Vitamin E oil???

[ann]

Hi guys, I recently bought some vitamin E oil from Trader Joe's. The ingredients only list vitamin e oil and coconut oil. I was wondering if it would be safe to use on my birds. My dove started plucking the feathers around her vent after laying some eggs and I thought I would put a little on the bare parts to soothe it. Also, do you think it would be safe to add a few drops to birdie bread and other food? Thanks

 

[BoomBoom]

I'm not sure about the vitamin e. How about natural aloe gel mixed with water?

Also I read somewhere that captive birds pluck after laying because they seem to think they need material for the nest. Maybe offer some nesting material to keep him from plucking further in case that's the issue.

 

[Kalidasa]

Vitamin E oil is very sticky, greasy, and not water soluble. It's liable to cause a lot of matting, and could cause more plucking. As boom suggested, aloe is very soothing, and doesn't leave a greasy film. The best way to get it pure is to put a few fresh cut leaves (chopped) in the blender with a little warm water (just a little) and blend. Then pour into a stainer, which strains into a glass container, then refrigerate right away. Add a shot to bath water every day.

 

[ann]

Thank you, I'll try that . Do you think vitamin e is safe for food, is aloe safe for food?

 

[henpecked]

Parrots and other birds will pluck their belly area after laying eggs, this is called a "brood patch" and is to warm up their eggs quickly after being off them to feed, etc. I can't really comment on the VitE oil as i haven't used it. Is it natural? It would probably be OK if use topically but i would let them ingest it. Which could be the case if they preened the treated area.

 

[MonicaMc]

I've never used it but I've heard it's safe to use... safe for birds to consume and safe to rub it on them, too.

HolisticBird and HolisticBirds

• Vitamin E – protects cell membranes, acts as an antioxidant within the cells, and prevents fats from becoming rancid in the body. It also plays an important role in maintaining skin health.

When feather plucking is from one of the nutrient deficiencies I mentioned earlier: protein, vitamin A, Vitamin E, some minerals, and essential fatty acids, then adding these nutrients as a supplement to the diet can be very important until balance is restored.

Seeds and nuts contain many of the essential fatty acids and an abundance of vitamin E. Wheat germ is also a good source of this vitamin.

Why birds pull out their feathers - ParrotChronicles.com Feature Story
Scroll down to Sammy's story: saved by Vitamin E



Harrison's Bird Foods is a family of certified organic pet bird diets that were formulated to make your bird as healthy as it can possibly be.

Booster

• Is a non-synthetic source of 6 forms of vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols)

 

[ann]

Thanks for all of the replies, I haven't tried any oils yet, but her feathers are growing back. I'll probably buy a food silo so she stops laying eggs in the food dish, she's already laid 9!

 

[BoomBoom]

Wow, that sounds like a lot of eggs! Glad to hear her feathers are growing back.

PS. I don't know much about doves but I imagine with that many eggs, she might be real low in her calcium reserves by now. Make sure she has extra calcium supplement.

 

[ann]

I was worried too so I regularly give her calcium in her water and calcium enriched grit. She also lays each egg about a half a week to a week apart, then takes breaks. Once I move her, I will get a new set up that wont be as "nesty".
PS I love your signature Boomboom!