I have been thinking, as there is a lot of consideration on this forum on preventing hypocalcaemia (calcium deficiency), that perhaps also hypercalcaemia (calcium toxicity) should also be considered and I have not see it mentioned anywhere. According to this article: Hypercalcaemia in budgies, budgies have a very narrow tolerable range for calcium. I would just like to consider the fact that a situation where a person may be overly worried perhaps that their bird was hypocalcaemic, or may over supply vitamins and minerals in general, could maybe potentially poison their bird. I'm not sure of the amount that is toxic to budgies, but hypercalcaemia can result in heart failure, renal failure and weakened muscle tone. Apparently the gut regulates the amount it can absorb. But I would just like to put the thought out there, that you can develop deficiencies and toxicities in everything.

Just a thought for those who have budgies on complete pelleted diets and supplement a lot of calcium.

Edited September 11, 200717 yr by Sailorwolf

CALCIVET

Liquid Calcium and Vitamin D3 supplement for birds. Calcivet is also suitable for small animals. It is in a palatable syrup that can be diluted in drinking water or administered directly to the bird.When used as directed Calcivet will not only supply Calcium but will supplement the birds Vitamin D levels and will boost magnesium intake. These three elements are necessary for the production of egg shells and strong bones.Calcivet can be used in egg bound birds to aid in the expulsion of the egg and in cases of soft shelled eggs to deliver calcium to the shell glad. Calcivet should be administered to breeding birds for approximately one month prior to egg laying and through the chick rearing period.

Hi all,

 

Obviously calcium is vital for breeding budgies and a deficiency is obvious where chicks have rickets or splayed legs.

 

If you look in the Budgerigar Nutrition section of our FAQ's you will find this article, which does state that too much calcium can be toxic...

 

A hen requires vitamin D in order to be able to effectively uptake any source of calcium. Vitamin D is absorbed naturally through the sun or by use, mainly in breeding rooms, of cod liver oil soaked seed.

 

However too much calcium or vitamin D can cause toxicity problems. A hen can get the calcium she requires from any source that you supply, cuttlefish, egg shells or liquid calcium as long as they also have the required level of vitamin D..

 

All budgies need a healthy diet which includes 30% seed, 30% pellets, 30% fresh foods and 10% treats such as honey sticks, millet etc. Their water should be changed daily to avoid build up of bacteria and they should always have access to a cuttlefish bone (or calcium bell or block) and an iodine block. This gives budgerigars access to all of their daily needs.

 

When breeding however it has been found to be beneficial to add extra calcium for the hens needs. Many breeders will give soaked seed (seed mixed with a little cod liver oil - left to soak for 24 hours) and liquid calcium. Please note that soaked seed is not necessary outside of breeding.

 

 

Feathers.

Thanks SW- its surprising how many people insist they need to feed puppies calcium syrup- without knowing anything about it- that it needs to be equalled with other things and that too much will cause as much harm as not enough. A well thought out diet should supply most of what they need