Nutritional Diseases of Pet Birds

Question 1

What is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies in pet birds?

Answer 1

Vit A

Question 2

What is Vit A essential for?

Answer 2

Differentiation of epithelial cells and immune system function

Question 3

What are clinical signs of hypovitaminosis A in birds?

Answer 3

Sinus infxn, blunted choana, poor skin condition/hyperkeratosis

Question 4

What is the most important mineral deficiency in pet birds?

Answer 4

Calcium deficiency

Question 5

What is Ca essential for in birds?

Answer 5

Egg shell production, bone formation, blood clotting, neuro and cardiac function

Question 6

What diet is low in Ca?

Answer 6

See diet (only 20% of recommended requirement)

Question 7

What species of birds have a higher susceptibility to hypocalcemia?

Answer 7

Conures and African Grey parrots

Question 8

What greens are high in Ca?

Answer 8

Cabbage, kale, watercress

Question 9

How can you supplement Ca to a bird?

Answer 9

Mineral blocks, ground oyster shell, cuttlebone

Question 10

Which species of birds are particularly susceptible to amino acid deficiency?

Answer 10

Cockatoos

Question 11

What are clinical signs of amino acid deficiency?

Answer 11

Anemia, decr. muscle mass

Question 12

What type of diet predisposes to amino acid deficiency (aka is of low biological value)?

Answer 12

Seed diets, grains, fruits, and veggies

Question 13

What is a nutritonal problem most commonly seen in macaws, Amazons, cockatiels, and budgies?

Answer 13

Excessive dietary fat

Question 14

What can excessive dietary fat cause in birds?

Answer 14

Hepatic lipidosis progressing to liver failure

Question 15

What bacterial growth occurs in anaerobic intestinal envrionments?

Answer 15

Clostridium perfringens

Question 16

What diet leads to an anaerobic intestinal environment in a bird?

Answer 16

Excessive sugars (pastries, too much fruit)