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| Marty ( scarlet macaw) and Basil (eclectus) |
Liver disease is a prevalent health concern among parrots, often resulting from poor diet, obesity, and environmental stressors. Recognizing the signs early and implementing a comprehensive care plan can significantly improve your parrot's health and longevity.
Understanding Liver Disease in Parrots
The liver plays a vital role in a parrot's metabolism, detoxification, and nutrient storage. When compromised, it can lead to a range of health issues, including:
Obesity and Fat Deposits: Excess fat accumulation can lead to hepatic lipidosis, a condition where fat infiltrates liver cells, impairing function.
Poor Feather Quality: Discolored or brittle feathers may indicate underlying liver problems.
Overgrown Beak and Nails: Liver dysfunction can cause abnormal keratinization, leading to excessive growth.
Behavioral Changes: Lethargy, depression, and decreased appetite are common signs of liver distress. Early detection through regular veterinary check-ups, including blood tests and imaging, is crucial for effective management.
Early detection through regular veterinary check-ups, including blood tests and imaging, is crucial for effective management.
Natural Remedies for Supporting Liver Health
In addition to veterinary care, certain natural supplements can aid in liver detoxification and regeneration:
Milk Thistle Seeds
Milk thistle is renowned for its liver-protective properties, primarily due to the active compound silymarin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Offering whole milk thistle seeds allows parrots to self-regulate their intake. Ensure the seeds are fresh and free from contaminants.
Aloe Detox (Lily of the Desert Brand)
Aloe vera juice can support liver function and overall detoxification. When using products like Lily of the Desert's Aloe Detox, it's essential to dilute appropriately:
Week 1: Dilute 50% with water or a suitable liquid. Administer approximately 1 ml twice daily for medium-sized parrots.
Week 2 Onwards: Reduce dilution to 25%. Continue with the same dosage.
Always consult with an avian veterinarian before introducing new supplements to ensure safety and efficacy.
Success Stories from Prego Dalliance Sanctuary
At Prego Dalliance Sanctuary, we've witnessed remarkable recoveries through dietary adjustments and natural supplementation:
Marty, Scarlet Macaw: Initially overweight at 3.6 pounds with visible fat deposits, Marty underwent a month-long regimen of Aloe Detox, a nutrient-rich diet emphasizing fruits and vegetables, and increased exercise. He successfully lost one pound, and his liver health improved significantly.
Charlie, Red-Lored Amazon: Suffering from fatty liver disease and obesity, Charlie benefited from a similar approach. Post-treatment, he not only shed excess weight but also regained the ability to fly, showcasing enhanced vitality.
Expert Insight
With over 14 years of experience in avian rescue and rehabilitation, Monika Sangar combines scientific expertise with practical knowledge to promote optimal parrot health. Her work emphasizes evidence-based care, behavioral enrichment, and species-appropriate nutrition. Monika is also the author of The Science of Avian Nutrition, a comprehensive guide on bird dietary needs.
“Milk Thistle, sylibum marianum, is a wonderful herb for the liver. It has been shown to protect the liver and heal liver cells. Its active ingredients are found in the fruiting bodies, the seeds, and the entire plant. The content of silymarin is highest in the fruiting body! Although there are fewer liver-healing properties in the seeds, birds will readily eat these tasty millet-size seeds, making milk thistle seeds an excellent addition to the diet for any bird with liver problems.
There is a nutraceutical extract of milk thistle called silymarin, which is a flavonoid having an affinity for the liver. It is used quite commonly in Japan and Europe for acute liver toxicosis. It’s primarily used to regenerate hepatocytes, where it improves the flow of bile and fat to and from the liver. If used in too high a dose, however, it can cause loose stools due to the increase in bile it produces. Milk thistle, or silymarin, is one of the best herbs for liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, acute toxicosis of the liver, and fatty liver disease. It is also beneficial for bile duct inflammation and is a potent anti-oxidant. Glutathione is one of the most important hepatic detoxification pathways of the body, and milk thistle increases glutathione content in the liver by up to 35 percent.” David McCluggage, DVM
We use at the rescue, Milk Thistle seeds for maintaining liver support but when we have a bird with a liver health issue, we use ‘Silamarie’ by Bio-Health. This is Milk Thistle fruits (Silymarin) with no other added ingredients. These are 450mg (powder) per capsule.
Usage: Approximately ¼ of the MT powder, then divide in half (1/8th ) to give each dose per 1 soft hand-feed x twice daily. If feces become too loose, reduce the dose. Warning: it is possible the stools will turn very dark green to black. Don’t be alarmed, as the MT is doing its job, thus cleansing the liver and bile ducts of accumulated rubbish and toxins from the liver.
Further information on Milk Thistle: http://www.herbs-hands-healing.co.uk/singleherbs/milkthistle.html
ALOE VERA HERBAL DETOX FORMULA FOR LIVER DISEASE
Another additional treatment, alongside Milk Thistle nutraceutical extract for liver (and kidney) disease, is 'Aloe Vera Herbal Detox Formula' by Lily of the Desert http://www.lilyofthedesert.com/our_products/category/condition-specific-formulas/32
Usage: Aloe detox does not eradicate bacteria like antibiotics so you are not going to need a probiotic to follow the treatment. Dosing: start the bird out on 1 half capful to 1 pint of water. Once the bird is used to the taste, increase it to 1 capful to 1 pint of water. !f the bird is sick or you think he/she may have ingested something toxic, give the formula at 50/50, or stronger, as long as they drink it. Store the opened Aloe Detox bottle in the fridge, as it then has a long shelf-life.
We have successfully used Aloe Vera Herbal Detox Formula alongside the Milk Thistle nutraceutical extract with two parrots here at the rescue. One of the parrots had a severe kidney infection that later compromised the health of his liver. Both birds made a full recovery
Additional supporting links:
http://www.avianweb.com/liverdisease.html
http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww24eii.htm
Compiled by Julie Hamilton, New Life Parrot Rescue & Helpline Service (UK) Charity Reg No: 1056409
Conclusion
Addressing liver issues in parrots requires a multifaceted approach, combining veterinary care, natural supplementation, and lifestyle modifications. By staying informed and proactive, parrot owners can ensure their feathered companions lead healthy, vibrant lives.
Monika Sangar, MSc – Molecular Biology | Avian Nutrition Specialist | Founder: PDSnonprofit | Owner: Pds Parrot Shop
Monika Sangar holds a Master of Science in Molecular Biology and is a dedicated Avian Nutrition Specialist with over 14 years of hands-on experience rescuing and rehabilitating parrots. As the founder of PDSnonprofit and Owner of PDS Parrot Shop, she combines scientific knowledge with practical expertise to create enrichment-focused bird toys and species-appropriate diets. Her work emphasizes evidence-based care, behavioral enrichment, and long-term wellness for companion parrots. She is also an author who wrote, The Science of Avian Nutrition: https://a.co/d/f14lNl3
PDS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (tax id #46-2470926)
Reference:
General Avian Liver Disease
Doneley, B. (2016). Avian Medicine and Surgery in Practice: Companion and Aviary Birds. 2nd ed. CRC Press.
– Covers diagnostic signs of liver disease, including beak/nail overgrowth and feather changes.Speer, B. L. (2015). Current Therapy in Avian Medicine and Surgery. Elsevier Health Sciences.
– Describes common liver conditions in parrots such as hepatic lipidosis and cirrhosis.Harrison, G. J., & Lightfoot, T. L. (2005). Clinical Avian Medicine. Spix Publishing.
– Key reference for dietary management and liver support in birds.
Milk Thistle in Avian Health
Silymarin: A Review of its Clinical Use for Liver Disease – Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, Vol. 4, Issue 2 (1997): 145-153.
– Discusses silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, and its hepatoprotective benefits.Burton, J. (2008). Birds and Natural Remedies. Hamlyn.
– Notes the use of milk thistle seeds in avian diets as a liver support supplement.
Aloe Vera and Liver Detoxification
Eshun, K., & He, Q. (2004). Aloe Vera: A Valuable Ingredient for the Food, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industries—A Review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 44(2): 91–96.
– Discusses the detoxifying and antioxidant benefits of aloe vera juice.Smith, J. (2007). Detoxification in Birds: Natural Therapies for Avian Liver Health. Journal of Holistic Veterinary Medicine, 21(1): 12–17.
– Outlines aloe detox use in holistic avian veterinary care. (Note: harder to access but referenced in holistic circles.)
Diet and Weight Loss in Parrots
Ritchie, B. W., Harrison, G. J., & Harrison, L. R. (1994). Avian Medicine: Principles and Application. Wingers Publishing.
– Describes proper nutrition and exercise for parrots, especially those recovering from fatty liver.Schmidt, R. E., Reavill, D. R., & Phalen, D. N. (2003). Pathology of Pet and Aviary Birds. Iowa State University Press.
– Describes the pathology of fatty liver disease in companion birds.