The benefits of herbal medicine have been explored and used extensively on humans over the millennia, rising and falling in popularity. Humans naturally used this form of medicine with their domestic animals as they fell ill. Parrots outdate human existence on Earth as indicated by 40 million year old fossils found in various parts of Europe that show they were indigenous to the area. Climate change and habitat loss is likely to have caused parrots to look for more hospitable areas of the world, resulting in parrot ancestors residing primarily in South America and Africa. It is thought that Egyptians were the first to keep African Greys as pets, dating back to 3,000 years ago. Parrots were kept as pets by royalty in the first millennium B.C, and appeared in Europe in 327 B.C when Alexander the Great conquered India and took Alexandrine parakeets back to Greece with him. The popularity of parrots as pets fluctuated through the ages.Their popularity decreased in 1929 due to a strain of pneumonia called ‘parrot fever’ that proved deadly in its time. Parrots became popular as pets again in the 1970s which inspired an industry devoted to cages, toys and a convenient pellet diet. Although parrots have graced human homes for many years, their genetic makeup is the same as their wild ancestors, making them unique from the dogs and cats we keep as pets1.
As holistic medicine gains popularity in human healthcare, many animal owners also turn to holistic healthcare to care for their pets. Dogs and cats experience the benefits of holistic health practices because they are common household pets that are relatively well understood. Lack of research has made it difficult for humans keeping parrots to follow suit. Initially, humans were feeding their parrot companions a mix of seed and the food they consumed themselves. As keeping parrots as pets rose in popularity, manufacturers took advantage of a new market, and formulated hard pellets that are designed to meet all of their nutritional needs1. These pellets, however, are formulated to include artificial flavourings, corn, and various forms of syrup. These ingredients are unavailable in the wild, and there are theories that these ingredients are unable to be digested and are the cause of many health complaints. The study of holistic parrot nutrition is slowly gaining traction, with an emphasis on mimicking the diet of wild parrots as closely as possible.
Many parrots engage in feather mutilation, an act that is exclusive to captive parrots and involves the parrot pulling out feathers and damaging the follicles, often inhibiting regrowth. This phenomenon is not yet understood by veterinarians, however it is popularly believed to be a psychiatric disorder2. The lack of research in this area has left many parrots without proper treatment. There is a thought that feather mutilation is a result of improper diet, and by detoxing the body and feeding a certain type of food the condition can be reversed3.
Feather mutilation is just one of many diseases that are not well understood and affect only captive parrots. These diseases including Candida infections, egg binding, and other reproductive diseases would likely respond well to herbal treatments as an alternative or adjunct to conventional medicine without a strong understanding of the disease.
Herbal medicine can make a dramatic impact on the health of psittacines when combined with a species appropriate diet, and an understanding of basic parrot anatomy and physiology.
Parrots can be divided into their species, and further divided into their breed. Although the general anatomy and physiology of parrots as a whole is similar, their digestion varies according to which region the parrot is indigenous to. Some parrots are granivorous and have ridged beaks that enhance their ability to crack seeds. Large granivorous parrots also have a cartilage connection between the skull and beak, which helps absorb the shock. An example of a granivorous large parrot is the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), which naturally eats a diet that consists almost solely of palm nuts. In comparison, the Blue and Gold Macaw (Anodorhynchus ararauna) is a florivore, meaning their natural diet consists of seeds, fruits and nuts. Many of these parrots live naturally on products of palms, whether it be the fruit or nut4. It is no wonder, then, that humans have altered the diet of their captive parrots to suit what is available from the local market.
Parrots have a short tongue that is designed for manipulating their food. They have a small amount of saliva that is excreted to lubricate their food for swallowing. The food is then transported to a crop, which allows food to be softened before traveling to the proventriculus. The crop is where food is regurgitated from, in order to feed chicks. The proventriculus is the first part of the stomach, and is where hydrochloric acid, mucus, digestive enzymes and pepsin are all secreted by various cells. This is where digestion begins. The second part of the stomach is the ventriculus, which has a thick muscular wall and is designed for mechanical breakdown of indigestible foods. From the ventriculus the food moves to the small intestine, where the majority of chemical breakdown and nutrient absorption occurs. The pancreas is located in the duodenal loop and produces digestive enzymes as well as insulin and glucagon. The liver is divided into two different lobes and produces bile. Parrots lack a gallbladder, so the bile is released into the small intestine. The large intestine is where the caecum and short rectum is in most birds, however parrots lack a caecum, which is used to break down cellulose5.
Parrots only have one external opening, called the vent. They have an internal chamber called the cloaca, and this is used for urination, defecation and reproduction. There are three separate compartments inside the cloaca. The coprodeum is the deepest, and is end of the rectum and stores fecal matter. The urodeum is the middle, and collects urine and urates, which drain from the kidneys. In females, the left oviduct opens into the urodeum, and allows the egg to pass through and exits the vent. The last compartment is the proctodeum and it is just inside the vent. It contains the bursa, which produces cells that fight infection6.
The lack of caeca in parrots suggests that their ability to break down cellulose is absent. It is possible, then, that foods high in cellulose are not ideal to parrots, and alter their natural state of digestion.
Understanding the basic anatomy of parrots is essential to ensure they are receiving proper nutrition, and aids in herbal formulations to optimize efficacy.
Herbal medicine is not well understood in parrots. There are many contradictory articles. In the article “Poison and Parrots”, Dr. Gary Gallerstein states that herbs such as Salvia officinalis, Arcticum lappa, and Aesculus hippocastanum are toxic in all parts7.
In contradiction, Dr. Tracy Bennett and Dr. Donna Kelleher state in “Herbal Treatment of Feather Picking” that parrots suffering from feather mutilation benefit from Salvia officinalis as it treats for nervousness and is a muscle relaxant. This article suggests this with the mind that feather mutilation is a poorly understood psychological disorder8.
Michelle Pacion, an avian nutritionist has yet another opinion. She states that,
“Considering feeding the one variety that doesn’t even contain thujone, I believe sage is perfectly safe and offers much benefit to our animals when fed in moderation.
That being said, remembering we are posting in a group for feather destroying birds, we must remember that all herbs and spices contain histamines and/or salicylates that will most likely trigger feather destroying birds.”
Despite the controversy surrounding herbs such as Salvia officinalis and Arcticum lappa, there are herbs that are more commonly used amongst parrot enthusiasts to keep their flock healthy and happy. These formulas merely target symptoms, and don’t delve into deeper healing for the cause of the issue. The list of symptomatic treatments is rather extensive.
Medicago sativa is commonly used as a sprouted seed as they are packed with a lot of essential vitamins and minerals. The leaves are also used for their ability to balance hormones and as an anti-inflammatory. As Medicago sativa is food, the dose does not have to be determined, and it can be added directly into the food dish9.
Chamomilla recutita is used regularly to calm high strung parrots. It can be made into an infusion, and added to their water, or given in dose amounts. There have been reports of moderate success in spraying it on feather destroying parrots to ease skin discomfort, especially in combination with Calendula9.
Aloe vera in an infused spray has hit the market as another remedy to soothe the inflamed skin of feather plucking parrots9.
Other herbs that are commonly used are Plantago major as a nutritional addition to their diet, and Silybum marianum as a detoxifying herb for the liver9.
The use of herbs for deeper healing in parrots is a method that is scarcely used, and is an area that deserves further research and experimentation.
Bitters are commonly used amongst herbalists to promote deeper healing in the gastrointestinal system. Deeper healing is scarcely used on animals, and the lack of research on parrots in general has made it a method that doesn’t seem to have been explored at all. Although there is controversy about the chemicals in certain herbs, Taraxacum officinale folia is often used as a dietary additive in parrots. The use of the root would be suitable for many parrots to protect the liver and release the many toxins they face in their captive environment.Parrot nutrition is a highly complicated subject, and one that is poorly understood, even by experts. Due to the complexity of nutrition and lack of a natural diet in captivity, many parrots suffer from deficiencies. The use of bitters is beneficial because it aids the parrot in digesting foods that may not be found in their natural diet in the wild. Although the use of herbs such as Artemisia absinthium should be used cautiously, there are plenty of strong bitters that are safe in their whole form. Even Artemisia absinthium would be appropriate for some cases in the form of a water infusion.
For diseases such a feather mutilation, the use of bitters and alteratives would be a sensible choice, albeit one that is unexplored. The psychological effects of feather mutilation could be caused in part by nutritional deficiencies and sensitivities. Machelle Pacion, Avian Nutritional Consultant, has a book devoted to nutrition in parrots. She claims that feather mutilation is caused by sensitivities to food, as a result of consuming a species inappropriate diet over a period of time. She eliminates nearly every food from the diet of the afflicted parrot, including herbs and any plant matter that may contain any traces of histamines or salicylates. She claims varying levels of success upon this approach.
It is likely that feather mutilation is a result of improper diet, however the severity of these sensitivities must be varied as each parrot is as much an individual as any human. Despite the varying levels of histamines and salicylates found in the herbs, bitters and alteratives would still be indicated for their use in absorption and detoxifying the body. An elimination of indigestible foods would be appropriate, such as foods found in synthetic pellets. A species appropriate diet would likely be the the biggest factor in finding a successful treatment, however is a very difficult practice as each species of parrot consumes a unique diet, and even breeds may have different diets.
Hypericum perforatum and Hamamelis virginicus infused into an oil would be sensible to apply topically while working on the digestion of such a parrot.
Dosing a parrot appropriately comes with it’s own set of challenges. Although parrots can consume the herb in it’s entirety, they are creatures that take single bites of food, then throw the remaining pieces to the ground. In the wild, this act serves to fertilize, allow new plants to grow, and feed animals that are unable to reach fruits that are high in the trees. Parrots also have a distrust of foods that were not introduced to them as chicks, so introducing herbs in their entirety often results in wasted herbs that cover the floor.
Tinctures can be made, and administered in drops directly into the beak. Many parrots have reactions to vinegar, so vinegar infusions would not be appropriate for a large majority, especially among parrots that engage in feather destruction. Alcohol can be used in small amounts. Alternatively, a glycerin base could be employed. Tinctures would prove problematic for parrots that are hand shy, or refuse to take the tincture through their beak. Forcing them to take it using a towel would cause more stress than the herbs would heal, and would completely defeat the purpose. A few drops of tincture with a tasty food would be more effective in this case.
Some parrots enjoy drinking teas, so infusions may be possible. The foul taste of bitters may make the infusion undesirable to the parrot, so this method would need to be used with a parrot that is happy to drink what their human brings them. Parrots don’t drink a lot of water as their diet consists largely of fruit and watering holes would be a very dangerous place for them in the wild. For this reason, replacing their water with an infusion would have very little success, if any.
Just as with other animals, the amount of herb each parrot receives depends on it’s size. Even large parrots tend to stay under 3 lbs, so administration would always stay in drop doses. With a plant such as Gentiana lutea, one drop, three times daily would be sufficient for parrots such as Cockatiels, Conures and Pionuses. Medium sized parrots such as Amazons, Mini Macaws, and African Greys can receive administrations of about 5-7 drops, three times daily. Larger parrots such as large Macaws and Cockatoos can receive administrations of closer to ten drops, three times daily. The dose must be determined based on the level of toxicity of the herbs present. If using an herb with chemicals that may be toxic, it is always best to start with minute doses, and work up according to effectivity. Always avoid herbs that have high toxicity levels in humans.
Another common ailment that affects a large number of domestic parrots is hormone imbalance.
Due to the long lifespan of parrots, they hit sexual maturity later than other animals. This can occur anywhere from five to twelve years of age, and affects each individual parrot differently. Unlike other animals, parrots do not have their reproductive organs removed. It is common for parrots to bond strongly to their human, and as a result, unwanted behaviours often arise. Some parrots engage in hormonal feather plucking, regurgitate their food, build nests, and they often show aggression in order to protect the area they view as their nest, and their chosen ‘mate’10.
Hormones are inevitable in all parrots, however the fluctuation of hormones can make life with them very difficult, and can be prove dangerous for the parrot if egg binding occurs. Egg binding is when a female bird is unable to pass an egg that is in the reproductive tract. It can cause infection in the tissues, and may cause death if it isn’t treated. This is a condition that should be seen by a veterinarian, as they may have to break the egg in order to dislodge it. Egg binding occurs due to improper nutrition such as a lack of absorbable calcium or Vitamin D, a lack of protein, insufficient Vitamin A, lack of exercise, and a bird that doesn’t have a mate, but chooses to lay an egg. There are a number of practical ways to discourage egg laying in a parrot without a mate such as removing items that the parrot believes are a nest and refraining from over stimulation with the person, parrot, or object the parrot believes it’s mate to be. Other complications are common among hormonal parrots, including an impacted oviduct, cystic ovarian disease, egg yolk coelomitis, and cloacal prolapse11.
In cases such as this, diet and herbs could play a large role in keeping parrots safe and helping the human caregiver remain relatively unscathed.
The process of making eggs take a lot of nutrients, so the hen must have enough nutrients not just for herself, but for the egg she is laying, even if it isn’t fertilized. It is important for the parrot to receive the proper nutrients in a way that is easily absorbed.
Crushed eggshell and cuttlebone are popular sources of calcium amongst bird owners, however their lack of ionization makes it hard for the parrot to absorb. In addition, cuttlebone is derived from cuttlefish, and contains the toxins associated with the mollusk. Marine coral calcium washes up on beaches live, naturally dehydrates by the sun, and is collected before it dies. The coral becomes ionized as it is swept in the ocean, which makes the calcium bioavailable to the digestive system of the parrot, and is absorbed directly into the metabolic system3. The presence of species appropriate food will increase the ability to absorb vital nutrients to keep the parrot healthy, and ensure the egg is passed without complication.
Vitex agnus-castus would be an appropriate herb to help regulate a hormonal parrot and to help prevent extreme mood swings. This herb would be best administered through a tincture, in drop doses as previously mentioned.
Trifolium pratense is a herb that has been added into parrot food has a nutritional supplement. It contains phytoestrogens, and can help regulate estrogens present in a hormonal parrot, and may help balance the hormones. The seed of the herb is given to parrots in their food, and is able to be free dosed as the parrot likely would not consume more than needed to effect healing.
Bitters may also be suitable for the hormonal parrot, to increase the elimination of estrogen through the liver. An increase of fibrous foods would also likely be sensible as they will bind to the estrogen, increasing their ability to be eliminated.
Parrots are a magnificent animal that have spent hundreds of years living with humans. Despite our cohabitation, humans have a very poor understanding of the health and wellbeing of our feathered friends. Modern practices ensure they have care, however the care they are being given is often counter intuitive, and involves unnatural practices that may be found harmful. By going back to the basics and looking at what parrots have eaten naturally, humans may have a chance at improving the lives they live in domestication, and offer them a chance to age gracefully and retain a higher quality of life.
The practice of herbal medicine for whole health healing in parrots deserves to be further explored. Parrots are able to consume medicinal herbs in small amounts according to their size. This can be effective in a number of chronic health conditions, after a veterinarian has been consulted and blood work preformed. Conventional medicine often falls short in illnesses they view as psychological, such as feather destruction. They are rarely able to find the root cause, and the damage is often irreversible. The holistic practitioner has a higher chance of finding success treating these cases by looking in places conventional medicine doesn’t know to look, such as diet, gut health, and bile flow.
Looking at the diet, environment and through the use of herbs, humans can learn to bring about whole health change in their psittacine companions.
References
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Chamberlain S. Parrot History: Yesterday & Today [Internet]. Birdchannel.com. 2016 [cited 29 June 2016]. Available from: http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-news/bird-entertainment/bird-history.aspx
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JR J. Feather picking and self-mutilation in psittacine birds. The veterinary clinics of North America Exotic animal practice [Internet]. 2001 [cited 29 June 2016];4(3):651-667. Available from: http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/11601106
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Pacion M. You Can’t Take the Rainforest out of the Bird. Phoenix, Arizona: Earth and Sky Universal Publishing LLC; 2015.
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Matson Koutsos E. Captive Parrot Nutrition: Interactions with Anatomy, Physiology, and Behavior. Manual of Parrot Behavior. :49-58.
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Pesek L. Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine – The Avian Digestive Tract – Pet Birds [Internet]. Birdsnways.com. 1999 [cited 4 July 2016]. Available from: http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww38eiv.htm
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Margaret A. Wissman D. Avian Anatomy [Internet]. Exoticpetvet.net. 2006 [cited 4 July 2016]. Available from: http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/anatomy.html
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Gallerstein G. Poisons and Parrots [Internet]. 2016 [cited 4 August 2016]. Available from: http://thegabrielfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Poisons-and-Parrots.pdf
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Bennett TKelleher D. Herbal Treatment of Feather Picking [Internet]. 2002 [cited 4 August 2016]. Available from: http://birdandexotic.com/articles/featherpick.pdf
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Maybaum G. What Happened to my Peanuts? A Holistic Approach to Parrot Nutrition. 2006.
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1. Johnson S. Hormonal Behavior in Companion Parrots [Internet]. Beauty Of Birds. 2016 [cited 14 August 2016]. Available from: http://www.beautyofbirds.com/sexualbehaviorinbirds.html
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Reproductive Diseases of Pet Birds: Pet Birds: Merck Veterinary Manual [Internet]. Merckvetmanual.com. 2016 [cited 14 August 2016]. Available from: http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/exotic_and_laboratory_animals/pet_birds/reproductive_diseases_of_pet_birds.html
Writer Bio:
My name is Kristin Hulzinga. I am an Herbalist, Animal Communicator, and Reiki Practitioner.
I share my life with an African Grey parrot, and two Savannah cats.
I began working with animals in 2006 and realized I had a deep passion for them and began to learn as much as I could about them, starting with parrots.
In 2012 I had to say good-bye to my rabbit friend, and hello to my first Savannah cat, Zeddie. These changes inspired me to pursue Animal Communication and Reiki, with Zeddie as my guide. Her arrival also ignited a passion for animal nutrition.
Zeddie had a few health problems, which led me to natural healing. In 2016 I received my Clinical Herbalist Diploma from Diane Kent.
I strive to help people understand their pets, and achieve a healthy, happy lifestyle with them.