Home
Parrot Supply Store
Parrot Profiles
Parrot Comparison
NonToxic &Toxic List
Parrot Training
Parrot Stories
Submit Bird Stories
Parrot Questions
Parrot's Cove
Breeder Supplies
Suggest a Breeder
Breeders List
Your Photo Products
Organic Pellets/Mixes
Travel Cages
Flight/Breeder Cages
Discount Bird Cages
Stainless Cages
Play Stands/Gyms
Manzanita Playstand
Canada Orders
Overseas Shipping
Ask the Vet Questions
Suggest Avian Vet
Find an Avian Vet
Warranty Info.
Customer Comments
Contact Us
Search Site
Free Bird Training
 

Sneezing macaw

by Christy
(Alabama)

I have a 7yr old Scarlet Macaw that came from a home that chained smoked around him. He has been to a vet and got antibiotics for a sinus infection. He has been at my house for 60 days. Other than sneezing 4-5 times a day he's doing great and has even gained weight.

He ate nothing but sunflower seeds at his last home. He has been diagnosed with a Vitamin A deficiency and received a Vit A inj. I've been trying my best to improve his diet and have a powder vitamin supplement that I sprinkle on his cantaloupe. I also give him a nice selection of fresh greens/veggies that he doesn't eat to much of. He also won't eat pellets.

He still sneezes and no discharge. Still eating, drinking and active. Poop looks great too.

My question is how long does it take to correct a Vit. A deficiency?

Comments for
Sneezing macaw

Click here to add your own comments

May 09, 2008
 diet
by: Christy

Hey thanks for the reply.

I've been feeding what you listed. He will not eat the Harrisons and throws every bit of it out of the bowl.
I have 9 other birds and only two of them had never had it before. They ate is right away.
Any suggestions on how to get him to eat it?
May 08, 2008
 Vitamin A deficiency
by: The Vet

You need to switch your bird to Harrison's pellets. This is the very best diet you can feed. Birds should eat 80% pellets and 20% fresh and cooked foods as treats. In addition your macaw should eat a few good nuts such as almonds and macadamias, but only 1 or 2 per day.

Feeding this way will balance his diet and it will be complete, including all of the vitamin A he needs. To correct nutrient deficiencies cant take a couple of months and up to a year or more in some cases.

I must warn against powdered vitamins. It is very easy to over dose powder vitamins and I recommend against their use. Feeding the pellets is a better way to go and pellets should not be supplemented.

Dr B

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Ask the Vet


footer for parrot page