Curative Properties of Aloe Vera

Debra and I have experimented with Aloe Vera in treating various digestive ailments in baby parrots. In the process of handfeeding we sometimes encounter a baby that regurgitates its food regularly. The first thought is that the bird has been overfed. If this is not the case the causes could be many including sour crop, mild crop burn, undigested food remaining in the crop, a blockage, or a bacterial growth.

First, we check the crop for undigested food. If this is the case, we prepare a solution of water, instant ounces and very little formula. We feed the baby 25cc and gently message the crop until the food is dissolved. If the blockage is a solid mass such as a seed husk or cellulose/pine bedding material or if the food will not disolve we always take the baby to our veterinarian for removal.

If we feel that the regurgitation is caused by sour crop, crop burn or bacteria our first remedy is always Aloe Vera juice. We mix our handfeeding formula with aloe juice instead of water and feed the baby slightly less volume for the next several feedings. Ninety percent of the time, the baby responds positively and is back on a normal feeding schedule within 24 hours. If the baby is not responding well within 24 hours we always take it to a vet. Digestive problems are the leading cause of death in baby birds. You cannot wait to see if it will go away.

If your adult parrot shows digestive problems or isn't eating right try adding aloe juice to its drinking water. You can try to feed your bird aloe vera leaves but we find that leaves have a bitter layer that larger birds do not like. If you split the leaf so the bird can get to the gel in the center, they usually will eat it.

Wellvet.com has an interesting article on the use of aloe for medicinal purposes. You can also read more at Professional's Care and an article by Carolyn Swicegood at Watchbird. The Holistic Bird Newsletter offers many natural formulas to treat bird illnesses. We suggest that you use these with proper veterinary care.

You can purchase aloe vera juice at most large pharmacies such as Walgreens. If you can't, it can be purchased online at sites such as Vitacorp International and many others.

- posted by J-Birds @ 8:33 PM |