Probiotics, Vitamins, etc.... Do you use any?

[WeimerHeimer]

Just curious as to who out there uses any sort of probiotics, vitamins, etc.. on a regular basis.

If you do, please let me know what you use, how often, any differences (positve or negative) that has been exhibited, etc ....

Right now I just feed my birds good quality seed and fresh vegatables every day. I've been thinking about adding some sort of avian additive(s) to their diet.


Thanks!

[L in Ontario]

I only use them on a "as needed" basis. When finches are on a good varied diet (as yours are) they don't need vitamins, supplements or probiotics on a regular basis. That would be overkill and could do more harm than good.

Too much of a good thing is not good.

[finchmix22]

I agree. I only use Probiotics after giving antibiotics to sick finches. Otherwise, they get a quality seed mix, veggies and some fruit with clean, filtered water daily.

[cindy]

If you want eo add something extra that contains vitamins and minerals you can supplement with a pellet diet also...either serve it separately or mixed in the seeds. We use any of the three...Laberfers, Zupreem, Roudybush (nibbles size).

[lovemyfinch]

I agree with Liz 100%, extras are only given on an as need basic.
Same as with us humans, a well balanced varied diet should be more than enough. Most seed mixed already contain vitamins, and probiotics as stated already are great after any illness has been treated to get the gut flora back in order.

[nixity]

I see no problem with using probiotics routinely because I think using them correctly can also help with preventing problems that may otherwise surface.

There's nothing negative about them, it's not as if it's going to potentially cause a health issue by offering them.

There is a human grade one you can offer that my good friend Lainey absolutely swears by. It's called Primal Defense. It's expensive, but a little goes a long way.

There are a TON of probiotics offered by the various Bird Care companies - Abba, Morning Bird, BioPlus, etc; you just have to decide which one you like the best. Read reviews, compare ingredients, etc.

It's important to remember that probiotics should always be stored just below room temperature, too.
So - make sure you keep them refrigerated.

[lou]

here's a real good probie that I use myself--- plain yogurt
lou

[dan78]

I do like using a probiotic on a regular basis as this seems to keep them balanced and fit. As for vitamins and minerals I don't use them regularly but more seasonally, calcium is given before to after breeding season while vitamin and mineral supps are given just before breeding and when a clutch hatches and once they fledge. These are things which you the bird keeper will see how well they work and when you can give them its not they need them all the time but something given here and there to help make sure they are fit and healthy. The two which I'm careful on using is the calcium and vitD3 as to much can be dangerous to the internal organs so use these sparingly .