  Animal Care - Avian Diet - Birds & Beans |
 Feeding Our Feathered Companions by Laurie Avian Nutrition in HistoryThe study of nutrition became a reality only a century ago, when scientists began looking into what this new concept was all about. Obviously they knew in order to survive, people needed food and water, but they hadn’t yet discovered what there was in food that fulfilled out nutritional needs, only that food supplied energy. Between 1910 and 1940, the essential Nutrients were established. From 1960-70, studies were done with livestock based on different requirements for different animals in relation to the nutritional requirements of humans. Not until the end of the early 70’s did nutritionists start attributing nutrition to specific effects on our bodies, such as our circulatory and metabolic systems.The study of avian nutrition, aside from poultry studies, did not fully get underway until the end of the 70’s, and even today, there is not a lot of information available regarding the nutritional requirements of our pet birds. These are basic guidelines for pet birds, but since birds are not considered a necessary commodity such as cattle or poultry, there is no real funding available for further in-depth research into individual species and their nutritional needs. All nutritional guidelines available are based on studies done on poultry and various tests done on specific birds such as cockatiels. Current Feeding Recommendations and ControversiesThere are many different opinions regarding feeding birds. A common one in regard to a seed diet is, "If it’s not broken, don’t fix it." Diets consisting of only seed are deficient in many nutrients, aside from being high in fat. Seed diets offer less then 50% of birds nutritional needs, which means that they are not getting what they need, regardless of if they eat it or not. Seeds should be used as a treat for birds rather then a staple. They should be a desert rather then a dinner. A good diet should contain no more then 20% seed. Because of the high fat content in seeds, birds will satisfy their hunger more rapidly then with a fresh, low fat diet.Processed DietsPellets, such as Roudybush, or extruded diets like Harrison’s are fast becoming the diet of choice of many bird owners. Not only are they convenient, they are balanced. If you are able to convert your bird to a processed diet, there is no need to supplement with anything else, aside from fresh fruits and veggies as a treat on the side. In fact, vitamin supplementation on top of a processed diet can potentially lead to a vitamin/mineral toxicity. Processed diets are complete, simple ways to feed your birds bird, and with today’s technology, there are diets that provide a variety of textures, shapes and colors for your bird. As for taste, birds have very few taste buds, as compared to humans, so taste is not their main driving force when choosing their food.SupplementationIn order to avoid deficiencies in vitamins and minerals, there are many products on the market today that offer solutions. The vitamin/mineral supplement recommended by our clinic is QUIKO. The company that manufactures this product offers many different formulations for specific needs. Birds that are under the stress of molting have different requirements than birds in everyday maintenance. Breeder birds certainly require more calcium in their diets than Companion Birds, but REMEMBER they all need vitamins.The general consensus of all that I have read and heard, is that powdered supplements added to a moist food are better then adding to the water. Vitamins added to water can lead to more rapid bacterial contamination as well as changing the taste of the water to the point of the bird not wanting to drink at all. Vitamin enriched seeds are a waste of money. The powdered vitamins are added to the hull of the seeds, which is not what the bird eats. This just ends up on the bottom of the cage. It has been said that vitamins added to water also oxidize faster, because they are exposed to light longer. Ever notice how vitamins are usually in dark brown bottles? Unless a Bird is eating a Pellet diet made by a reputable company, they will need vitamins and minerals. Processed and Soft FoodsWith regard to a mixed diet of pellets and soft fresh foods, some nutritionists and veterinarians feel that if given a "choice,&qout; birds will seek out their favorite foods, and leave the rest. They believe, to a certain extent that birds do not relate to variety and can do very well on a single food. They state that we should not use our human emotions and desires as a basis for our birds diets. This means that while a varied diet is more appealing to us humans, the same may not hold true for our birds.Then there are those veterinarians out there that feel regardless of how you do it, as long as it is balanced and your bird thrives off of it, there is no problem. "A diet consisting of plenty fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and lean well cooked meats (especially fish and poultry), along with a well balanced mineral and vitamin supplement powder, has no substitutions."I prefer this above all other recommendations. It has worked well for my personal birds, as well as birds that are seen at the clinic where I work. Putting all of this diet information brings us to the how's and what's of Lauries Bean Mix >> The Birds and the Beans Nutrition and Health Lauries Bean Mix Conversion Strategies |
|
Want To Add An Article? Be Notified Of New Kind Planet Content? Communicate With Us? Contact Kind Planet is created at The Sanctuary. Lost? Go to the Site Map or Search Our Site |
