05/01/2018
Vitamin A deficiency in birds:
Symptoms and Types
The first symptoms of vitamin A deficiency are revealed on the bird's face as white spots in the eyes, sinuses, and in and around the mouth. These spots then catch infection and turn into pus-filled abscesses. An abscess in the mouth can deform the opening of the windpipe (glottis) and cause the bird to have difficulty breathing, which can result in suffocation and death.
If an untreated abscess grows large enough, it can close the opening in the roof of the bird’s mouth (choana). If that happens, there will be nasal discharge and swelling around the eyes of the bird.
Other symptom of vitamin A deficiency include:
Wheezing
Sneezing
Nostrils blocked with crusts
Swollen eyes (sometimes with discharge)
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Gagging
Bad breath
Slimy mouth
Tail bobbing
Dullness of feather color
Listlessness
Depression
Vitamin A deficiency can also affect internal organs and cause disorders any of the systems, such as the reproductive, digestive or respiratory system.
The diet of the bird should be carefully evaluated for the body's vitamin A percentage and its precursor. Evaluation of vitamin A precursors (such as Beta-carotene) is important, as the bird’s body will covert it into vitamin A.
Food rich in vitamin A and vitamin A precursors include fruits like cantaloupe and papaya, vegetables like chili peppers, leaves of broccoli, turnip and flowers, sweet potato, carrots, beetroot, spinach, dandelion, collards, endive, egg yolks, butter and liver.
A well-balanced diet can also ensure your bird does not acquire a vitamin A deficiency.
