Conference 7.286::pet_birds

    I've used, and recommend Nekton BIO for moulting birds.
    
    chet

    is that a vitamin or a seed?

Nekton makes a number of nutritional suppliments for animals and quite a number
of them are for birds.  I will name a few that I know of
	NEKTON-S - Normal bird vitamins, amino acids, and trace elements
		 (disolved in water of sprinkled on food)
	NEKTON-R - Like S but with additive for red feathered birds
	NEKTON-R BETA - Like R but with Beta-carotine for canaries
	NEKTON-BIO - Like S but with extra biotin (and other stuff) to help 
			with feather growth during molting
	NEKTON-MSA - A mineral suppliment.  (must be sprinkled on food as it
				is insoluble)
	NEKTON-LORI - Complete diet for Lories and Lorikeets
	NEKTON-REP - Nutritional suppliment for reptiles

There are others

    My vet made an interesting statement last weekend as my bird visited
    him.  He was asking about the kinds of vitamins I used.  I mentioned
    Nekton-Bio, Nekton-S.  His comment "All at the same time?".  His claim
    is that one at a time is more than adequate, just use a good vitamin
    supplement.
    
    Ed
    

    While on the subject of vitamins - how long do they last?  I have
    some Nekton-S, whichc I sprinkle on the food daily.  It seems like
    I have had this bottle forever.  Are these vitamins still "good"?
    
    I'll be sure to pick up some Nekton-Bio for the moulting season,
    which is presently covering my entire living room carpet.
    
    	-Nancy

    My Red Lored seems to have been moulting for about 2 months.  She 
    (Jenny) will not stop picking at her chest feathers.  Jenny doesn't
    actually pull feathers out but picks at them until they look damaged.
    There are new feathers coming in, but how long should this last?
    We use Nekton-Bio in her water.  Jenny always seems to consume her
    spare time preening to the point of damaging the feathers even when
    she isn't moulting.  Since her moult started I have just let her
    pick as I suspected it a necessary part of moulting.  Prior to this
    the vet suggested we use a collar that would prevent her from picking.
    I fashoned one from a plastic coffee can lid and it seemed to work.
    I removed it when she started moulting.  Any suggestions?
    
    Thanx,
    
    ...Ed 

    I'm not a vet, but it sounds like you need to determine whether you 
    have introduced any environmental changes in the last 2 months that
    might have started the picking.  I was really frustrated with my grey a
    wild caught bird I bought on impulse.  I think I probably contributed
    to her picking by moving her around too much in the house.  I thought
    that she would like to be where the people were, so we would move her
    cage during the day to the most lively spot.  I also had difficulty
    getting toys she would play with.  Anyways, she started the picking
    routine.  Hopefully your bird will stop picking.

    when the yellow vitimins turn brown it is time to throw them in
    the trash.  

    Nekton Bio is excellent! I do use it together with the-S in the
    water.  Erickson Grain in Acton has it at the best price in this
    area.  Bio is quite expensive anywhere else.  Feather picking can
    be a result of boredom.  Does your red lored have any toys in the
    cage?  They need something to occupy their idle time especially
    if they are alone for long periods during the day.  I hope this
    help.
    
    Jim Buccieri

    My macaw feels like a pincushion due to all the new feathers coming
    in.  Is the process uncomfortable for them???????

    I think it must be occasionally.  My baby sometimes helps liberate the
    loose feathers and squawks.  I can't wait for her outer feathers to
    moult so she can look pretty again!
    
    Ed