Vitamins for birds come in many brands and forms, like blocks, powders, and liquids. If your bird is on a seed based diet, supplementing is recommended to ensure they are getting balanced nutrition.
If your bird has specific dietary needs, please consult an avian vet before using supplements. Birds on pelleted diets do not need additional vitamins or minerals.
Time change can throw anyone for a loop, and this month we are skipping forward an hour for extended daylight. While this seems to benefit most of us, you may see your birds slower to adapt as they don’t rely on clocks like we do. They rely on the sun rise and set, and our personal schedules for food, sleep, and activity. Don’t be surprised if your birds become your new alarm clock. Now that it is bright out when you wake up, they are most likely already up and active.
“What are those spikey things all over his head?” – A very common question from bird owners. These ‘spikey’ feathers are known as pin feathers. Usually noticed on baby birds, or during molting, they are new feathers growing in. Pin feathers have a blood supply when they are new, making them very sensitive. As the feather grows out, the blood recedes and the shaft is hollow. When the feather is formed and ready, the sheath is dry and flaky, and removed by the bird as it preens. Some birds are very fastidious preeners and won’t have many. Others may have quite a few if they cannot reach them, or lack another bird to help out. They are normally seen around the face, the back of the neck, and on the tail feathers.
Some birds love when their owner helps them, but others may not want to be pet at this time and may give a warning nip. Leftover sheaths can produce dandruff flakes, or break down into the all too familiar bird dust. You can help open these feathers up by using your index or middle finger nail against your thumb, and scratching very lightly. They are attached to the skin, so avoid pulling or rotating the pin feather! If your bird is not enjoying it, don’t force the activity or worry, the pin feathers will eventually open on their own.
Sunflowers are one of the most popular and widely recognized seeds in all bird mixes, from wild bird and dove, to cockatiel and large hookbill. Many birds love these seeds- probably due to their high fat content and satisfying cracking sounds when opening them. Although relished by birds, it is important to feed them in moderation so it is not their primary food source. Benefits include high fiber, vitamin B, protein, and magnesium.
There are two main types of sunflower seeds:
Sunflower seeds can be fed either raw or roasted- just make sure they are not salted.
Pre-hulled sunflower seed chips are also a great treat to use for training as they are small and quick to eat.
