FINCHforum

I have been recently wondering if I provide my birds with enough iodine. They have oyster shells and cuttlefish bones in their aviary as well as mineral block (but I don't know what minerals there are in it).

Should supplement it with supplemenents or kelp?

If so, which ones do you recommend?

I use this.

http://www.ladygouldianfinch.com/product_liquidkelp.mgi

I checked the Bird Care Co. site to see if they have iodine or kelp, since they are based in the UK, but didn't see either of them. Probably would be best to check on the featheredflyer site, for local info. Gouldians especially need iodine or kelp added to their diet, but I believe that all Australian finches can benefit from these products as well.

Thanks to both of you. In case I can buy it from the ladygouldian site that ships to Europe.

Morning Bird also manufactures a Powdered Kelp, which I would recommend instead of the Liquid Iodine.

I personally feel the Liquid Iodine is more suitable for dosing balding birds (Gouldians) when it's thought to be an Iodine Deficiency causing the baldness.

If you are just wanting to add another source of iodine to their diet (I believe Oyster Shells and Cuttlebone both contain traces of Iodine as they are sea dwelling) then I would really suggest adding a treat cup of powdered kelp.

This way your birds can consume it if they need it, and have the option of eating it rather than forcing it on them in the water if they are not showing any outward signs of deficiency.

I only breed Gouldians, but I notice my birds consume a heck of a lot of Powdered Kelp particularly when they are breeding (the hens especially) and feeding chicks, and when they are molting.
They still eat it during Maintenance periods, just not to the same degree.
LGF.com also sells the Powdered Kelp, but I'm not sure what her shipping rates are to the UK.

I sell Morning Bird products (Including the Powdered Kelp), and offer First Class International which is usually $2.50 or thereabouts :/

I like the powdered kelp I have those finger cups in the cages and like nixity said at times mine seem to eat a lot of it,at first I was concerned that they ate to much

I have never put iodine in the water either. I agree with Tiffany. I make the powdered kelp available at all times. They eat alot of it.

I also sometimes will shave a cuttlebone and sprinkle that on top of their soaked seeds

I added iodine once when one of my hens went a little bald. But she got better when she molted.

It is probably a very good idea not to add iodine to water, as excess of iodine can fatal in the long term.

I think kelp is the way to go, that way birds can take up what they want.

Thanks everyone.

Looks like I do things a bit different as I do give all my finches liquid Iodine in their water once a week.

I also provide powdered Kelp.

Hi Liz,

Your birds are healthy I'm sure so you got the formula right.

I'm a little concerned that I have birds like parakeets that may not need as much iodine as the Australian finches.

You are correct Andrea, if your parakeets do not have their roots in Australia then they may not need as much iodine as the Australian finches.

No they are American like you (as in from the Americas).

Maybe I need a little more Iodine - I am Canadian as from Canada.

What about using Spirulina?

Rebecca

I don't think spirulina has iodine in it. However, it does have lots of other good things.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirulina_ ... upplement)