MBD is a multifactorial disease where the animal does not receive a balanced diet and subsequently develops abnormal bone growth, structure and strength. Although traditionally calcium deficiency was considered the key factor in bone deformities, it is now understood that other nutrients and their balances are also very important. Vitamin A, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Calcium:Phosphrous ratios are all involved in parrots developing MBD.

It is the diet that is all important – even wild animals may develop MBD if their natural diet is disturbed or replaced; for example Black Cockatoos feeding exclusively in pine plantations or magpies being fed mince meat by well meaning people.

Companion animals are totally reliant on their owners for a balanced diet – unfortunately most owners or keepers have no knowledge about the nutritional requirements of the animals they keep or the knowledge they do have is either outdated or simply incorrect. Companion animal nutrition is still ruled by ease, price and ignorance.

Bird breeders have talked about calcium deficiency for many years and have always provided some form of calcium supplement to their birds. What has slipped past is the more complex nature of MBD and how it presents in pet and breeding birds. MBD does involve calcium deficiency, but also the lack or in balance of a range of other nutrients that many bird keepers just don’t worry about. It is the combination of these deficiencies that cause the problem and much of the time adding calcium to the diet alone will not solve the issue long term.

Young birds suffering limb fractures in the nest, spinal abnormalities, failure to fly at fledging, poor feathering and delayed moulting are all showing symptoms of MBD in birds. Many excuses are used to cover for MBD; “Oh the hen must have dropped down on the babies in the nest...” is a common explanation for babies with fractured legs! “They must have hit the wire and now can’t fly...” to explain fledglings on the floor of the aviary unable to fly. The list goes on and everything is to blame.... except the diet – and it is the diet that causes these problems!

Many birds, even when offered a reasonable seed and vegetable diet, will self select for the lowest calcium:highest fat diet – which happens to be the least balanced in terms of vitamins and minerals. The hen bird has a huge requirement for calcium and vitamins during the lay – if the diet is not adequate she cannot produce a good number of high quality eggs, is more prone to egg binding and also unexplained death. The Solution: Give multiple sources of calcium – oyster shell grit, cuttle fish bone, powdered calcium supplements over soaks or fresh feeds and greens and in water supplements should all be used. Many large parrots will accept and readily eat bones (chicken, beef, and lamb) – the calcium provided is well worth the effort! Where possible introduce a complete commercial diet to the bird – again extruded is preferred as digestibility and acceptance are better than cold pressed pellets.

MBD related fracture being repaired in the Vetafarm clinic. Stainless tube is inserted to pin the broken bone. The only long term cure for these issues is to correct the birds vitamin and mineral intake by either supplementing the diet or switching the bird over to formulated pellets

If you are to stick to a seed diet for your birds, make sure that any grains given are eaten by the bird (parrots won’t eat dry corn, sorghum or barley!) Do not change the seed too frequently to prevent the bird only selecting his favourite seed – make sure they eat all the mix before it is replenished. Seed diets no matter the quality will still require supplementation of other vitamins, minerals and in particular calcium.

As an aside, the risks for over supplementation are far outweighed by the reality of MBD occurring so regularly in all companion parrots. Provided you follow instructions the chances of giving too much supplementation are none.... however the chances of creating MBD when not feeding correctly are great!

Train the birds to eat what you provide - not just what they like. This gives you the ability to balance the diet and reduce the dangers of MBD.