Frequency of Coconut Oil and Nuts for GCC

[BirdGuy21]

Hello everyone,

I have been reading about the benefits of coconut oil for parrots, and made the jump today and purchased Spectrum Organic unrefined coconut oil for my Green Cheek Conure. In my research though, I could not find the amount to feed or frequency for a Green Cheek Conure. Any ideas? I gave her a tiny bit from the tip of a spoon and mixed it into her fruits.

Also, how often and how much nuts should she get each week?

 

[ZephyrFly]

I don't know any specific as i haven't researched coconut oil, but goodness aside I don't think we should be giving it to our birds too regularly. It is an oil after all?

I may be wrong and look forward to other people's thoughts (who will likely be more valid than mine).

 

[JerseyWendy]

I don't have a 'specific' and/or scientific answer. I can tell you that I put coconut oil in my birdy bread, which I give to my fids 2-3 times a week. It would amount to perhaps 1/4 teaspoon per bird per week.

As for the nuts, this will depend on your bird's activity level. Nuts are generally high in fat. My macaws both get a good amount of various nuts each and every day. They are both super active all day long. My female amazon gets the occasional almond since she's a bit on the ....heavy side. My male DYH gets an entire walnut, 1-2 pecans and 1-2 almonds every day. Sometimes I throw a hazel nut in there as well. He's a super active guy with no weight issues.

 

[BirdGuy21]

Our Green Cheek is going through a molt right now, so I read that coconut oil is god for the feathers. As to her activity level- she is out of her cage whenever I am home, and plays on her gym or climbs and rides around on me. I would say she is moderately active. I feel like she is a tad underweight though, weighing in at only 68 grams. She is a good eater and will try many new things, but I haven't seen her put on any real weight. (If I am correct in remembering the average weight range for GCC's is 65-80g).
She eats TOPS Organic Pellets, Volkman Avian Science seed three times a week, and a daily dose of a variety of fruits and veggies.

 

[ZephyrFly]

why do you believe she's underweight?

 

[Mimsy01]

I don't give pure oil to my birds. I do give a piece of whole coconut or other nuts as a treat, which will naturally have the oils among other beneficial minerals and vitamins. If cooking, I use coconut, olive, sesame and other healthy oils, so the birds will get some oils from the cooked foods as well.

I use coconut oil on my conures beak in the winter as well since it gets very dry here.

I don't see why she would actually need to feed on plain oil in addition it seems it would just fill her up so she wouldn't eat other foods that are more vitamin/mineral dense.

Unless she is diagnosed by an avian vet as needed something extra that is in the oil I personally would not feed it by itself.

 

[BirdGuy21]

I am not feeding it by itself, a small amount is being mixed onto her fruits and veggies.

 

[plumsmum2005]

I think research is the key word here, both Internet and your AV. Your bird's weight sits between the bands you quote and again perhaps your AV could be helpful with this?

 

[BirdGuy21]

I think research is the key word here, both Internet and your AV. Your bird's weight sits between the bands you quote and again perhaps your AV could be helpful with this?

Thank you, but that is what I was trying to do. I came across a thread here from a year ago extolling the benefits of coconut oil for birds. However, it did not mention how much or how frequently.