Vitamins/Supplements

[Tzippora]

I'm wondering what the most important vitamins are to supplement into a healthy, non-breeding bird's diet. What supplements & brands do you all use? Thanks!

[Sheather]

I don't use anything artificial, I just offer a diverse mixed seed and pellet diet, access to natural sun through a window, and variety of leafy green vegetables, fruit, and boiled egg every day. My birds have immaculate plumage and throw huge clutches of babies, it works for me.

[Sally]

I agree, especially for non-breeding birds. I do supplement some with breeding birds, but a varied diet that includes veggies and egg food in addition to the basic seed will keep your birds healthy. Make sure they have access to a good mineral mix, which will supply them with calcium and other minerals. I use oystershell grit as a base, then I can things like charcoal, eggshells, mineral mixes to it for a well-rounded mineral offering.

[Rox]

I only supplement during breeding season with a calcium powder and a general vit/min powder (added to egg food). Otherwise the birds get plenty of goodness from the fresh veggies and fruit in their diet. If you feed correctly, there should be no need for additional supplements (just my opinion).

During winter, I add liquid calcium to the water once a week but that is just for egg binding prevention in the colder weather (my birds are kept outdoors).