Probiotics for birds?

TacoNTiki · Aug 29, 2015

Does anyone know whether it is ok for birds to eat probiotics? I know there is a product called benebac that's especially for birds that you need to get from a vet. But, on a regular basis is it ok for them to have it? I make my own kiefer everyday, which is a femented milk drink full of probiotics and tiki loves it! I don't give him much, just a drop and its suppose to give your body good bacteria. Anyone know if this is good or not?

I should say that people that are lactose intolerant can drink this stuff as the fermentation process eats up the lactase in the milk.

SilverSage · Aug 29, 2015

Only use the benebac avian. There are many forms, and using any form of probiotic not specific for avian use can actually cause them to need antibiotics because of bacterial infections caused by... Probiotics. I certainly wouldn't share your fermented milk drink with the bird without specific input from an avian certified vet saying it was safe.

Skittys_Daddy · Aug 29, 2015

The only thing I know about probiotics is from the Jamie Lee Curtis commercials about Activia yogurt.

I'm curious to know why they have these for birds. I'm always looking for ways to 'better' my babies lives though.

OOwl · Aug 29, 2015

My vet sent me home with Avibios when my lovebird had an injury and had to be on antibiotics for a while. It's probiotics specifically made for birds. He didn't get a yeast infection from the antibiotics so it was probably a good thing. My vet says she's had good success with the product.

Skittys_Daddy · Aug 29, 2015

My vet had me put diluted apple cider vinegar in Peaches water to reduce her yeast. Is that what probiotics do? They eliminate yeast?

RavensGryf · Aug 29, 2015

HEALx-Harrison's Bird Foods I have the Healthzyme that I sprinkle on the fresh food every now and then.

TacoNTiki · Aug 29, 2015

I am fairly new to probiotics and only read that every living organism needs it. It is required to balance out the 'bad' bacteria in your gut. Everyone has bacteria in their gut and sometimes there are too much of the bad stuff. Probiotics are 'good' bacteria. I looked up how to make kiefer on YouTube and have been drinking it for couple months with good results. One YouTube video mentioned she gives it to her dog too. Since I know that they have it for birds too and that Tiki likes it I let him lick some off my finger.

I know know if it gets rid of yeast, or gives you yeast???

Skittys_Daddy · Aug 30, 2015

The vet had me try the Releaves with Peaches last spring. It didn't work. She still was laying eggs over and over. I had to wait til she just stopped. Which she has recently. I hope for a long time. She's really too old to be laying eggs that much. I worry about what the stress does to her.

Peaches has taken a break from egg-laying for over a week now (maybe two) and I've enjoyed being able to take her out for a bit each day. I'm gonna look into that probiotic as well as the healthzyme.

I love Harrison's products. They make Skittles feathers glisten. They have this beautiful neon shine to them. I'm blind as a bat without my glasses, but I can make him out across the room when I don't have them on, that's how bright his colors are. Pictures really do not do him justice.

SilverSage · Aug 30, 2015

Not every living organism needs probiotics, but we all need healthy gut bacteria. In some cases probiotics help balance our gut bacteria, but in others it actually throws that balance off. Keep in mind that healthy gut bacteria in us is TOXIC to birds, so I would never give anything considered a probiotic for mammals to a bird. Ever.

Yeast is a fungus, probiotics have to do with bacteria. Giving your bird a probiotic will neither give nor prevent yeast.

TacoNTiki · Aug 30, 2015

You are scaring me now

. I think it best that I refrain from giving him any more kiefer until I check with the vet. Thank goodness he's hasnt shown any signs of reaction. Thanks.

OOwl · Aug 30, 2015

Actually, when birds go on antibiotic therapy, the drug kills both the good and bad bacteria, including in their digestive tract. I think a good avian-specific probiotic like Avibios has some benefit of restoring the proper intestinal flora. I don't think my avian vet would send it home with her patients on antibiotic therapy if it was useless. But I certainly agree that giving a bird a human form of probiotic is not useful.

Skittys_Daddy · Aug 30, 2015

I get really paranoid whenever it comes to giving my fids something new. So I always check with the vet first.

I agree about the avian vet. If they are recommending something they must have a reason for it. I don't have to ask when my vet recommends something because they already explain it.

I'm still gonna ask though, for Peaches - it can't hurt to ask.

SilverSage · Aug 30, 2015

It isn't useless when needed, especially like you say, when antibiotics are used.

TacoNTiki · Aug 30, 2015

Skittys_Daddy said:
I get really paranoid whenever it comes to giving my fids something new. So I always check with the vet first.

I agree about the avian vet. If they are recommending something they must have a reason for it. I don't have to ask when my vet recommends something because they already explain it.

I'm still gonna ask though, for Peaches - it can't hurt to ask.

I am interested in what your vet has to say whether human probiotics differ very much from avian? Would you mind posting his reply?

Skittys_Daddy · Aug 31, 2015

Not a problem! Will do.

I've sent them an email. I'll let you know what they say.

SilverSage · Aug 31, 2015

Yes please share. I had a friend whose vet told her the cause for her birds bacterial infection was mammal probiotics.

lexalayne · Sep 4, 2015

My Vet suggested Benebac probiotics for my birds. One of my cockatoos is used to having it during molts or anything stressful from his previous owner. Benebac plus (green one) is the one she suggested,

TacoNTiki · Sep 4, 2015

I ended up phoning our vet and they don't discourage probiotics, however, said not to give them "human" probiotics.

Skittys_Daddy · Sep 4, 2015

I heard back from the vet several days ago but she said nothing about the pro-biotics. I followed up on it and got no response.

condobirds · Jul 13, 2018

I just joined and have a question about probiotics. I have 3 parrots and they all have a lack of good bacteria in their gut. Poop is too clean. Each visit to the vet produces the same result. They have been on vet prescribed Avi-Culture-2 for a year or so but it is not working . They have been on Benebac in the past. I am wondering if I am feeding something that would be counteracting the probiotics.
Does anyone have experience with this? None have been on antibiotics within the last several years. thanks

Probiotics for birds?

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