Iodine Deficiency in Parrots and Pet Birds

When birds are fed an all seed diet, they can become iodine deficient. An iodine deficiency causes a disruption in normal thyroid function, and can result in thyroid hyperplasia, also called thyroid dysplasia, or a goiter, resulting in a thyroid mass. The mass, which may press against the trachea and esophagus  can cause breathing and swallowing problems. which can be life threatening. What's worse is that the mass can grow and harbor bacteria and fungi.  Due to the popularity of feeding high quality pellets, this condition is relatively rare, these days, but it can still happen.

Iodine deficiency is diagnosed upon an avian vet examination, review of symptoms and exploring your birds diet.  The vet may want to take some x-rays. Blood work may also be obtained to test for thyroxine levels. Treatment, of course, is dependent on how severe the condition is but usually requires iodine supplements and / or iodine rich foods at a minimum.  Depending on the iodine source, iodine can be added to the birds water, formulated into a vitamin mixture, or introduce via Kelp.  Once the bird is on a higher quality diet and thyroxine levels are back to normal, treatment may discontinue or be minimized.

Your bird's prognosis for recovery of routine iodine deficiency is good with improved diet, however, in cases in which the mass has caused trauma to other organs, other treatments may be necessary.

One bird safe food that is rich in iodine is seaweed.  Of course, there are numerous varieties of seaweed with varying levels of iodine.  Kelp, a kind of algae “seaweed” is common in Asian diets. But, can it be good for your bird?

This fast growing algae is harvested from “kelp forests” within shallow bodies of saltwater.  Kelp is considered a “super-food” because it packs massive amounts of nutrients in a small package!  Just a small pinch a few times a week offers enormous benefits to a parrots overall health.

What Does an Iodine Deficiency (Goiter) in Birds Look Like?

• High pitched voice
• Breathing problems
• Holding head upright to help breathing
• Clicking and squeaking sounds
• Trouble swallowing
• Vomiting
• Visible swelling around the neck
• Fragile feathers that break with normal preening resulting in bald spots.
• Curly feathers
• Feather discoloration
• Your bird may appear lethargic and if it is a singer, it may not sing!
• And, more....

Benefits of Kelp

• Kelp contains Iodine, a crucial nutrient for healthy thyroid functioning. Iodine has been shown to be critical for healthy feather production, normal molting, breathing and fertility.
• Kelp is packed with vitamins, especially B vitamins, which are critical for cellular metabolism and vitamins C and E, which are both heavy-duty antioxidants and boost blood vessel health.
• Kelp contains minerals, including calcium, boron and magnesium that are necessary for healthy bones and normal muscle function.
• Kelp contains anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-tumor properties.
• A small amount of kelp has powerful immuno-stimulant properties.

Kelp Granules: A daily suggested of granulated kelp is 1/10 to ¼ teaspoon per day, depending on the size of the bird.  This is a very small amount! Don't over feed.

We fed our feather compromised and balding parrotlet a half-pinch of kelp daily for about 6 weeks and then we weaned down to 3-4 days per week. We simply sprinkled it on her cooked, moist food in the morning.  Her favorite warm food is Volkman Birdeez Buffet 15 Minute Soak & Serve. I like to add fresh fruits & veggies to the mix and top it off off with a sprinkle of Kelp.

• Sprinkle a small amount on your birds morning cooked food mix with a pinch of Kelp.
• Cooking with Kelp. Try adding 1/8 teaspoon of kelp to mash or birdie bread, that you can feel over he course of a few days. You only need to feed a very small amount of kelp to see results. A suggested amount of powdered kelp is: 1/10 of 1/4 teasp. per day for a medium sized parrot.  This would be a half pinch.
• Add granulated Kelp to your birds' pellets

Warning:

While the Iodine in Kelp can help to stimulate a sluggish thyroid, it is also known that too much iodine or iodine if given daily for a long period of time, can actually inhibit thyroid activity, which could also possibly lead to plucking.  Please consult with your avian veterinarian and always carefully follow package instructions.

Make sure to use preservative and additive free Kelp granuales.  

We'd love to hear your comments about how you've improved your birds nutritional intake or it's feathering.