Posted by HBird on June 04, 2002 at 21:19:53:
In Reply to: meyers parrot posted by Arlene on May 30, 2002 at 19:09:28:
Lemon Drop sounds like he is adapting nicely to his new home. As an avian veterinary technician I have seen several birds come into the clinic with an impacted crop which was the result of eating cheese and it getting stuck there. Birds don't have the microbial flora in their digestive tract to digest cheese properly and it can result in death or a very expensive hospital stay. Cheese is also high in fat, which can lead to diabetes, atherosclerosis, bone and joint stress, and other problems you want to avoid. My advice would be to stick to a good pellet diet such as Roudybush (small) or Harrison's. My vet recommends both. However, it is recommended that the pellets make up about 70 to 80 percent of the diet. Supplement your pellets with fruits and veggies. I like to give the seeds as special rewards during the day. As a source of protein, beans and the white of the egg is great to give (remove the yolk--it is very fatty). You two have fun. Dakar (my meyers) and I hope to hear from you again!
Heather
