You are here:

Birds--General/parakeet health

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/19/2008


Question
I've read about aloe, raw organic vinegar, chlorophyll and dandelion as immune boosters for parakeets but not proper dosing information. Any info would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi, Laura,

Whomever you sent your post to could not answer for some reason, so I picked your question up from the question pool.  Please let me know who you sent your original post to.

You would need to ask a certified avian vet for dosage information and/or contact the author(s) of the articles you have read.  You should really take your birds in for a checkup before you put them on any type of "natural" assistance because even these items can be detrimental to a bird's health if not given under proper medical supervision.  It would be similar to us taking herbs or other to assist in our health without consulting with a doctor.

You really don't have to provide immune boosters for your birds if you provide them (and they consume) a varied diet of healthy, nutritious foods, have the proper lighting they need, get the exercise and attention they need, etc.

Chrys

Birds--General

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.