Extracted from the Cannabis sativa plant, CBD oil has become extremely popular for its health benefits, even for pets like cats and dogs. It has made bird owners wonder if their pet bird could also benefit from it. Here, we provide an insight into the benefits of CBD for your pet bird. Read on!
Can CBD improve your bird’s health? How does it work?
Yes, CBD is highly beneficial for your pet bird’s health and well-being. Its efficacy lies in the endocannabinoid system, which all animals with a backbone have, including the birds.
The CBD binds with the receptors of the bird’s endocannabinoid system to regulate the neurological and immune function of the bird and restore its body balance.
Is CBD oil safe for birds?
Generally, CBD is safe and non-toxic for birds. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The dosage and the bodyweight play a key role in deciding CBD for birds.
Furthermore, not all CBD oils are created equal. You must choose CBD oil specifically crafted for birds. Earlier, CBD was mainly for cats, dogs, and large pets, but today, they are available for birds of all sizes.
It’s best to consult your veterinarian before initiating your feathered pet to CBD. Few medications interact with CBD. Thus, the vet would be your best guide. The vet can suggest the best dosage and ways to give CBD to your pet bird for maximum relief.
Generally, 0.5mg or 0.1ml per 500g of body weight is administered to birds. Hence a small yellow bird would need a smaller dosage than the green-winged macaw. You can mix the CBD in food and serve. Some put it directly into the beak, but this is risky as the bird might close them on the dropper and break it, creating a serious accident.
Finally, you must always use a high-quality CBD oil like the CBDfx CBD oil . It is best to start with a low dosage and observe your pet’s reaction to it. Stop administering CBD immediately in case of any adverse reactions.
Benefits of CBD for birds
CBD oil has emerged as a health remedy for birds for several ailments and health issues. A few of them are:
Diseases
When birds live inside cages with other birds or in solitude, they become vulnerable to several diseases like:
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Salmonella
It is a bacterial infection common in pet birds and is spread by healthy birds eating food contaminated with an infected bird’s droppings. Gastrointestinal infection is often accompanied by diarrhea and lethargy. The infection might prove fatal for birds and can even transmit to humans from them.
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Trichomoniasis
It is also a parasitic infection that infects birds, especially doves and pigeons. It is primarily transmitted through infected food and manifested via throat and mouth sores. The infected bird finds it difficult to eat and swallow.
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Aspergillosis
It is a fungal infection caused by the Aspergillus fungus. Its spores of the fungus grow on damp nesting materials or seed mixes. Inhaling of these spores causes bronchitis and pneumonia. Birds do not lose appetite but remain weak with labored breathing and may have diarrhea.
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Avian pox
Prevalent in about 60 bird species, its hallmark sign is lesion development on the unfeathered part of the bird’s body like the beak, claws, legs, eyelids, feet, etc. The disease is spread by direct contact with an infected bird or via a mosquito carrying the infected blood.
You can combat all these bird diseases with superior quality CBD oil.
Inflammation, pain, and arthritis
Like us, birds also suffer from all kinds of pains and aches, including arthritic pain. From the yellow birds in Michigan to the big macaws, nobody can evade it. Administration of CBD targets the receptors within the bird’s body and modulates pain and swelling to bring relief. Avian pain used to be left untreated because of its cost and side effects, but today, CBD has emerged as a promising solution.
Strengthening the immunity system
CBD oil is high in antioxidants and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Birds like the yellow and blackbird, parrots, pigeons, etc., are susceptible to various diseases like parrot fever, feather diseases, psittacine beak, etc., which often arise due to poor nutrition. Regular CBD oil administration can strengthen the bird’s immunity system and help with many digestives, nervous and skin conditions associated with these diseases. They can stay healthier and less prone to diseases.
Anxiety and stress
Birds are also prone to anxiety and stress, especially pet birds. The stress might stem from living in cages, changing their environment, fighting with other birds, anxiety stemming from separation, boredom, loneliness, etc.
When stressed, birds show several signs like loss of appetite, repetitive actions, feather-plucking, excessive screeching, aggressive behavior, skin complaints, etc. They even show self-mutilation, i.e., they harm themselves.
CBD oil alleviates the bird’s anxiety and stress by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, etc. Eventually, the bird calms down and becomes a happy soul.
Rich source of Omega 3 & 6
Birds, especially aging ones, need essential fatty acids like Omega 3 &6. It builds their immune cells, lubricates their joints, and serves many other long and healthy living benefits.
Wrapping up
Whether humans or birds, we live best in a state of homeostasis, where both mind and body are healthy and in harmony. CBD oil is a natural and safe way to achieve that state in birds. Use it under an expert to give the best life to your feathered pet.
