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Bee Pollen
Nutritional Yeast Flakes
Spirulina
Bee Pollen
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Easily
digestible, complete food containing all 22 necessary nutrients. A good
conditioning, nestling and molting food.
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Excellent
source of protein, amino acids, enzymes and coenzymes, vitamins and
minerals. High in calcium and B-complex vitamins.
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Care
should be made to ensure that pollen has been bee collected. Some products
have actually been harvested by humans from plants.
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Once you
have located a source of high quality bee pollen, do not change.
Nutritional content varies widely from supplier to supplier.
Nutritional Yeast Flakes
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Nutritional yeast is grown specifically for its nutritional benefits. The
living organism is killed by exposure to high heat.
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High in
protein (52%), low in fat, and rich in vitamins and minerals, especially
B-complex.
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Yeast
flakes are the best source of B vitamins- superior to Brewer’s yeast, a
byproduct of the brewing industry which has a bitter flavor which is often
rejected by birds.
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Nutritional yeast flakes have a nutty-cheesy flavor.
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WARNING: never feed
active dry yeast or baker’s yeast, as it will rob the body of nutrients.
Baked products or pasteurized products containing yeast are fine- the
living organisms have been killed
Spirulina
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Microscopic blue-green algae which is sold as a fine,
dark blue-green powder.
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Tastes and smells mild, similar to seaweed but
without the salt content.
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Used during the molt to promote rich feather color.
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Promotes chick growth.
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Highly concentrated and absorbable source of protein;
vitamins A, D and K; calcium; selenium; phytonutrients; all eight
essential amino acids and ten of the twelve non-essential amino acids.
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Contains B12, which is difficult to obtain
from vegetable sources.
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Contains biologically complete proteins, which means
that it provides all eight essential amino acids in the proper ratio.
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Spirulina contains amino acids in a form which is
five times easier to digest than that found in meat or soy protein.
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Contains natural pigment phytonutrients including
phycocyanin, chlorophyll, carotenes and xanthophylls which assist in
developing color in feathering.
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Spirulina is safe for daily use, but it can cause
diarrhea and digestive upset if fed in excessive quantities. Those who
feed it to canaries generally place it in a salt shaker and sprinkle a
small quantity over soft food. It can also be mixed into egg food and
other soft foods but care should be taken to not use too great a quantity
as it will turn the entire mixture green, which seems to be somewhat
off-putting for many birds.
Disclaimer: This site contains information about
a number of nutritional supplements I have found useful in my bird room. I
am not a medical professional, a veterinarian, or an herbalist and therefore
I am not qualified to diagnose illness or recommend treatment for your pets.
The information contained on this website is presented for educational
purposes only.
No warranty or guarantee of a cure is expressed
or implied with any information on this site, nor do I make any
representations regarding the use or the results obtained with the
information. In no event shall I be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever
which may arise from the use of information on this site. Use this
information at your own discretion.
Herbs may be harmful when taken in excessive amounts, in conjunction with
other herbs or medications, or when taken for the wrong condition. The fact
that herbs are natural does not mean that they are all safe. You are advised
to use caution when offering any herbal supplement to your pet. If your bird
is ill, an avian veterinarian should be consulted. |
