AboutRev. Dr. S.August Abbott Expertise Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides.
Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition
I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care.
No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication.
Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.
Experience Certified Avian Specialist.
For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.
Organizations 4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more
Publications Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.
Education/Credentials Doctorate, Ordained Minister
Our birds are unfortunately exposed to zinc from more sources than we’re aware of and it can be a serious problem.
When your bird seems to be losing weight, has loose droppings consistently (badly formed or no formed feces – the center parts of the droppings that should look like thick string), even feather plucking, among other symptoms of being ill, zinc toxicity must be considered.
Have your vet perform a blood serum test for zinc levels (just in case your vet isn’t an avian vet, zinc levels over 2 ppm are positive for zinc toxicity). There will also likely be elevated WBC’s (white blood count).
Zinc can be ingested slowly over time when toys, clasps, chains, links or even cages are chewed on or played with. Toxicity builds up. Faster poisonings occur when the bird actually swallows a toy, link or piece of one. Watch out for bell clappers for instance.
X-rays should also be employed to rule out toxic ingestion like this.
Administration of a chelating agent to help bind with the zinc is one option for treatment, as well as removal of any foreign object.
QUESTION: You state that it zinc can be digested over time. Is it not expelled at ALL, once ingested?
I thought it would be harmful if the bird ingested a large amount at one time?
So, basically, do the zinc levels slowly build up, without any being released?
Answer I would have to believe that minor, one time only exposures - depending on the form of ingestion, can be expelled; however, it's impossible to know if this happens or if the bird exposed simply hasn't been exposed to enough to cause it to register or become a health problem.
The belief overall is that these metals simply go in and do not come out; as do lead and other heavy metals.
Chelating agents that bind with the zinc and help remove it are among options vets use to remove it.
