Does Anyone Add....

[Mrs.Birdy]

......apple Cider vinegar to their bird's water.

I read on another board that adding 1.5 tablespoons to 2 cups of water, or adjust the amount for smaller birds is good for them.

It was stated that the apple cider vinegar is a great digestive aid, reduces the chance of intestional problems, and is overall good for the general health of the bird.

I am going to try it. Does anyone else use this or know about it.

Thanks.

[Jenny]

Hmmm, I've never heard about that! Let us know how it goes.

[Mrs.Birdy]

Jenny, could you ask your friends from the vet's office about the cider vinegar when you get back from camp?

Thanks

[Jenny]

Will do. :)

[JSimko]

I would also like to know.

[birdygirl]

Thanks. Post here when you return.

Allison

My parrot has two hearts. One is mine.
:) :)
Time:12:05

[JSimko]

I saw on another site that tea is a good idea too. It helps stop the effect of hard water.

[sleeepy2]

I was adding apple cider vinegar to Cleo's food, pouring a bit on his "birdie bread", which i also where i hide most the foods he doesn't like (veggies, etc.)

[birdygirl]

Does he like his birdie bread?? Does hiding the foods work??

[Amanda]

Hmmm...I haven't heard anything about this before and would like to know more about it.

[Mrs.Birdy]

I started the apple cider vinegar. I figured it is natural and couldn't hurt. They don't even notice it in their water.

Jenny: I am waiting for your reply when your return.

Thanks.

[Mrs.Birdy]

Also wanted to say I only put a few drops into their water dishes.

[sleeepy2]

He likes the birdy bread ( corn muffin mix with all sorts of veggies, egg shells, and seed mixed in). I was thinking if I food-processed the veggies before adding them to the mix, Cleo would not be able to eat around the chunks of veggie he doesn't like. Amazons are notoriously vitamin A deficient, so I'm always trying to get him to eat more leafy greens. I've actually considered putting a vitamin A pill into a batch of birdy bread, but I have no idea what the appropriate dosage would be. I wouldn't risk it, but I am concerned that he doesn't seem to go for the A rich foods yet.

[Redstorm1721]

Hello,so many things to do. Sleppy 2 I was thinking about your bird,and I thought, that back when you grandma had him,they really I don't think ,worried like us about what they ate or did? I mean back then they didn't worry about candles and sprays and all that? I mean she must of known what she was doing because he is in great health. Also how cool to have a bird that is in your family for years. I often think of him and wonder what was his routine? I wonder how they lived back then? I have to wonder if there was as much to read about as their is now? I am still wondering why they can't be near a candle? I mean smell them? Anyway I love hearing about your parrot. Gail

[Mrs.Birdy]

Sleepy2:

Do you add bird vitamins to his food? I add this to the food, not water. There is more of a chance of bacteria contaminiation if added to water.

[Mrs.Birdy]

Redstorm:

There have been so many advances in avian medicine in the past few years. Our feathered friends are living longer, healthier, and happier with new discoveries.

Their respiratory systems are sensitive, so candles or air fresheners irritates them.

If we know that giving thought to what they eat, drink, breathe....why not make them the healthiest and most comfortable we can.....right?

[Redstorm1721]

I agree Roseanne. I am so into their health now. I didn't quite know as much as I surley do now? Thanks to this wonderful boared I am learning alot everyday!

[Mrs.Birdy]

Yes, me too.

[JSimko]

I also agree.

[birdygirl]

Me three/or four.

[Mrs.Birdy]

Oh, I would not think of adding tea because of the caffeine. The cider vinegar seems safe enough though.

[Mrs.Birdy]

I haven't noticed immediate benefits yet...just started approx. 1 week ago. Many experts stress this method to aid in digestion and cleanse the system of any parasites.

I figured since it is a natural substance and can't do any harm in small drops, I'll add it.

[Mrs.Birdy]

Exactly. My birds don't have any type of bug or anything, but I though an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Also, they don't even notice the addition of the vinegar since I only add just a drop or two to their water dishes.

[dlaura]

Casegura,
Just what are the symptoms of Giardia? Do you need to test for this disease or what would be the clue that maybe bird needs to be tested for this disease?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Diane

[JSimko]

Very interesting.

[dlaura]

Casegura,
Thanks for the info. My goffin cockatoo is plucking her crop area and her legs. She also plucked very high up on her neck area - so high I can't imagine how she managed it.

I took her to the vet, who claimed to be an avian vet but am not satisfied with the check-up. She gave her a physical exam and we discussed when bird started plucking, etc. - but she did no tests what-so-ever. Am considering taking Angel to yet another vet for exam and will insist on testing this time.

Thanks

[Redstorm1721]

I haven't used vinegar in their water dish, but I do use it to clean with. It gets rid of smells and cleans their cages well. I read this in an old time house keeping book I have. Along with how to rid of smells that is very healthy. You take a pan and put it on the stove. Then add 2 table spoons of coffee,and heat that till you smell the coffee. Then you take a pot holder and the put the pan in the middle of your room,by the next day free of orders! It works well and that what I use to rid of my dog smells. P.s The coffee has to be ground coffee and no water. Just the coffee and the pan.

[Mrs.Birdy]

Oh, I didn't know you don't have to rinse a weak solution of bleach and water. I always rinse down the cages....what a terrible chore. I would love not rinsing. Do you know for a fact that we don't need to rinse bleach/water?

[Mrs.Birdy]

Thanks Casegura for the tip. I will definitely find not rinsing a relief in my weekly bird cleaning chores.

[JSimko]

I sometimes use a very tiny amount of bleach, however it is only on big messes.

[dlaura]

Hi J,

Just curious - how long ago was it you used this very tiny amount of bleach????????

[Mrs.Birdy]

Uhoh....someone's in trouble!!!!!!

lol:D

[Mrs.Birdy]

Thanks for asking your vet those questions Casegura.

I will only use a very weak dilution. I was using a stronger solution of bleach/water in the past and was rinsing away.

I have known this to be the best disinfectant for years now. I use it regularly in our bathrooms and kitchen at home. Very carefully though, because it can destroy things, too.

[crazeemama]

I use GSE (grapefruit seed extract) to both disinfect cages and as a preventative health measure in my birds water (3-4 drops per 10 oz. water). Their is quite a bit of info on the web about GSE and avian applications. It is also supposed to be excellent for girardia and to keep bacteria levels down.

[Amanda]

I've heard of the benefits of GSE ... but haven't used it. Where do you buy it from?

[Mrs.Birdy]

Interesting....I will research it. I wonder if we can get GSE in a health food store.
Thanks for the tip Crazeemama.

[crazeemama]

Your health food store should have it in smaller qquantities. it is used BY THE DROP so it lasts a long time. When using to disinfect, i clean the cage with soap and water to remove debris etc, then rdisinfect with the water and gse mix. let set 5 - 10 minutes and rinse off. I don't know if the rinsing is totally neccessary, but on the website i read it mentioned the possibility of dermatitis on the feet, due to it's acidic nature, so i don't chance it.
I give all my new rescues 3-4 drops in their water daily - everybody else that has been on it awhile gets 1-2 drops now.
If you use it to disinfect with you will definitely want to find it cheaper and in larger quantities, especially if you haave more than one cage. Check aaround it is out there.

[JSimko]

Thanks for the tip.

[Amanda]

I've heard of people using GSE when the sprout for their birds. I've been meaning to start sprouting as well ... just have to find a health food store close by so I can get all the necessary ingredients. Maybe they'll have GSE there.

[crazeemama]

i also use it with the sprouts. before refidgerating (once the sprouts are in fact sprouted) i soak in gse and water for five minutes, rinse well and dry on paper towel. Put in fridge to keep. Before giving to the fids i again soak it in gse and water for five minutes, rinse well and blot dry on paper towels. This is just to make certain that any bacteria, or mold growing on the sprouts is killed. Your health should have GSE. My birds really like radish seed sprouted. If you are having trouble getting them started on a mix perhaps try wheat groats or similar first. my guys won't eat sprouts with a 'tail' longer than about an inch. i try to have several jars in the works at a time and sprout just enough for one day. I have 12 birds so they do go pretty fast.

[Amanda]

Crazeemama, I think I have found a good mix for sprouting but since I have not actually "sprouted", I wonder if you can tell me if this is actually a good mix.

I have the following: raw in shell sunflower seeds, raw shelled sunflower, pumpkin, flax, sesame seeds, orange (red) lentils, green lentils, corn kernels, whole peas, adzuki, garbanzo, and quinoa.

[crazeemama]

Sounds good. I don't think there are any 'bad' sprouts. Any whole grain, including rice and any legume can be sprouted,aswell as just about any vegetable seed, with perhaps the exception of the nightshade family. If your birds seem intimidated by the sprouted mix,try sprouting a single seed or grain of appropriate size.a fter a couple servings they will usually eat the mix. My keets had to be started on quinoa and teff seeds (a very teensy grain). I tend to add broccoli seeds and radish seeds to almost every mix. They seem to like the spicyness of the radish seeds and the broccoli seeds are just so good for them! Try different pepper seeds and just about anything you can find that is organic.v Wheat is a favorite also. i try again to mix equal parts grains and legumes and then add some veggie seeds. Mix you own for variety and cost. you might want to look into approximate sprouting times for the various components and mix with an eye to that also. Good luck. let me know how your birds do with the sprouts.
You just can't beat sprouts for the nutrition and it takes almost no time to perpare sprouts.

[JSimko]

The spicier it is, the more my birds like it.

[crazeemama]

Mine too.

[JSimko]

Does it feel like your lips are burning off your face if they kiss you after eating something spicy?

[crazeemama]

i bought some African birdseye dried red peppers (90,000hu) from the food coop and decided to put some in the macaws' dish cuz he seems to really go for spicy. A poundof these peppers is A WHOLE LOT OF EM! wow! i think the first thing he did after eating them was to come and nuzzle his beak all over my face and lips. yyeeeeeooooouuuuuch!
I don't know how many time i washed my face trying to get rid of the burn.
I try to make sure i very carefully wash his feet And that beak after those peppers!

[Amanda]

Can all birds eat spicy food? I have a lovebird and a Pionus ... and I'm wondering if they can take the "heat". At our local grocery store, they sell some fresh jalopeno peppers ... will it be alright to feed them these?

[Mrs.Birdy]

Yes Crazee:

I was wondering the same thing. Marcel likes the El Paso flavored nutriberries because they are spicy...not too hot.

I wonder how much "hot" spice they can tolerate.

[sleeepy2]

This is what I found about apple cider vinegar online:




Apple Cider Vinegar

Researched and authored by Roy Berger

Composition and Manufacturing Process
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a solution of acidic acid produced by fermentation of apples. Apple Cider Vinegar contains cholesterol-reducing pectin and the perfect balance of 19 minerals, including potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, fluorine and silicon.

The cider is made from apples and then turned into vinegar where acetic bacteria convert the alcohol in the cider to acetic acid.

Benefits

contains bacteria which is unfriendly to infectious microorganisms
improves stamina
increases resistance to disease
protects against food poisoning
aids in digestion
aid in a variety of disease including arthritis
regulates blood pressure
maintains the correct pH in the body
Applications

a cleaning agent that will reduce mildew, germs and odor
a disinfectant for cleaning cages
washing produce
cleansing agent when sprouting seeds
1/4 tsp sprinkled over fresh food will function as an immune enhancer
treatment of bacterial infections (consult with a veterinarian)

[Mrs.Birdy]

Thank yo soooo much Sleepy2.

This is just what I have been looking for about cider vinegar.

I will continue to use it for my birds....can't hurt and seems to have many benefits.

I especially like the part about using as a cleansing agent....sounds good.

Again, thanks a bunch.

[birdygirl]

I will probably use it as a cleansing agent.

[Jenny]

Out of curiosity, has anyone used Nolvasson for disinfecting before? My vet uses that quite a bit, and gave me a bottle of it to soak Kirby's foot in once when he got bit, so sometimes I use that to clean cages too. It also can be used orally for birds, so seems safe as far as I can tell. For the most part though I just use very hot water, and stick some things such as the food cups in the dish washer to clean. That's so interesting about the apple cider vinegar! I'll have to try it. I haven't been to my vet recently to ask her, but it sounds like Sleeepy2 already answered your question.

[Mrs.Birdy]

No, I have never even heard of Nolvasson. Where can we find some to buy.

Thanks

P.S. please ask you vet, Jenny, about the cider vinegar in the birds' water and also for cleaning. Would be interesting to get her opinion. Thanks again.

[Amanda]

I've heard of people using "Poop Off" to clean their cages with. Apparently, this product is also safe to use on walls, upholstery, carpets, etc ... (wherever you find birdie droppings). It is also non-toxic and biodegradable.

I use hot water and soap for cleaning the cages, and regular dish soap to wash the water & food bowls. Sometimes if the perches are dirty, I'll soak them in hot water before scrubbing them clean.

[Mrs.Birdy]

Oh yes, I have heard of Poop Off. Also, I have used Canopy Scientific's Quick Clean. I have 3 large cages and I try to use a more inexpensive way to sanitize.

[Jenny]

That's for sure! I've never tried those, mostly because there's cheaper alternatives. Mrs. Birdy, next time I see my vet I'll ask about the vinegar, that is, if I remember! I'll also ask what she thinks is the very best cage cleaning solution to use around birds. Does anyone know how to get bird poop stains out of the carpet? I fed my birds the fruit-flavored, artificially colored Zupreem pellets once without realizing that what goes in will come out, and sure enough they went on my carpet and now I have a few spots of red and orange that my mom's not so happy about especially since we're trying to sell our house! I have tried numerous things to get the color out, but haven't had any luck yet.

[crazeemama]

Sorry - i just now saw your posts about hot peppers - I think it is pretty individual thing regardig what birds like hot and what don't my mac can't get enough hot food but the sun conure picks all the peppers out of his mix.
I give my mac the seeds and core out of any pepper when i don't use them. He loves them.
The one caution i would say about fresh peppers with any heat to them, is really wash the feet and beak good. Pepper juice on your skin is no fun. unless their feet are scuffed or have open sores,etc i don't think it bothers them. imho habaneros would be
suicidal!
If jali's are too hot try pesilla (sp) or anaheim chilies ( used to make chili rellenos) .

[Mrs.Birdy]

Wow crazeemama:

I guess their taste buds or sinuses aren't as sensitive to Hot pepper as humans.

I am going to try the sprouts you mentioned....I feel safer with them....not saying their is anything wrong with your giving hot peppers to your Mac....I am just a little nervous about giving them to my pionus.

[crazeemama]

Birds taste buds aren't as sensitive as ours. Their tastebuds BTW are on the roof of the mouth and they don't have as many as we do. The peppers are not harmful, peppers contain quite a bit of Vitamin A iirc. It is just a trial and error sort of thing to figue out which birds like them.
The caution about the pepper juice was so the bird doesn't climb on you and transfer the juice to your skin!
like i said - my mac loves them. the CAG is more unpredictable. they are the only two that will eat them.
Do give them (especially the larger ones) the core containing the seed from things like bell peppers or the anaheims they make a great food toy and everybody likes them.

[Mrs.Birdy]

Thanks, again, for the info. I like the idea of the seed core from sweet peppers. I will, eventually, become brave enough to try the hot stuff with Marcel.

:)