Nutritional errors...it remains a problem
Please note: this case file contains shocking images, but unfortunately it is the harsh reality...
Feeding mistakes casefile 3,
Rickets or “English disease”
Severe bone abnormalities in young parrots/animals/children due to structural nutritional deficiencies. This mainly concerns a Vitamin D deficiency in combination with a Calcium and Phosphorus deficiency.
For good bone development, Vitamin D is necessary in combination with a good Calcium: Phosphorus ratio.
Birds that eat mainly seed mixtures develop a range of diseases based on nutritional deficiencies. An excess of Vitamin D and an excess of Calcium can also cause similar symptoms.
In parrots, Gray parrots are especially susceptible to Rickets. Curvatures of the bones in the legs, curvatures of the sternum and curvatures of the back are the most obvious symptoms.
It is constantly underestimated that sunlight is necessary for proper bone development.
Sunlight is the basis for the production of natural Vitamin D. It is an explanation for the fact that Rickets is common in Gray Redstarts but not in Amazons. Gray redstarts are found in abundance in open areas and have bald skin around the eyes. Gray redstarts do have a tail gland in which a specific oil is produced and vitamin D is produced in this oil by sunlight.
Since 1990, it has been strongly recommended to feed Harrison's Bird Foods (HBF) to birds. All nutritional deficiencies are prevented and we have seen life expectancy double and even triple over the past 35 years. Because HBF foods are also certified organic, chronic poisonings are also prevented. Non-organic foods by definition contain agricultural poisons, insecticides and biocides.
Good nutrition, sunlight and positive social interactions determine the health and well-being of parrots/birds.
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