Pionus Diet & Cholesterol Info

[Piasa]

Since there aren't too many pionus specific studies out there, I wanted to share this article about liver health and cholesterol.

(Warning, has photos of organs and parrot/reptile cadavers)
http://avianmedicine.net/content/uploads/2013/03/7-3cholesterol.pdf

Pis had higher cholesterol levels on even the healthiest sprouted diet compared than the other parrots studied on high quality pellet diets and seed diets. More incentive to get your pi eating veggies, sprouts and real foods.

Milkthistle will protect and even heal a damaged liver. My white cap looooves milkthistle seeds. I've gotten organic ones in person and also through nuts.com

Here are the tested normal levels for quick reference. Good to have to compare to vet tests.

Mean LDL Cholesterol - 2.33 in a range of 1.95-2.67

HDL - mean 4.52, range 4.45-4.58

Cholesterol - mean 7.4, range 6.99-7.8

Triglycerides - mean 1.22, range 1.13-1.31

Here's to your health, little pi

 

[VICTORYCC124]

Can you give your bird "too much" milky thistle?? And is it good for my African grey and green cheek conure as well?

 

[Piasa]

You cannot overdose them on milkthistle seeds. I am not sure about a milkthistle supplement (tincture or pill) though, I'd do that through a vet.

The seeds are good for all species of parrot. Also for people - same benefits. You can eat the hulls! Don't have to shell. I've gotten organic ones from nuts.com

Your blue head avatar is gorgeous!