Zinc is a frequent cause of illness and death in psittacines. According to the statement of the University of Munich Avian Department they have a parrot with zinc poisoning present in their waiting room at any given time. That is how frequently it occurs. Sadly, oftentimes chronic zinc poisoning goes undetected. Chronic zinc poisoning occurs from ingestion of minute amounts of zin over a long period or time, such as from using the beak as a climbing aid while getting around aviary or cage wires. Veterinarians – even those specialized on birds – to not routinely test for chronic zinc poisoning. The symptoms are also so unspecific that it is often missed.
Acute zinc poisoning is of course much more dramatic in its presentation with the birds showing acute poisoning symptoms.
There is meanwhile some research available on zinc poisoning that clearly shows the dangers. I am collecting here a link list to such articles. If you are aware of any scientific material that I missed, please post the link into the comment section of this article and I will include it.
Scientific Publications Regarding Zinc Toxicity in Parrots
- Suspected Zinc Toxicosis as a Cause of Sudden Death in Orange-Bellied Parrots (Neophema chrysogaster) (Abstract)
- Health risks of housing small psittacines in galvanized wire mesh cages (Abstract)
- Zinc Toxicosis: Separating Fact from Fiction (Full Article)
Anecdotal Publications Regarding Zinc Toxicity in Parrots
Photo: Joy Schrader
Cages may be a source of zinc and other toxic substances, dangerous to our parrots
