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Re: picky eater
Posted by Rick on 1/07/09

On 1/07/09, GreyLady wrote:
> Big agree on the cornbread thing. Can't believe I didn't think of it too. The
> easy way I have found is to start out with any cornbread mix, preferably one
> that does not call for milk. I'd mix it using water in any case, not the milk
> since many parrots are lactose intolerant. Applesauce is another good moist
> ingredient. Then add anything that is bird safe, that you would like for him
> to eat. You can mix and match of course but I try to make one that is
> vegetables only and one that is fruit only.

I found this information on this link, the question and answer following;

http://www.parrots.org/index.php/forumsandexperts/answers/author/ellendvm


I have read a lot about lactose intolerance in parrots, but most of it has just
been confusing. I also know many parrots who love cheese (of various kinds),
yogurt and milk and consume them in varying amounts. How does one
know which milk products contain lactose (apart from writing the manufacturer,
which doesnąt always produce a satisfying answer)? Is lactose really bad for
parrots? All parrots? In what amounts? What are the signs of lactose intolerance?
Any and all information appreciated, thanks so much, Gina

Answered by Ellen K. Cook, D.V.M.:
Great question, Gina! I haven't met a parrot yet who doesn't love some form of
dairy product. However, dairy products are not very compatible with a parrot's
digestive tract! When you think of where most parrot species originate, you can
understand why they do not digest dairy. Not any milk trees in the rain forests.
However, parrots are not 100% lactose intolerant. Very tiny amounts of yogurt or
hard cheeses seem to be OK for certain individuals. You can tell if your parrot
cannot digest what you give him because he will have diarrhea-the solid portion of
his droppings will be runny. This is from Web MD "The most common foods that are
high in lactose include dairy products such as milk, ice cream and cheese. Lactose
is also added to some foods, such as bread and baked goods, cereals, salad
dressings, candies and snacks. Foods that contain whey, curds, milk by-products,
dry milk solids and nonfat dry milk also contain lactose."

Posts on this thread, including this one

• picky eater, 1/01/09, by jimbobs mom.
• Re: picky eater, 1/01/09, by karen.
• Re: picky eater, 1/01/09, by Tim.
• Re: picky eater, 1/02/09, by For Karen.
• Re: picky eater, 1/02/09, by karen.
• Re: picky eater, 1/02/09, by For Karen.
• Re: picky eater, 1/02/09, by karen.
• Re: picky eater, 1/02/09, by GreyLady.
• Re: picky eater, 1/03/09, by jimbobs mom.
• Re: picky eater, 1/03/09, by Another mysterious person for GN.
• Re: picky eater, 1/03/09, by GreyLady.
• Re: picky eater/for you JBMom, 1/03/09, by GreyLady.
• Re: picky eater, 1/03/09, by Observation.
• Re: picky eater, 1/04/09, by GreyLady.
• Re: picky eater, 1/04/09, by Wondering.
• Re: picky eater, 1/04/09, by for wondering.
• Re: picky eater, 1/05/09, by karen.
• Re: picky eater, 1/06/09, by Linda.
• Re: picky eater, 1/06/09, by jimbobs mom.
• Re: picky eater, 1/07/09, by GreyLady.
• Re: picky eater, 1/07/09, by Rick.
• Re: picky eater, 1/07/09, by GreyLady.
• Re: picky eater, 1/07/09, by Rick.