In natural, that is, wild, conditions, budgies receive full nutrition. Any specific additives are simply unnecessary for them. Captivity is a completely different environment where pasture is absent in principle, and the bird in this case needs minerals and vitamins.
In the summer months, the latter can be replaced with fruits and vegetables, but in the winter, food is not so varied. Therefore, many are asking quite a logical question, what can feed a budgie except food so that the diet is as close to natural as possible. As an alternative to natural products, special additives appear that make up the elements necessary for poultry.
Today's market offers tons of vitamins for budgies. And if seasoned breeders have long identified interesting options for themselves, then newcomers are experiencing serious problems with choosing the best solution.
So, let's try to find out how to feed a parrot in order to make up for its need for vitamins and minerals. Consider the popular and well-established drugs on the market that have received positive feedback from professional breeders and veterinarians.
Contraindications
In some cases, vitamins for parrots are contraindicated and will not bring any benefit, but only harm. Ideally, an analysis or consultation by an ornithologist is necessary, or at least the advice of a local breeder. Experts recommend giving vitamin preparations to support the body of the bird in the following cases:
- during molting;
- with diseases of the liver and pancreas;
- problems with the immune system;
- tumors of a different nature.
It is also worth noting that under the guise of vitamins for budgies and some daily top dressing on the market, you can find extremely low-quality drugs, where there is no balance of elements in principle. In a nice package, for example, a shock dose of iodine can be. The bird needs the latter only in case of acute shortage, and an excess of this element can become a catalyst for a serious illness or even lead to death.
High-quality vitamins for parrots are, first of all, an ideal balance in a number of elements necessary for a pet. Thus, the bird’s immune system is maintained and metabolism is established. So you need to purchase such drugs in proven places and after consulting with a specialist. The safest points of sale are veterinary clinics, pharmacies and specialty stores. In the latter, you can buy not only vitamin supplements, but also other utensils - drinking bowls, cages and aviaries for parrots.
Next, we consider the best solutions that can be found in the domestic market.
8in1 Cotrition Vita-Sol Multi Vitamin
This is a vitamin complex containing all the elements necessary for a bird. Ornithologists and breeders are very positive about Vita-Sol 8in1. The product provides a full-fledged feed for the pet, contributing to the correct development of captive birds.
Vitamins for parrots "Vita-Sol 8 in 1" are excellent for sick and weakened animals. Veterinarians recommend this complex last in the first place. The composition includes groups of vitamins A, B, D, E, C, F.
All these elements have a positive effect on the quality of feathers, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract of a pet, and also increase immunity. The dosage of vitamins for parrots is described in detail in the local instructions, so there should not be a problem with this.
Gamavit
Another complex preparation, which many ornithologists and breeders strongly recommend for use. "Gamavit" for parrots has a balanced composition of vitamins, salts and amino acids.
Separately, it is worth noting that no side effects were found after taking the drug. Veterinarians prescribe "Gamavit" for vitamin deficiency, anemia, as well as to stabilize the immune system. In addition, the complex helps after poisoning.
8 in 1 Tonic & Bitters
This is a medicament, and at the same time, a preventive vitamin complex. Reviews about the drug are mostly positive. The set of vitamins and minerals indicated in the composition really takes place and effectively copes with the tasks.
Among other ingredients, you can note the presence of a joster - one of the best laxatives for birds. In addition, this element minimizes the fermentation processes in the digestive tract, and also has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Some experts recommend this drug to combat worms and parasites.
The constituent elements in the most favorable way affect the state of the stomach and contribute to an increase in intestinal tone. As a result, the digestive tract of the pet gets rid of previously accumulated toxins, which strengthens the resistance of organs to concomitant diseases.
An extended list of contraindications is indicated in the local instructions. But separately it is worth mentioning pets that have serious liver problems. The last joster is strictly contraindicated. Specific dosages depending on the weight, height and age of the bird are indicated in the instructions. It is also worth noting a very convenient bottle with a dispenser, which greatly facilitates the delivery of vitamins.
Nekton - BIO
This is a specific drug that improves the plumage of birds. The product includes 13 vitamins, 6 beneficial trace elements, as well as a sufficient amount of calcium and 18 free amino acids.
This kit supports the pet during molting and stimulates feather growth. The latter acquire a pronounced coloring and a nice glossy shade. The product has no serious contraindications.
Veterinarians mostly speak positively of Nekton Bio (for plumage) and recommend it in every possible way, especially during molting. The required dosage is calculated based on the age and weight of the bird. Detailed information is indicated in the instructions that are attached to the drug.
Orlux Omni-vit
This is a multivitamin complex for all types of exotic pets, including budgies. The drug comes in the form of a powder that can be added to both drinking water and daily food.
The composition of the product includes all the necessary vitamins and amino acids. Experts recommend this complex to pets with reduced immunity, during the breeding season, as well as after illness and some kind of stress.
Inside the package there is a detailed instruction, which indicates contraindications and the exact dosage of the drug, based on the weight, age and condition of the bird. Everything is described in sufficient detail, so that, judging by the reviews of the hosts, there are no questions left.
Beaphar mausertropfen
The vitamin preparation is in liquid form, so it can be safely added both in drink and in poultry feed. Elements that make up the product make it possible to fill the lack of vitamins and minerals of the animal, as well as improve its plumage and cheer up.
Experts quite often recommend this drug to parrots during molting. The product has no serious contraindications. The subtleties of the dosage can be found in the detailed instructions that are attached to the vitamins.
Orlux Muta-vit
This is a multivitamin supplement in powder form. The composition, in addition to a complete set of vitamins and minerals, includes sulfuric amino acids and biotin: group B (1/2/3/6/12), H, A, D3, K, C and PP. This set of elements allows you to normalize the metabolism, and at the same time helps to improve the feather cover and the general condition of the pet.
Experts praise the product and recommend it to the owners of all types of birds, including budgies. With a dosage of problems should not arise. The supplement is accompanied by detailed instructions, which indicate portions depending on the type, age and physique of the pet.
Beaphar vinka
Experts recommend this vitamin supplement for birds with weakened immunity. Included in the groups A, C, E, K and B, as well as choline with biotin, contribute to maintaining the pet's tone and good mood.
Breeders very often use this drug during molting of animals. In addition, the constituent elements have an extremely favorable effect on young growth. Veterinarians recommend this vitamin supplement to chicks to increase their resistance to viral diseases and improve feather growth.
The bottle in the classic volume of 50 ml is completed with detailed instructions, which indicate all contraindications and dosage, taking into account the weight, condition and age of the bird. A smaller volume is, alas, without any documentation, so for the first purchase it is better to choose a volume of at least 50 ml.
Beaphar Trink & Fit Birds
Experts recommend this vitamin complex for birds who have feather problems. Blackcurrant concentrate, glucose and dairy products, which contribute to the formation of healthy bone tissue.
As a result, the deficiency of vitamin C with calcium is compensated, and the feathers acquire a beautiful appearance and give a gloss. Veterinarians do not recommend this drug to healthy animals. Good food sold in specialized stores is rich in calcium and other minerals.
An excess of this element will not harm a healthy pet, but the practicality of acquiring this complex is a big question. In the box with vitamins there is a detailed instruction, which indicates contraindications and dosage of the drug in certain cases.