deficiency symptoms in an otherwise calcium-adequate diet." (p.67) Sources of vitamin D3 are simple: unfiltered sunlight (i.e., not through glass or plastic, so sunlight through a window does not count), full-spectrum lighting, avian vitamin supplements and pelleted or extruded diets for birds.
FOURTH:
Vitamin A
By far the most common vitamin deficiency seen in avian medicine in this country, vitamin A is critical to a healthy immune system, and maintaining cell wall integrity in the mucus membranes, among other things. The mucus membranes cover the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts, functioning to protect the organism from outside invaders or pathogens. Classic signs of vitamin A deficiencies (hypovitaminosis A) in parrots include signs of up-per respiratory disease, and abscesses in the mouth.
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