Reddit mentions: The best bird health supplies
We found 47 Reddit comments discussing the best bird health supplies. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 35 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.
1. Lixit Quick Fill Bird Bottle (Medium)
- THE PEFECT SIZE: The Medium Quick fill bottle comes in a 600ML/20oz capacity.
- NO DRIP VALAVE: The Lixit Quick Fill bottle features a stainless steel no drip valve. This valve uses a lever that is moved side to side to release water instead of a ball. The bottle is recommended for Guinea pigs, Rabbits, Ferrets, Medium Birds and other small animals. Lever valve is not recommended for Hamsters Rats or Mice.
- EASY TO FILL: The bottle has an easy to open flip top lid so it does not need to be removed from the cage to refill. Simply open the top and add additional water when needed.
- SEE THROUGH DESIGN: The bottle comes in a translucent blue color that allows you to see the water level and will brighten up your cage.
- SPRING MOUNT: The Quick Fill bottle comes with a spring mount to attach it to your cage. The bottle has a groove formed into the plastic so that it won’t slide off the bottle.
Features:
Specs:
Color | Translucent |
Height | 10 Inches |
Length | 4 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | Medium |
Weight | 0.23 Pounds |
Width | 4 Inches |
2. Poop-Off Bird Poop Remover Sprayer, 32 oz
Removes droppings from all types of avian diets including seed fruit nuts meat vegetables nectar bugs grains formulated diet and greensRemoves even the toughest stains from clothing upholstery and carpetsThe only product safe enough to use that does NOT cause dust when cleaning the cageRemoves dropp...
Specs:
Color | One Color |
Height | 11 Inches |
Length | 3.15 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 32 Fz |
Weight | 2 Pounds |
Width | 3.15 Inches |
3. Prevue Pet Products SPV90013 Wire Mesh Hamster/Gerbil Wheel Toy for Small Animals, 8-Inch, Colors Vary
- Wire mesh hamster/gerbil wheel toy design prevents feet and tails from getting caught while pets are running
- Great for providing exercise inside or outside of the cage
- The wheel can also be securely hung on mesh cage sides
- Available in 4 assorted colors
- Measures 8-inch wheel diameter
Features:
Specs:
Color | Assorted |
Height | 4.3 Inches |
Length | 9.1 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 8-Inch |
Weight | 0.65 Pounds |
Width | 8 Inches |
4. Manna Pro Poultry Grit|Insoluble Crushed Granite|25 Pounds
- Manna Pro Grit helps with proper digestion
- For all classes of poultry
- Insoluble crushed granite
- Convenient 25# bag
- Manna Pro nurturing life
Features:
Specs:
Color | Original Version |
Height | 15 Inches |
Length | 3 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Weight | 0.7936641432 Pounds |
Width | 21 Inches |
5. Manna Pro Theracyn Wound & Skin Care Poultry Liquid, 8 oz
- Theracyn poultry wound & skin care spray 8oz
- Convenient one-step cleanser & wound dressing that cleans cuts, sores, lacerations, & skin irritations
- Proven safe and helps promote natural healing
- Exclusive Microcyn Technology that has treated over 10 million patients
- Veterinarian recommended and a no sting formula
Features:
Specs:
Height | 2.25 Inches |
Length | 6.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 9.6 oz |
Weight | 0.6 Pounds |
Width | 2.25 Inches |
6. Poop-Off Bird Poop Remover Sprayer 32-Ounce with Prevue Hendryx Cage Saver Scrub Pad Assorted Colors
- 2 item bird cage cleaner bundle consisting of one Poop-Off Bird Poop Remover Sprayer, 32-Ounce, one Prevue Hendryx Cage Saver Scrub Pad, assorted colors.
- Poop Off removes droppings from all types of avian diets such as seed, fruit, nuts, meat, vegetables, nectar, bugs, insects, grains, formulated diet, and greens.
- Poop-Off product fragrance has been tested to be safe around all breeds of birds and helps to control cage smells.
- Water, Active Enzymes, Surfactant, and Fragrance. The adjustable sprayer head assures even application and reduces product waste.
- Prevue Hendryx Bird Cage Saver Scrub pad approximately 3 in x5 in, assorted colors. Made of split polypropylene and polyurethane fibers. Safe to use on most cage finishes.
Features:
Specs:
Weight | 2.4 Pounds |
7. Avitech AviCalm Calming Supplement - 8 oz.
Avicalm, bird calming food supplement for parrotsNon-toxic and is FDA listed as safe for foodFor calmer and less stressed parrots leading to less biting, feather plucking and overall aggressive behaviorAll human-grade
Specs:
Size | 8 Oz |
Weight | 0.5 Pounds |
8. HEALx AviX Booster 16-Ounce
Use for sick, weak or immune-compromised animals, upper respiratory infections, Mycoplasma spp, microbial diseases and skin disordersHas antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal propertiesVirgin, certified organic, whole food source of carotenoids (precursors to natural vitamin A, incl...
9. Avitech Featheriffic Supplement, 3 oz
- A vitamin condition feather formula - special ingredients for pet birds
- Featheriffic will help grow healthy beautiful feathers, a parrot nutritional food supplement
- Formulation contains coarse ground corn that attracts birds and aids in acceptance
- Sprinkle on top of your parrot's food
Features:
Specs:
Height | 5 Inches |
Length | 5 Inches |
Size | 3 oz |
Width | 5 Inches |
10. Absorbent Products Inc. Red Lake Diatomaceous Earth with Calcium Bentonite
Age Range Description: All Life StagesItem Package Height: 19.05Item Package Height: 19.05Item Package Width: 17.02
Specs:
Height | 1 Inches |
Length | 1 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 4 Pound (Pack of 1) |
Weight | 4.1 Pounds |
Width | 1 Inches |
11. Prevue Pet Products SPV90011 Wire Mesh Mouse Wheel Toy for Small Animals, 4-1/2-Inch, Colors Vary
Wire mesh mouse wheel toy design prevents feet and tails from getting caught while pets are runningGreat for providing exercise inside or outside of the cageThe wheel can also be securely hung on mesh cage sidesAvailable in 4 assorted colorsMeasures 4-1/2-inch wheel diameter
Specs:
Color | Assorted |
Height | 7 Inches |
Length | 5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 4-1/2-Inch |
Weight | 0.06 Pounds |
Width | 5 Inches |
12. Poop-Off Bird Poop Remover Brush Top 16-Ounce with Prevue Hendryx Cage Saver Scrub Pad Assorted Colors
2 item bird cage cleaner bundle consisting of one Poop-Off Bird Poop Remover Brush Top, 16-Ounce, one Prevue Hendryx Cage Saver Scrub Pad, assorted colors.Poop Off removes droppings from all types of avian diets such as seed, fruit, nuts, meat, vegetables, nectar, bugs, insects, grains, formulated d...
13. HealthyGut Avian Probiotics | 120 Servings | Dairy Free
- PROBIOTICS FOR BIRDS: HealthyGut Avian Probiotics holistically promotes normal digestion, regulates pH, helps defend against feather picking and effects from stress, aids relief from digestive upset or antibiotic use, and aids general microbiome support in your bird
- ALL-NATURAL SUPPLEMENT: This daily probiotic and prebiotic supplement is for birds of all ages and breeds; Contains 8 species of freeze dried probiotic organisms; Scoop included to serve powder on bird food
- TASTY DIETARY SUPPORT: Each container of HealthyGut includes 600 servings; Give extra small birds 1/8 of a scoop, small birds 1/4 of a scoop, medium size birds 1/2 a scoop, large birds a full scoop, and extra large birds up to 2 scoops
- SINGLE DAILY INTAKE: Sprinkle the scoops of probiotics supplement on your bird’s food on a daily basis; Made from quality and purity tested human grade ingredients and manufactured with human grade standards; Non-GMO formula, made in the USA
- NATURALLY, SIMPLY, PURE: At Equa Holistics, we are committed to helping animal owners provide their pets high quality supplements so they can live their longest and best life; We believe in consumer education, extreme quality control, and thoughtful formulas
Features:
Specs:
Size | 120 Servings |
Weight | 0.0992080179 Pounds |
14. Save A Caf 116410 Sav A Chick Electrolyte Vitamin Supplement
SAV-A-CHICK ELECTROLYTE & VIT3PK MILK PROD 20/BX 60/CSFARM SUPPLIESHARDWARE & FARM SUPPLIES
Specs:
Color | Blue |
Height | 4 Inches |
Length | 1 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | One Size |
Weight | 0.05 Pounds |
Width | 8 Inches |
15. Harrison's Booster 4 oz (120 ml)
Use for sick, weak or immune-compromised animals, upper respiratory infections, Mycoplasma spp, microbial diseases and skin disordersHas antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiprotozoal propertiesVirgin, certified organic, whole food source of carotenoids (precursors to natural vitamin A, incl...
16. Living World Cuttlebone, Small Twin Pack (Carded)
- Great calcium source for birds to chew on
- Rough surface keeps beaks trim and sharp
- Derived from natural cuttlefish
- Equipped with holder for easy placement
- Twin Pack; Measure 5 inches long
Features:
Specs:
Color | Original Version |
Height | 5.5 Inches |
Length | 0.5 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 12cm |
Weight | 0.1 Pounds |
Width | 5 Inches |
17. Nature’s Miracle Cage Cleaner For Birds 24 Ounces, Gentle Formula
Cleans and deodorizes bird cagesRemoves tough caked on debrisCONTAINS NO MASKING PERFUMES: Eliminates strong, embedded cage odors without using perfumes that can irritate birds.No masking perfumesSAFE FOR USE AROUND BIRDS: Safe for use around pets when used and stored as directed.
Specs:
Height | 1 Inches |
Length | 1 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 24 OZ |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 1 Inches |
18. Manna Pro 0502035355 Ready-to-Use Poultry Protector for Birds, 16-Ounce
All Natural Solution To PestsFor Mites, Ticks, Fleas And LiceNatural EnzymesNo Harsh ChemicalsSafe And GentleAll natural solution to pestsFor mites, ticks, fleas and liceNatural enzymesNo harsh chemicalsSafe and gentle
Specs:
Height | 9.75 Inches |
Length | 2.75 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 16OZ |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 4 Inches |
19. Big Ole Bird - Poultry Probiotic - Quart by Southland Organics
Healthier weightsImproved egg quality and quantityInhibits algae in watering troughsImproved resistance to pathogens and diseaseReduces odor causing Ammonia and H2S
Specs:
Height | 12 Inches |
Length | 6 Inches |
Weight | 2.3 Pounds |
Width | 6 Inches |
20. The Missing Link Original Vegetarian Hips, Joints & Digestion Powdered Supplement For Dogs, 1 lb Resealable Bag
PROBIOTICS & OMEGAS – Balanced Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, glucosamine and probiotics to support hip & joint health, digestive and immune systems, helps with inflammation and promotes overall health.VEGETARIAN - Meat free for fur kids with sensitive allergies to animal proteins.NON-GMO ALL NATURAL ...
Specs:
Height | 10.5 Inches |
Length | 3 Inches |
Number of items | 1 |
Size | 1 lb |
Weight | 1 Pounds |
Width | 6 Inches |
🎓 Reddit experts on bird health supplies
The comments and opinions expressed on this page are written exclusively by redditors. To provide you with the most relevant data, we sourced opinions from the most knowledgeable Reddit users based the total number of upvotes and downvotes received across comments on subreddits where bird health supplies are discussed. For your reference and for the sake of transparency, here are the specialists whose opinions mattered the most in our ranking.
Yes clean around wound. The flap has to go. It’s going to bleed when it’s clipped but that’s good cause you’re getting healthy tissue with blood vessels. Self-Adhesive Cohesive Wrap Bandage Tape by LotFancy, Elastic Non-Woven, FDA Approved, 10 Rolls, Assorted Colors (2Inches x 5Yards) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6C91ZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qNCLBbBSFG2VC
Remedy and Recovery Professional Groomer's Styptic Powder for Pets, 1.5-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004PJ55KC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xOCLBbAKS8A0G
Stash Tea Original Honey Sticks 20-3 oz Sticks Individually Sealed Portable Honey Tubes 100% Pure Clover Honey Kosher Certified Individually Wrapped Sticks of Pure Clover Honey, Sweeten Tea or Coffee https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I4PY1S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gPCLBb9TNCZHV
Dealmed Gauze Pads, Non-Sterile, Non Woven, 2" x 2", 4 Ply, 200/Bx https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M63XDS7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kQCLBbVN65JRZ
Manna Pro Theracyn Poultry Wound and Skin Care Spray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I5XHK88/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IXCLBb28EDCFH
Silver Nitrate Solution, 0.1M, 100mL - The Curated Chemical Collection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0787GCSKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_E0CLBb42XWGRC
SE CS100-6 100 Count 6" Cotton Swabs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002V0ZY2Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_G1CLBbQDJ3WQT
10 - Black Twist Open/Close 2oz Refillable Artist's Bullet Bottles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N59CU9J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_.2CLBb6123ZF2
Swan Isopropyl Alcohol, 99 percent, Pint, 16 OZ (Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZCCYTWG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_G4CLBb3V54WRP
Dynarex D1415 Povidone Iodine Prep Solution USP, 16 Fluid Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005R8580M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_G5CLBbMTA0YK8
Squip Nasaline Salt-box Of 50 Pre-measured Packets, 400 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009EXQLM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_y7CLBbW76XN59
Teenitor 3ml Pipette, Top Quality Disposable Pipettes Transfer Pipettes 3ml Eye Dropper for Essential Oil Pipette Makeup Tool 110pcs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071JXVGNK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Y8CLBbG25KBC5
Save A Caf Sav A Chick Electrolyte Vitamin Supplement 3 PACK/.25OUNCE https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UQOZC4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_19CLBb3BFM046
Gorilla 7500101 Super Glue Brush & Nozzle, 10 g, Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7AVQKA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SgDLBbTME6VWX
MedPride Nitrile Exam Gloves, Powder-Free, Small, Box/100 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GS8W2HC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fiDLBb1X2K42G
Panasonic ES246AC Bikini Shaper & Trimmer for Women with Compact, Portable Design and Adjustable Trim Settings, Battery Operated https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005JS5C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sjDLBbY10CSTW
Think that covers basics. Alcohol, self adhesive wrap, salt for saline, styptic powder, gauze, theracyn (antibiotic for superficial injuries), silver nitrate (only use with wooden applicators- strong cauterizing agent), pipette, electrolyte ( 1/16 tsp to 8 oz water. If chick is ill add honey for quick energy then mix solution with food to make mash), bottles, betadine ( I cut to 50% strength with saline), and gorilla glue with brush and dispenser. Oh and gloves and shaver:)
Sounds like you've already read up a bit on birds, and that's a great start! I'd recommend checking out rescues in addition to breeders. Birds are NOT the right pet for everyone, and tons of people give up perfect parrots because they can't deal with normal bird behavior.
As for your questions:
Ah, it's heartbreaking to see a bird plucking.. Even if it's just a habit, it's not a healthy one. :/ I'm guessing that this is your first parrot?
If you can, find out any history of the bird and when it started plucking, what it's diet was like, what the home that it stayed in was like, did it have toys, has it ever been moved, etc.. Basically, take note of everything (again, if you are able). Also, did you take her to an avian vet, or a general vet?
We've got a CAG that started plucking in November 2013 after our roommate (his owner at the time) returned from a two month long trip. It didn't stop for over a year and it has taken a substantial amount of time and effort on our part to make him feel happy and secure. Yet, that didn't help. He would be happily preening on one leg, fluffed up, and pull out neck feathers while he was on our shoulders, knees, etc. (I call it his "survivor's guilt" for enjoying new owners). He was very comfortable, and very content. It made no sense. Here's some solutions that worked for us, or have been recommended (in case you have more luck with them than we did). Also, bear in mind that habitual plucking doesn't always mean that the bird is unhappy (even if she is at the moment). It's a bit like a person biting their nails. It starts out for some reason or another, but then it turns into a habit and they do it because they do.
What we've tried and has been working (He's been on the supplements for 4 months and it didn't look like they were doing much for the first two): A healthy diet of minimal seed, pellets, and fresh veggies twice a day - one scoop of featheriffic! in the mornings, and one scoop of Avicalm with each meal (breakfast/dinner). These supplements have worked for us, but our vet had warned us that they'll mask any underlying problems if they should work. Just something to keep in mind.
Another thing suggested, which might not be a good solution for you as you just got the bird and it might not like being sprayed: Featherglo. The bird store where our CAG originated from rehomes a lot of birds and recommended it as something that has worked on a few of their pluckers. I hate the smell of it and this only got attempted once.. :/
Some general things to do:
Sorry that this is long.. :/
Booster is also available on Amazon--I'm unsure if they ship internationally from here? The actual site was loading weird for me earlier today so that may have contributed.
Another thing that may help is that rats actually have some similar nutritional needs to humans. It will help them if you give them some fresh fruits (tomatoes or apples are great) that are high in vitamins, baby food is always good, and garlic, if you can get them to eat it, has some great health benefits for the heart while helping to fight off illness. If you are aware of any other health foods that you keep in your diet, you can try giving them to your rats after doing some quick research to make sure they are rat-safe.
It is possible that your rats came from a hereditary strain that causes illness to appear early on in life.
Additionally, I am sorry for your loss with Kase--if you can, try to stay calm for now, as the death of a pet is never easy. If Kit is showing severe symptoms as well, I would recommend emotionally preparing myself for a second passing. Regardless, try to make her comfortable--if she has the energy to do any of her favorite activities, let her do them. Give her one of her favorite treats here and there (A peanut is always good here and there, especially for a skinny rat).
Remember that the rest of your mischief is confused right now and needs you to be there for them. Try to find strength in caring for them. I wish you the best and hope Kit pulls through.
For the wheel, get an upright one (not the disc slanted kind). I personally have a 12” wodent wheel (easy to find on Amazon). 11”-12” is what you should aim for. Anything smaller and your hamster’s back will arch causing them problems. The wodent wheel is also fairly silent. DO NOT GET A WIRE MESH WHEEL LIKE THIS ONE. Your hamster will hurt itself on it, I promise. Also, don’t cheap out on the wheel because I promise you you’ll have to upgrade it if you don’t get the right one (speaking from experience).
I recommend getting a fish tank as a cage. It is easy to clean, easy to find, and harder for your ham to escape from. Get a lid (with air holes, preferably mesh) for sure. Hamsters are master escape artists (also speaking from experience). This is a must if you have other animals (cats like you said).
Get a playpen. I used to have a ball that my hamsters would run in, and they HATED it. It’s actually illegal in a lot of countries. I wish I had known better. Let your ham run free in an enclosed space.
Hamsters love veggies and fruits. They should not be the only food source (they love nuts and seeds), but they love to munch on about anything. Google the foods before feeding them anything to make sure it is safe for them. Most fruits and veggies are, any junk food / otherwise processed food is NOT.
Also, place your hams cage where they will get the most peace. They are nocturnal, so they should be placed in a room that is quiet most of the time. Do not disturb them when they are sleeping, it scares them and makes them lose trust.
I think I’ll leave it at that, but if you have more questions, just ask or PM me. :)
You’re very very welcome! New things can be scary and overwhelming, especially taking care of another living thing. It’s relatively straight forward but remember to reach out if you’re confused or need help, you just might get a super detailed response from an internet stranger!
This is my new favorite response about diatomaceous earth lolol. I think you can find it at like a hardware or home improvement store. This is the kind I have. It’s also kind of multi-purpose...!
I would keep it out off the direct light. Let it rest for a few days so the cuts can heal. It will be ok like that as long as there is no deeper damage. Then pot it back but make sure that the medium is really well draining. Don't put it back in the sunny spot right away, because your aloe is stressed enough and needs to recover.
Good info how to make your medium
If you can get your hands on the crushed granite, I use this chicken grit I buy from Tractor Supply store. Not knowing where you are link goes to Amazon. Try sourcing it locally, it is much cheaper.
Another thing I use is pumice, but a lot of people mix oil-dri in their medium. That you can get from any auto store. Just make sure it is not infused with anything.
You can make your own medium by sifting the MG cactus soil to get rid of the small particles and dust (I sift then dunk the sieve in the bucket of water and rinse it), let it dry, then mix 1 part of sifted MG, 2 parts of chicken grit and 2 parts of oil-dri or perlite. If it still looks too rich add more granite, perlite or oil-dri.
Good luck and come to r/succulents there is so much fantastic info there.
I bought a silent spinner wheel because i thought "hey it wont make a tonne of noise" (their cage is in my bedroom) however it STANK, as its plastic and has concave. And since my mice love their wheel so much they spend 90% of their time on it. Which bring 90% of the poop....
I swapped it for a wire mesh wheel, I realise bumble foot can be an issue however from what i understand thats caused by the feet being rubbed on the metal bars and the bacteria that live in poop get in the disturbed skin.
The paint does keep it as a smooth surface and for how cheap these wheels are replacing it once a year is just easier and cleaner for me. I wash it with their tank once a week too to ensure that it is clean.
Also a mesh wheel is safer as one of my mice doesn't keep up and a plastic wheel results in her falling on her back from the top of the wheel, as she cant hold on. But with a mesh one she can :) and she cant hurt herself on it.
EDIT:
Also I saw that icaruscottontail suggested that they only have it during supervised exercise times. I dont think this is not a good idea, if your mice are like mine they love to run at night 11pm-5am mainly, and i found they run up to 8km a NIGHT, if they only get a few hours when your awake they are unlikely to use it or use it as much as they would want to otherwise.
Poop-off is an enzyme cleaner than can be bought in liquid form or wipes form. Its really awesome stuff. I use the wipes for small jobs, like cleaning her toys or more recent poops found and the liquid stuff is great for cleaning dried poop or flung food that dried onto surfaces
https://www.amazon.com/Poop-Off-Remover-16-Ounce-Hendryx-Assorted/dp/B07911TKJ6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1527685442&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=Poop-Off+Bird+Poop+Remover&psc=1
The smaller bottle has a scrub brush attachment on it and I just refill it from a huge jug of it I bought off of Amazon!
I've had good luck with this Petco brand dripless small animal water bottle. My bunny couldn't figure it out at first (I think maybe he just couldn't figure out that it was a water bottle?), but as soon as we pressed down on the lever at the mouthpiece and showed him water comes out, he took to it and hasn't had a problem since.
Before this one, I tried one other kind of dripless bottle with the lever type opening, but it was really sharp and hard to press so I took out pretty much immediately when my bunny tried to drink from it and failed. He's been using the Petco bottle for almost a year now, and we haven't had a single issue with it. I'm surprised no one else here had tried these or recommends them. Way better than a water dish.
edit: This is the kind I tried first. You can see the lever design from the picture. It was located in the small animal section at the store, but it makes sense as a bird water bottle because the lever is really sharp/stiff so probably fine for beaks but not little wodent/bunny teeth? Regardless, the design of the petco bottle is the same idea but a much better execution for bunnies. And it's nice and big.
I use this litterbox with the white tray removed, and Yesterdays News litter. I stuck it in the poop corner and they trained themselves.
I used the water botle that came with the All Living Things Starter cage, but my boys are in my bedroom and the nighttime drinking noise was intolerable. I got them a locking dish and I like it, they like it. But I started to worry they weren't drinking enough water, so I got a Lixit valve bottle and I love it. My boys love it too, they picked it up very quickly.
Just out of curiosity, how did they chew through the plastic bottle? Was it mounted inside the cage?
We are fostering a sennie that was literally on and off Baytril for almost 2 years (she had a reoccurring GI tract infection). In between bouts of antibiotics she would get yeast infections (most likely because of her beneficial bacteria had been killed off allowing the yeast to flourish) that were then treated with fluconazole. Rinse and repeat. By the end of two years her poor body was such a mess and now her gut flora is still recovering (she's only recently had consistently solid poops).
To help re-establish her healthy gut flora the vet advised that we feed her avian probiotics daily, as well as eliminate all added sugar in her diet i.e. fruit and her favorite fruity Zupreem pellets (in the absence of the healthy bacteria the extra sugar will only encourage yeast). The brand we use is this, mainly because 1) free shipping on Amazon and 2) it's one of the few brands that does not add sugar to make the powder more tasty. It's been a month or so now and again, this is the first time in 2 years that she has NOT either been reinfected with a bacterial or yeast infection so I can only suppose that they are doing some good.
I'd definitely recommend giving avian specific probiotics a shot, especially after antibiotics. I've also been giving them to my other parrot but really haven't seen any change in his droppings or behavior so don't think they need to be a staple with a healthy bird.
one more thought, i had a vet tell me to feed a little bit of this stuff called Booster from a line of supplements called heal-x. it's red palm oil and bills itself as cure-all for avian and exotic animals and an immune system booster. i was skeptical and i can't say my boy was pooping magic and rainbows but it seemed to help with his overall health. also he LOVED IT SO MUCH and would get really upset if he didn't get his daily 1/4 teaspoon of it.
here is a link, this bottle should last a couple months: http://www.amazon.com/HEALx-Harrisons-Booster-120/dp/B00AJS7Z10/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396473170&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=booster+heal+x
(there is also a ferret-specific review on the 16oz jar but i suggest starting with a small jar to see if your fuzzy likes it)
edit: more info from the manufacturer: http://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/what-is-healx-booster/
For the cage I usually just take it in the backyard, spray it with this stuff from Amazon I bought, and wipe it off with a towel usually after sitting for a moment or two, the poop wipes or sprays right off, I have not used vinegar myself but it is definitely more affordable of a cleaner so if you don't mind the smell of it, it certainly won't hurt your bird:
https://smile.amazon.com/Natures-Miracle-Cage-Cleaner-Birds/dp/B009GOBK2I/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1538254691&sr=8-5&keywords=bird+cleaner
It does look like my piggy's ears when he had ear mites. We had limited luck applying coconut oil to his ear flaps to "smother" the mites, but he was then very greasy. It takes repeated applications to kill mites so it's a messy ongoing fix for a while.
Ultimately the vet provided some cream which seemed to work well. They do tend to come back after a while though. I believe my vet also applied a treatment when my pig was in their office.
My vet also gave me some spray to use on their cage during cleanings to kill any mites which may be hanging around. Again, we had limited success.
I have learned that some pigs seem to be prone to mites. I have two males who share a cage. One routinely has mites in varying degrees of severity, and one has never had them.
A good place to start is just washing piggy's ear flaps with warm water and a very gentle soap. Be careful not to get any in their eyes or nose. Ultimately I think you will need to find an exotic animal vet. Perhaps all some vets and ask for recommendations?
Good luck!
My avian vet said that chickens lack the enzyme to digest dairy. It won’t hurt them, but they don’t benefit. She suggest probiotics for chickens that you add to their water. I had used a powder, but found a liquid that mixes better, and my chickens like it. https://www.amazon.com/Big-Ole-Bird-Probiotic-Southland/dp/B008M72DYE
Poor guy. I hope he gets better soon! We've been giving our guy Missing Link Well Blend Plus Joint Support for years. I'm not sure on its effectiveness since he's never had a hip injury, but he's 14 and still going strong!
I always use Poop Off.
Coconut oil is natural and even though it's an oil, it won't hold well sitting out over time like that. It will degrade like any natural substance and when that happens it will start to smell. Like rotted coconut. It seems fine sitting inert in a jar though.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002G7ZQE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523302796&sr=8-3&keywords=poop-off+bird+poop+remover&dpPl=1&dpID=41tXs20X86L&ref=plSrch - I haven’t tried it on any dried up pieces from chickens but it works really well for dried Lovebird poop. It seems like it would work for chickens as well, since it also cleans for bugs and grain-based diets.
I had this and got cuddle bone and buried it under my gravel and all the new growth is spot free.
https://www.amazon.com/Living-World-Cuttlebone-Small-Carded/dp/B0002DH2WO
Buy poop-off
Your furniture will thank you. Aside from that, you seem to be fine. Just cater to your birds emotions. it'll develop a schedule and behavior. Just be accommodating to that
I use these flip-top Lixit bottles and I love them. I had one that started leaking after a couple years but several others that have had no issues. I like them because you don't need to remove them from the cage to refill them and they have a valve instead of a bearing so they're completely silent.
mine looks like this http://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Pet-Products-SPV90013-Hamster/dp/B00BUFYAXC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1463437540&sr=8-2&keywords=gerbil+wheel
To be honest it does get squeeky every couple weeks but i just rub a little vegetable oil on the axle and it is quiet.
Yep, I found it. Though it's cheaper to just buy it on Amazon:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0793JTSNK/
Now to figure out how much I need...
I bought this, how would you recommend putting it in the tank? Just snap piece off and drop it in the water?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0793JTSNK?ref=ppx_pt2_dt_b_prod_image
Go to the place that you got them and pick up some of this
give them all the love and care that you can but losing chickens is part of being a chicken owner. It is hard I know, but it happens.
Check their vents for pasty butts... and just keep an eye on them.