What's in your bird's water?

H2015 · Post by **H2015** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:11 am

Out of curiosity, I wanted to know what other members here add to their birds' drinking water?

I add liquid iodine and multi-vitamin drops and recently started using mineral water as well.

I read on LGF.com that 1 drop per ounce of Apple cider vinegar is also highly recommended twice weekly, anyone tried this?

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 12:54 pm

I use it regularly in all my birds water and also clean the cages with it.

Here is and article that explaines it use and benefits.

Hope this helps.

http://www.parrothouse.com/acv.html

Post by **Hilary** » Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:39 pm

When I remember (maybe twice a month) I'll put liquid kelp in my water, and on other days apple cider vinegar. If I have waxbills laying eggs I'll mix calcium in their water for a day or two - just enough to get some more into them. Only do vitamins in the water with my budgies, though I probably don't need to now that my new(er) budgie has taught the other how to each other foods.

fairestfinches · Post by **fairestfinches** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 12:36 am

Make sure that what your mixing is safe to combine. There are some things that can be great alone and toxic when combined. If in doubt call the manufacture for adverse combinations. A good example is not combining medications with supplements.

Sean

S. W. Houston · Post by **S. W. Houston** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 2:21 pm

Got the concentration for effectiveness, but, is this (Vinegar) preventative, or can one see some evidence of the need for it ?

Have a good Day !

Post by **Hilary** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:49 pm

Featherharp included a link to a good summary. Basically as I understand it (folks, correct me if I'm wrong) the vinegar raises the acidity in the water, making the water less inviting for bacterial growth and aids digestion. I have a friend who adds it to her own drinking water. It's only supposed to be beneficial, though, if you use unfiltered, unpasteurized vinegar - not quite sure why. Maybe the good stuff isn't killed in the processing?

S. W. Houston · Post by **S. W. Houston** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 6:45 am

I recorded the URL that FeatherHarp gave, and looked at the Article briefly. I admit, I’m lazy and haven’t read it all thoroughly. Is there any opinion of leaving the “solution” available to the Birds all the time, is that TOO much. I recall what H2015 said about twice per week!

Edit:
Read the article, was't all that long. Still noting mentioned about how often, anyone know where the "text" is on that ?

Have a good Day !

aus_jhr · Post by **aus_jhr** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 1:24 am

When my bird had egg binding last month i read late at night about liquid calcium, and i didnt have anything on hand, therefore was not able to help my bird, and she died

but not I have it on hand and put it in their water.

I use "avi-cal" its liquid calcium and vidamin D3. On the bottle is says they also recommend using "aristopet avi-vite" which is apparently high in potency and has 20 vitamins, minerals and amino acids, apparently the common elements that caged birds are deficient in.

I put the avi-cal into my birds water each time I change it (every day or two).

aus_jhr

TammyS · Post by **TammyS** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:28 am

I prefer not to put anything in my birds water and just offer them fresh water. Most of the supplements I do use on a regular basis (Calciboost Powder and Vitamin Supplement mainly) I can add to my eggfood.

ladylovesfinch · Post by **ladylovesfinch** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 4:02 pm

I use Calciboost 2x a week and Daily Essentials 3x a week. I just began adding Braggs Apple Cider vinegar for the other two days in the week.

Is there a benefit to giving the calcium and vitamins on egg food as opposed to water? I only have five birds right now and change their water daily. My birds do eat soft food. The societies taught my finicky gouldians to eat the egg food.

ladylovesfinch · Post by **ladylovesfinch** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 9:08 am

After posting my previous post, I realized there is alot of stuff in my birds water. Before adding the vinegar they had at least two days of just plain water.

Any suggestions as if this is too much in their water would be greatly appreciated as this is all new to me.

All the best,

TammyS · Post by **TammyS** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 9:37 am

Hi Kristen,

I like to give fresh water whenever possible. I look at is this way - I wouldn't want to always have to drink water with something in it - nothing taste better then plain ole water. So I think my birds would appreciate that option too.

ladylovesfinch · Post by **ladylovesfinch** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:04 am

I agree with plain ole water as that is mostly what I drink! Besides the Daily Essentials in the water is not very fragrant! How do you administer vitamins and calcium if not in the water? I guess my question should be if you only have five birds how do you administer the correct amount on their egg food?
Thanks so much!

S. W. Houston · Post by **S. W. Houston** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:14 am

ladylovesfinch,
I definitely understand “new to this”!

You brought up a very good question concerning the Vinegar.
I’m assuming that “it” should not be combined with other “additives”.
I’d think because of it’s acidity, it could have a negative influence another substance, like when combined with a vitamin complex.

Right or wrong, someone

Have a good Day !

spector · Post by **spector** » Sun Jan 20, 2008 10:17 pm

My guys get Calciboost and liquid iodine once a week. I either put Nekton-S in their water or I sprinkle Daily Essentials 3 on their fresh food, depending on my mood that day.