Let's Discuss Weight Loss

[The Outlaw]

With so many folks checking in today, now's a good time to discuss weight loss and related things. Of course, for those of you who have been here a while, you understand that owning a gram scale is simply something every bird owner needs to do. Its not optional equipment, its ESSENTIAL equipment.

Often the very first sign of serious medical problems will be revealed by significant weight loss over time. There are so many variables about correct weights for birds that you cannot always rely on weight charts. Many were in fact based on imported birds kept in quarantine over 20 years ago.

That having been said, its a great idea to chart your bird. I try to weigh my birds monthly. I don't always succeed, but that's the plan. Anytime I notice a weight fluctuation of more than say 5%, I start weighing my birds more often. If in June, for example, my male BG Dreamer weighed in at 1100 grams, then I would consider that a good and normal weight for a BG macaw at 3 years of age. If in July that number dropped to 1000 grams, I know that something is going on. I then start weighing my bird weekly, first thing in the morning, before his first meal and after his first poop of the day.

If I see a steady decline in his weight with everything else appearing ok (poops normal, eating properly, no signs of dehydration, bright and alert) I weigh daily. Consistant weight loss even without any other symptoms requires a trip to the vet and tests ordered.

Please note that in the summer, birds often have days when they really don't feel like eating. Its hot and they just aren't in the mood for whatever wonderful meal you've whipped up for them. They may prefer to drink more water to replace that which the heat and humidity have taken away. Their poops will also seem looser and more liquidy. That is normal. Also, if you feed a fresh diet, fruits and veggies aren't always at the proper ripeness for your bird's taste. They can be very choosy little buggers.

Weight loss that is accompanied by sunken cheeks, bulgy eyes and listlessness is a sign of dehydration among other things. Dehydration can easily kill a bird. Birds showing signs of dehydration require immediate medical attention. If you know how to do subcutaneous injections of lactated ringers solution, you may be able to control it. Most folks haven't a clue how nor would they have the needle or Ringers on hand. In a pinch, you can buy childrens Pedialite pops and melt them. Replace their water with the melted liquid. It contains electrolytes. Since regular Pedialite has a very short shelf life once opened, its not really a good way to store it. The pops are fresh. This does NOT replace the need for a vet visit. It only sustains them until you can get them there. In other words, for a few hours.

Significant weight loss over many days or weeks can be the earliest sign of really serious disease. Aspergiliosis, PDD, bacterial infections, metal toxicity and a host of other very dangerous conditions often start off with weight loss. Any bird who does not have a firm, fleshy breast is underweight, technically regardless of what the scales say. A prominent keel bone, though not always in certain species (ie African Grey parrots) can be another sign of an ongoing medical problem. Loss of muscle is a serious sign of malnutrion. The bird's body literally consumes its muscle mass to sustain itself.

Hope this helps those who have had questions on this topic. Feel free to comment, ammend or add to this.

THE OUTLAW

[felisdomesticus]

wow I must have missed this post the first time around. Very informative! Thank you, Nancy, for posting this.

Where have you guys bought gram scales from? Are they readily available? I know I can borrow one regularly from my department at school when that begins again. But I'd like to have one here. I know that Eclectus parrots tend to hide their weight gain and they certainly love to eat!

I am so paranoid about Scarlett being obese (after reading a post by another new Eclectus owner who was handed that diagnosis by a vet) that I have cut down on her corn, rice, and beans and have been feeding her more fruits and vegs. (She always has a full bowl of dry mix available)

[The Outlaw]

You can purchase gram scales at Office Depot, Staples and other office supply stores in their postal departments and in Walmart in their kitchen section.

You can also buy them online. I have one I purchased 5 years ago (Tanita) that was very expensive, I think over $150. The ones I mentioned are usually under $50.

[dino24]

I got mine from a company called sterling. You can order online at Sterling Home Products or you can call them at 1-800-729-5960. You want the Hobbyist scale kit #6724-AK. It is designed specifically for birds and comes with a bowl and a t-perch with mounting disk. It weighs up to 3000 grams. It costs $65 or that is the price that is listed in the ad in Birdtalk magazine. It is an excellent scale and it runs on batteries.

[dyeman]

I bought a gram postal scale from Staples that cost $25 and made a triangle shaped perch that allows me to weigh all my birds from B&Gs that weigh 1200 grams to the Meyers that weighs 92 grams. The scale goes to 5 lbs.

[cybergal]

That's about what mine cost around $30.00. Well worth it! I use mine on a regular basis. Not for me, but for my birds.....