Natural Diet To Help Pbfd Please Help

[aussieparrotchic]

Hi I have been told to put my sulpher crested cocky "cockaboo" on an all natural diet that does not consist of any seed especially sunflower seeds in order to help with the trial he is on for pbfd. He is currently being given 3 injections a week of Interfearon (spelling?) by me (eeeeeeww) and this will continue for 4 months he is also being given large doses of a medication to boost his immunity as well as antibiotics. We have been informed that this drug cocktail has a 95% chance of giving us a negative reading in 6 months time ( so fingures crossed) In order to boost his resistance to pbfd we have been told no seed so I have started him on a new diet so far I have been feeding him fresh fruit and veg such as carrot corn apple broccoli pear green beans silverbeet oranges pumpkin the mix also has dry pasta , natural corn chips nuts in shells and popcorn for treats. I would really love some hints on other foods to feed him and any tips on anything he may be lacking. This trial is basically costing us every spare cent we have and with 2 kids 2 dogs 2 cats 15 ringtail possums and 2 kangaroos (Im a wild life carer) as well as all our other birds their is not much spare cash so any money saving tips would also be appreciated. Thankyou for your help and I really look forward to all your input thanks Michelle

[Stacey32]

just a thought, but maybe you could give him some safe plants, wheatgrass, maybe some sprouts that you grow yourself (easy to do). Sorry, don't really have any good info for you but i'm thinking of you and your animals.

[Willow]

I would say you want to use lots of whole grains, and sprouts, too.

There is a yahoogroup called FeedingFeathers, that may be able to help you, too.

[kensbuns]

Greens and squash and sweet potatoes. They say Cilanto is really good for thme as well. Cauliflower is also good. I use brown rice. Cream of wheat is also a good source of vitamins.

[Dayna]

Harrisons organic pellet has a pepper pellet that is supposed to be good for pbfd. I have been reading the website, you can give it a look anyway.

http://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/pl.cfm

[Breelynne]

Aussieparrotchic,
Sorry to hear of your situation, I am in the same boat, I have a lovebird that is positive for PBAF
after much reading I have come to the conclusion that there are a few things that may help.

1. Keeping your bird Happy
2. Stress Free Environment
3. In my opinion since PBAF is viral and hinders the immune system I am going to be feeding my bird the best pellets, treats, fresh veggies, fruit and last but not least SPROUTS high in antioxidents.
Good luck I can also post some links I have gathered quite a few in my research.

Let me know I have a ton!!!

[ParrotletLover]

How about "bird bread" or "bird pancakes"? All made out of whole wheat mix, that is. Try making "birdy salads" - include romaine lettuce, cabbage, peppers, blueberries, grapes, etc. Any fresh fruit or vegetable that is non-toxic would be good.

Sprouts are another great, cost effective way of providing a natural food.

Also, you may want to look into growing some of these fruits and vegetables yourself. It may end up saving you money in the long run.

Keep up the hard work! Your baby definitely appreciates it.

[Breelynne]

Ok I could not go to bed before posting this.

http://www.birdandexoticvet.com/avian.html

http://www.landofvos.com/articles/sprouts.html

Here is the most complete article I can find on Diseases of Pet Birds.
http://www.avianvet.com/medupdates.htm

Remember no avacados, chocolate, caffine, watch the sugar and salt.

[felisdomesticus]

The best thing to do, IMHO, is to feed as varied a diet you can. I buy 1 different leafy green each week when I am at the grocery store--kale, collard greens, escarole, dandelion, etc. I also either make sprouts or a cooked bean mix each week. Hardboiled eggs every other week and cottage cheese or vanilla yogurt weekly.. I also cook pasta or rice and usually some sweet potato as well. So I have my greens, beans/legumes, dairy, some carbs--and then I vary the fruit I buy each week too. Grapes, peaches, plums, blueberries, strawberries, apples, mangoes, pineapple, cherries, kiwi, figs, etc--my guide is what is in season and on sale. Now and again I add garlic slices and I ALWAYS feed aloe leaf slices pretty much DAILY! Our ShopRite sells giant leaves for about $1/lb. Aloe is recognized as containing potent protective properties.

I like to feed my girl as many different things as possible so she can assimilate different nutrients and vitamins/minerals into her body. Funny how I don't do the same for myself. hehehe

P.S. Have you looked into Aloe Detox? www.landofvos.com has some good information on it in the Wing Tips or Kitchen Physician section. I found some at our tiny local natural foods store at $13 for a huge bottle.

[The Outlaw]

All of the suggestions are very good. I do agree that varying the diet and trying all kinds of things is probably the best way to do. If you can feed organic, better still. You have quite a task ahead of you. I wish you the very best. Its awful, and I was terrified this time that one of my BG hens had PBFD. She was lucky. She tested negative 3 times. Still, she has feather issues that I haven't been able to diagnose.

Just remember: sooner or later, their will be survivors. You Too could very well be one of them. Go to www.landofvos.com and really read EVERYTHING there on diet and nutrition. Its and excellent site, in fact my personal favorite. Good luck and God bless.

THE OUTLAW