Individual Species Needs - Prone to...?

When I was researching Sunnies before I got Cal, I found there was many, many things that did not come to light until AFTER I'd joined this forum and saw other members talk about varying points about their fids. I had read plenty about what to feed Cal and what not to feed her, but I didn't realise before I got her, there is a LOT more to it than that.

The number one being what the species is prone to health wise.

I thought it would be REALLY helpful for new bird owners in both members and guests, if we could all share little known facts about the species of birds that we own and their needs so that others have a better idea?

I'll start with the sun conure then lol.

These lil birdies can become very ill to the point of fatality with a simple vitamin K deficiency. Vit K is natures "warfarin" (blood thinner) and without it they are prone to clots in the blood - primarily the lungs.

The best I have found advice wise, is "lots of leafy greens". This did NOT help. I did a bit of research and the highest Vit K veg you can get which is safe is Kale. Followed by spinich, followed by peas and broccoli. (as a rough guide, I'm thinking ease here too)

If your sun conure will not eat kale, then spinich finely chopped and microwaved is brilliant. It covers their entire veg bowl and bits will get in there even if they don't want it to haha!

So....over to everyone else

Pionus' are prone to obesity, fatty tumors, xanthomas, reproductive and feather problems. That is fairly generalized for most medium to large parrots however I know some are more prone to these problems than others. Just my two cents.

A well balanced diet is crucial for good health in Eclectus. A variety of fresh fruit and veg MUST be offered everyday, as well as small amounts of seeds and nuts. Other sources of nutrients can also be found in sprouts, eggs and brown rice.

They do not fair well on all pellet diets at all, especially those with artificial colours. The same goes for all seed diets, this is an absolute no no for any parrot, particularly ekkies.

After a bit of poking around I found this which lists quite a few species and their possible problems.

I wish I'd have found it before lol!

Healthy Bird Species Nutrition

Both kale and dandelion greens are one of the best foods for our birds. Dandelion (not from your lawn please) is rich in calcium, helps restore liver issues and good for arthritis. Aloe vera added to the drinking water (organic) is a natural anti-histamine and helps with feather plucking. It can be added to a spray also. Parrots can eat thin slices of fresh aloe as a preventitive or curative remedy. It is good for wounds also. If anyone wants more information on the many things our birds can eat I suggest you purchase the cookbook on Phoenix Landing web site. It is loaded with educational items as well as receipes. Yes it is expensive but goes for a very good cause.

http://www.phoenixlanding.org/books.html

Alexandrines and ringneck type birds can suffer from kidney faliure for reasons unknown unfort it does not seem to be a diet related issue and as yet vets are unsure what causes it
stats on it are 1 in 30