Bird mineral block: Macro Minerals In association with phosphorus, calcium helps in the formation of bones and eggs, facilitates muscle contraction in relation to magnesium. Regulates intercellular exchanges and the transmission of nerve impulses. Helps in the assimilation of vitamin B12.
Calcium – Ca
Calcium deficiency is a common condition in parrots.
Parrots, which live above ground, do not have access to the mineral calcium in nature. Therefore, they cannot easily assimilate it. It is best to offer it in the form of ionized calcium in plants.
Do not overdose your bird with calcium supplements, it could cause calcification of its internal organs.
Deficiency in parrots
Soft or misshapen eggshell, growth retardation, rickets, bone deformity, dizziness, nausea, convulsions, paralysis, dull plumage, hemorrhages, egg retention, muscle cramps, palpitations.
Calcium is found in
Cheese
Yogurt, soy milk
Watercress, seaweed
Dandelion leaves
Bok Choy
Spinach, broccoli, squash
Carrots, beans
Wheat germ
Tofu, egg
Sesame seeds
Orange juice with added calcium
Hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds
Figs, dates
Bones (well done)
Minerals for African grey parrots
Certain food constituents hinder the absorption of calcium by making it insoluble:
- Phytic acid: contained in whole grains, pulses, oilseeds, beans like kidney beans, chickpeas, and pinto beans. 1 gram of complex phytic acid 1 gram of calcium. * While wholegrain bread is decalcifying, wholemeal sourdough bread is not.
- Oxalic acid: contained in rhubarb, asparagus, sorrel, spinach, fennel, Brussels sprouts. 2.25 grams of complex oxalic acid 1 gram of calcium. It is important, if we give these elements to the bird, to make sure to offer him a counterpart rich in calcium.
Phosphorus – P
Intervenes in the metabolism of calcium, carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Collaborates in the growth and repair of cells. Facilitates the use of vitamins.
Phosphorus deficiency is rare in birds.
Deficiency in parrots
Infertility, growth retardation, rickets, bone deformation, dizziness, dull plumage, hemorrhages, egg retention.
It is found in phosphorus
Grapes
Pears
Egg Yolk
Gruyère
Fish, poultry
Grains sprouts
Cauliflower
Mealworms
Corn
Almonds, peanuts,
sunflower seeds
Magnesium – Mg
Magnesium deficiency is rare in parrots but can cause vomiting or diarrhea.
Intervenes in the metabolism of carbohydrates (sugars) in the blood, calcium, and vitamin C.
Participates in the synthesis of DNA and RNA.
Regulates nervous balance.
Deficiency in parrots
Growth retardation, dizziness, dull plumage, vomiting, diarrhea.
Magnesium is found in
Seafood
Gruyère
Wheat germ Whole
grains
Spinach
Sodium – Na
Allows the transmission of nerve impulses and is related to the muscle fiber.
Deficiency in parrots
Infertility, growth retardation.
Sodium is found in
all foods
Potassium – K
Plays a role in muscle contraction (especially heartbeat) and in the transformation of nerve impulses.
Increases the elimination of toxins from the blood.
Deficiency in parrots
Convulsions, paralysis, cardiac arrhythmia.
Potassium for African grey parrot
Bird mineral block
Potassium
Potassium is found in
Cheese
Tofu
Apples
Oranges
Grapes
Dates and figs
Peanuts
Sunflower seeds
Sulfur – S
Enter into the composition of many important molecules such as amino acids, insulin, enzymes, and antibodies.
Deficiency in parrots
Growth retardation, dull plumage, liver disease.
Sulfur is found in
Fat
Fish
Eggs
Cheese
Wheat germ
Nuts
Garlic
Micro Minerals
Manganese – Mn
Intervenes in the metabolism of vitamin B, carbohydrates, and vitamin E.
Acts on the production of sex hormones.
Deficiency in parrots
Infertility, growth retardation, convulsions, paralysis.
Manganese for African grey parrot
Bird mineral block
Manganese
Manganese is found in
Egg yolk
Green leafy vegetables Whole
grains
Beets
Raspberries
Pineapples
Bananas
Zinc – Zn
Helps in the development of reproductive organs.
Regulates protein and phosphorus metabolism.
Deficiency in parrots
Infertility, growth retardation, bone deformity, dermatitis, dull plumage, decreased immunity, anorexia.
Zinc is found in
Spinach
Mushrooms
Cereals and sprouted seeds
Sunflower
Brewer’s yeast
Copper – Cu
Participates in the formation of bones, intervenes in the formation of red blood cells and the flexibility of the arteries. Strengthens the immune system.
Deficiency in parrots
Weakened immune system.
Copper for African grey parrot
Bird mineral block
Copper
Copper is found in
Nuts
Hazelnuts
Almonds
Apricots
Watercress
Most vegetables
Cobalt – Co
Cobalt deficiency in birds results from a deficiency of vitamin B12 of which it is an integral part. Prevents anemia by renewing red blood cells.
Deficiency in parrots
Growth retardation, bone deformity, dull plumage, anemia, slowed production of red blood cells, nervous system affected.
We find cobalt in Pear
Lentils
Iodine – I
Iodine is essential for the thyroid gland.
Deficiency in parrots
Infertility, dull plumage, weakened immune system, hypothyroidism, goiter.
Iodine is found in
Turnips
Green beans
Ripe
prunes
Sea salt
Selenium – Se
Antioxidant which acts in correlation with vitamins.
Deficiency in parrots
Growth retardation, paralysis.
Selenium is found in
Whole grains
Wheat germ
Broccoli
Pineapple
Brazil nuts
