Quiko Intensive Red for BOURKE

[danaday]

Hi Everyone

I am wondering if I add quiko intensive red to egg food and fed my bourkes, if their red/pink would intensify a bit more? I'm aware that the product is made for red factory canaries. And would this product affect other finches with reds, ex..Gouldians? I ask because they all share a big cage. Any insight would be appreciated! Thanks!

[lem2bert]

danaday

I have only used quiko intensive red egg food for my red factor canary and only when he was moulting. I am sure someone who owns parakeets will have more of a clear answer for you .

[Dave]

In the past there were big discussions, among Canary breeders, about Quiko. The issue is that it has sugar in it. Some people swore by it and others thought it was poison. I don't think there was any science behind those discussion. However, sugar is not considered to be good for birds.

Abba 93 is a red-color supplement that seems to be used a lot, at least for Canaries.
https://www.allparrotproducts.com/abba-red-93-eggfood/
Since 'All Parrots' is a hookbill supplier, they might be able to answer your question.

[jonvill]

Here's an article about feathers:

Chemistry and structure combine to produce a rainbow of amazing color in feathers
By Julie Feinstein | Published: 4/21/2006

"Parrots are the only birds with psittacin pigments. Also known as psittacofulvins, these pigments produce vivid red, orange, and yellow plumes, including, for example, the red feathers of Scarlet Macaws. Carotenoids derived from fruits, nuts, and seeds are present in the bloodstream of parrots, but their feathers are colored with psittacofulvins – pigments that they internally “manufacture.” A parrot’s diet, therefore, doesn’t control its plumage colors."

[lovezebs]

danaday

Here is a link which you may find helpful:

http://www.parrotparrot.com/articles/fu ... eir-color/

And another which you might find interesting:

http://www.bourkesparakeets.com/

[danaday]

Thanks everyone for your advice/info. I found it all very informative. I was just curious.