Author: Christal Pollock, DMV, Dipl. ABVP-Avian: Lafeber Company veterinary consultant
Date: May 27, 2007
Keywords: Obesity, weight loss, body weight, body condition score, fat.
Introduction
Free-ranging parrots spend the bulk of their time forging for food, often flying miles from roost to feeding ground. Once birds have arrived at the feeding ground, they must climb up and down and fly from tree to tree. The sedentary lifestyle of the companion parrot makes obesity a common problem. Obesity is an important health risk for a number of conditions including egg binding, dystocia, cloacoal prolapse, infertility, xanthomatosis, hepatic lipidosis, and lipoma. Behavioral problems may also be seen in sedentary birds such as depression, repetitive behavior, and feather picking.
As in any species, weight management relies on a common sense approach of reducing caloric intake while increasing exercise. Evaluate health status before beginning any weight loss program. Any problems identified should be adequately managed and stabilized before beginning an active exercise program.
Reduce caloric intake
Gradually introduce a formulated product (dietary conversion), while gradually reducing high-calorie items such as seeds, nuts, or table foods rich in fat or sugar. Formulated diets low in energy and fat and high in fiber may also prove helpful such as Lafeber Nutri-An Cakes for Foraging & Weight Maintenance or Roudybush Formula AR Reducing Care.
Increase activity
Provide the bird with options other than eating.
- Provide a large cage with multiple perches and toys, swings, ladders, and platforms, and provide multiple perch playgyms.
- Encourage foraging behavior.
- Secure an outdoor aviary-style enclosure to provide fresh air, sunshine, and exercise under supervision.
- Some birds respond well to interactive play exercise such as gradual wing flapping.
- Consider free-flight training. Although there are obvious potential dangers, this rigorous exercise may benefit both body and mind.
References
Blanchard S. Companion Parrot Handbook. 1999. Abbey Press, Oakland, CA.
Freemark M. Obesity. eMedicine Web site. 2006. Available at: http://www.emedicine.com/ped/topic1699.htm. Accessed May 25, 2007.
