Avian spirulina

[crazeemama]

Avian Spirulina
Had anyone tried this product. I have heard good things about it and bought a jar the last time i was in Denver, but haven'y used any yet.
I inadvertantly typed this into another thread but thought i might get more comments here - thanks

[Amanda]

Hi Crazeemama,
I've heard that spirulina is not the best thing for birds anymore. I'm not sure of the exact details as I only heard about it on another board. This lady used to use it all the time but I think she found some more info about it and decided to stop giving it to her birds. I'm going to ask that board again and see what reply I get.

[Amanda]

Crazeemama, I did a "search" on the other board about spirulina and came up with the original post from the person. I have copied & pasted her whole post ....

At 12:27:08, gail (gail PnDC) wrote:

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When I went to re-order Foundation Formula and saw their new spirulina-free product, I asked the same qx, BJ, and learned that spriulina is considered the cause of a condition called foot-tapping in eclectus. It's a neurological condition, so sounds seriously systemic!

Then others who answered my qx spoke of birds other than ekkies reacting badly to spirulina. Mostly causing anxiety, plucking, and aggression. Since CAG Moses is a plucker with some anxiety and a sudden spell of aggression last summer, and since my 3 male birds all have shown more aggression than this sissy mama likes, I decided to try the new product and see if I spot changes.

Much has been posted on other boards about spirulina being highly contaminated pond scum. Some of the folks whose nutrition knowledge I most admire talk about its contamination being too dangerous for it to be worth risking as bird food.

I serve all my veggies raw -- and organic.

gail
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I considered using spirulina for my birds too, but after I read Gail's post, I decided not to.

Hope this helps to answer some of your questions.

[crazeemama]

I really appreciate the info amanda - i was just about to try it with my mac - he was so ratty when i got him and has what i think are stress bars, not really sure, could be overzelous preening too. But i had heard that the trace minerals etc were supposed to be good for them. So glad to have the info.
Does any one know of a site that shows a photo of stress bars?
Ty's feathers are looking so much better. He eats fresh & steamed veggies and pellet/seed mix and a grain/legume mix and sprouts. plus a few nuts a day (macs need the extra fat - the man i talk to at the zoo gave me some guidance on the nuts) and a little fruit every day.
prior to when he came to live with me he was fed only a small parrot seed mix. So he hasn't been eating good for more than about 2 1/2 months.

[Mrs.Birdy]

Crazzeemama and Amanda:

I had never heard of Spirulina, and perhaps some others here haven't heard of it either, so I researched a site explaining what it is and its possible benefits (although they are speaking of human benefits, not avian).

I am posting the site so others can understand what spirulina is and then make a decision on it's benefits.

Amanda, after reading the site I brought up and the comments you posted, I don't think I will be using this algae for my birds. Don't think it's necessary.

Anyway here is the site:

http://www.spirulina.com/SPBenefits.html

[dlaura]

Amanda, Crazeemama, & Mrs. Birdy,
Thanks for doing the research and educating all of us on this product. After reading everything - I will not be using it either.

[crazeemama]

Thanks Amanda nad mrs birdy - i will not be using it either.
You mentioned 'foundation formula' is this the mix from organicbirdfood.com?

[Amanda]

Crazeemama, yes it is.

[featherluver]

I have used this and I have birds that know when you add anythign to their food, they wouldn't touch it, with the exception of the tiels who will eat brown rice no matter what, and I personally think it smells really bad.

[birdygirl]

Is avian spurlina the same as spirulina given to fish??