Supplementing?

[Lacybug]

So I've decided to purchase some supplements from ladygouldian.com for my zebra finches, but it's become a little overwhelming, lol. Right now I give them egg, eggshell, ground-up premium cat food, and raw unsalted sunflower seeds. I'm working on getting them to eat fruits and veggies but that's another story...
Can anyone tell me the best supplements to get for my birds? I was thinking about Calcium Plus, but do they need it with what I'm already feeding them? If so, will the 4oz bottle last a long time for just two finches? I know I'll definitely be getting the herb salad, so how much of that will last long as well?
If you can help at all, thanks!!

[MiaCarter]

Lacybug -- The Calcium Plus actually goes really quickly if you add it to the water. I change out the water really often and so it would be a big waste if I did it like that, so I usually apply directly to the food.
Exception is when they're actively laying eggs; then I put it in the water.
If your guys are laying eggs, then this is a must-have. Even without egg laying, it's good to have. (When they're not laying. I think the bottle recommends 2-3 times a week.)

I'd also get NV powder. It's an electrolyte and it's great, especially if they're sick. You can add to water or sprinkle on food. I just got it a couple weeks ago and I love it!

Of course the herb salad. That's wonderful.

My guys also love love love the insect treat.
I might get this as one of your free samples so you can try it first, as not everyone is into bugs. (Edited to add: Actually, it looks like Laraine no longer offers this as a free sample; I couldn't even find the product on her site. But it is available on LadyGouldianFinch.com.)

I'd also recommend the probiotics. Those are wonderful, especially if they're on antibiotics or have an upset digestive tract.

I would also get some water cleanser like Aviclens or Sparkle to prevent bacteria build-up if they poop. Also good when you're using NV powder, as it has a lot of sugar, which bacteria loves. And good for soaking seeds for sprouting.

[Sally]

I'm assuming that you are also feeding a good finch seed mix. I like to have a cup of minerals in the cage at all times--you can offer just oystershell grit, or you can add other items such as charcoal and trace minerals.

As far as Calcium Plus, I believe it is a must to have on hand if you have any females, as it can be a lifesaver in case of eggbinding. I don't routinely add it to the water, as it can get a bit expensive to use, and I feel my birds are getting calcium in their mineral mix and in their egg food. Eggs are a great source of calcium, protein, vitamins (D3 especially). If I have a hen that is a chronic egg layer or laying too many eggs, I might supplement her with Calcium Plus n the water, but I don't routinely supplement all the birds with this. A small bottle will do if you only keep it on hand for emergencies.

I use NV powder for any stressed bird, like ones that go to the bird mart or newly-acquired birds. For sick birds, I like Thrive a little better. I love Herb Salad.

It's hard to say how long anything will last. I have a large flock, so I buy many things in bulk.

[Lacybug]

Thank you very much MiaCarter and Sally !

Yes, the stuff I mentioned is in addition to their seed mix.
I also provide a cuttlebone, but I'll look into the oystershell, etc. also.
What do you think about what it says on the F-Vite product?
http://www.ladygouldianfinch.com/product_f-vite.php

[MiaCarter]

Lacybug -- It's funny you ask as I just got a sample of FVite with my last order.

I just put it in my cage yesterday, so I can't tell what they think of it yet. So I look forward to seeing what others have to say on it!

@Sally -- Isn't Thrive similar to NV powder?
Why do you like it better for sick birds? Is it more effective in your experience?
I think I've used it before, but I can't recall.

[Sally]

MiaCarter This is what I found on the NV powder, which I have used for some years now for stress situations and will still use for new birds, birds going to shows/marts, etc.:

active ingredients:
vitamin b1 236 mg/kg,vitamin b2 65.5 mg/kg, vitamin b6 11.8 mg/kg,
biotin 1 mg/kg, choline 1436 mg/kg,folic acid 5.0 mg/kg,
nicotinic acid 194.8 mg/kg,pantothenic acid 47.3 mg/kg, copper 85 mg/kg,
manganese 524.5 mg/kg, zinc 1698mg/kg, iodine 40 mg/kg, sodium chloride 54 g/kg

It is a sugar based formula, but I don't see that listed.

I used Thrive a long time ago, for whatever reason stopped using it, but in talking with friends recently, who have used it quite successfully, I am going back to keeping it on hand. One breeder adds a pinch to her hand feeding formula; she also will administer it directly to the beak on a sick bird.

EACH OUNCE CONTAINS:
Protein Concentrate 20%
Vitamin A 25,500 IU
Vitamin D3 4,200 IU
Vitamin C 280 mg.
Vitamin E 110 mg.
Electrolytes:
Potassium Ions
Sodium Ions
Citrate Ions
Bicarbonate Ions
OTHER INGREDIENTS:
Vitamins
Vitamin B-1
Vitamin B-2
Vitamin B-3
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin K
Biotin
Calcium Pantothenate
Choline Bitartrate
Folic Acid Minerals
Cobalt Chloride
Copper Gluconate
Iron Citrate
Magneseum Oxide
Manganese Sulfate
Potassium Iodide
Silicon Dioxide
Sodium Selenite
Sulfur
Zinc Sulphate Amino Acids
Methionine
Lysine
Alanine
Arginine
Asparic Acid
Cysteine
Glutamic Acid
Glutamine
Histidine
Isoleusince
Leucine
Phenylalanine
Proline
Serine
Theonine
5-Hydroxytryptophan
Tyrosine
Valine
OTHER INGREDIENTS:
Corn Maltodextrin

[MiaCarter]

Sally -- Thanks for that info!
I always thought they were pretty similar, but it seems Thrive has lots of additional goodies that aren't present in the NV powder!
I think I'll have to get some! (Bummer, as I just placed an order yesterday! Oh well.)

[Corkysgirl]

Lacybug I love the F-Vite. My older female zebra finch especially loves it! You mentioned about the amount to get of the Herb Salad. You have two finches. The one pound bag will last a long time. It's pretty big.
Another thing I love is "Avian Trio." https://ladygouldian.com/Avian-Trio
There's so much you can get. It's not a necessity but you can get a sample and see how your birds like it.

[dutch]

If you are looking for a supplement....I only use 1....

Soluvite d breeder.....it's absolutley brilliant

[debbie276]

Be careful not to offer the same type supplements from multiple vendors at the same time so you don't over do it doubling and tripling the dose. Too much of a good thing is not always good.

Other then a good mineral mix and multiple calcium sources like eggshell and oyster shells I only give hard boiled eggs for all the minerals and Vitamins (especially Vitamin D) that they need. I also add greens and seed heads when available.

A very good source for nutrition they need can be found here:
http://www.finchinfo.com/diet/nutrients_and_sources.php

Your diet sounds very good to me
best of luck

[Sally]

Be careful not to offer the same type supplements from multiple vendors at the same time so you don't over do it doubling and tripling the dose. Too much of a good thing is not always good.

Agree completely.

[Corkysgirl]

That's such a good point. I recently read of someone using two different vitamin supplements at the same time which had so many "overlapping" vitamins. This could mean a serious overdosing issue.

[Toddmin]

I have the Calcium Plus on hand, but I only use it once in a while. I mainly have it just in case I need to use it for one of my hens. The finches will get plenty of calcium if you give them egg shells and also broccoli. In addition to the quality finch seed, I feed my birds eggs, egg shells, and various greens and veggies.

[mikeonthebike]

i read on this site, for moulting/breeding...you can feed grated cheese or tuna in spring water too and dog kibble.
i personally add natures finest source of aminos and calcium to my seed or egg food.
ground flax seeds..most health food shops sell it.
somehow feeding bird egg to birds seems like cannibalism so i try to avoid it.
chick peas are VERY rich in protein too and of course soluble fibre.Just cook them and mash them,then add ground flax seed and your finch seed...sorted.