Beaphar Paganol, 50 ml is a complementary feed in the form of a liquid vitamin mix for pet birds from the Dutch brand Beaphar. According to the manufacturer, dull plumage, feather plucking and baldness in parrots, budgies and other pet birds are often caused by nutritional deficiencies, and the vitamin mix helps maintain healthy, beautiful, glossy skin and feathers. The drops are added to daily food or drinking water. Dosage is given for birds of different weights, from small birds to large parrots.
Why feathers deteriorate
Feathers are made of protein, and growing them takes a lot of resources, especially during moulting. A monotonous seed diet without vegetables, greens and vitamin supplements often leads to dull, brittle feathers. But feather plucking can have other causes too: boredom, stress, parasites and infections. So vitamins are part of the solution rather than a cure-all. More on a proper diet in budgies: food and care.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | liquid vitamin supplement |
| For | pet birds |
| Vitamins | A, B1, B2, B12, C, D3, E, K3, choline |
| Base | sugars (glucose, lactose), cereals, vegetable oils |
| Use | in food or drinking water |
| Volume | 50 ml |
| Brand | Beaphar, Netherlands |
Dosage
The manufacturer gives dosage by bird weight: under 80 g — 1–3 drops; 80–300 g — 5–7 drops; 300 g–1 kg — 12–15 drops; over 1 kg — 18 drops. As a guide, a budgie weighs about 30–40 g, a cockatiel 80–100 g and an African grey 400–500 g. Shake the bottle before use. Refresh food or water with the supplement daily — vitamins break down quickly in water, and the sugar in the base encourages bacterial growth.
Pros
- A vitamin complex. A, B group, C, D3, E, K3 and choline.
- For skin and feathers. A targeted purpose.
- Dosage by weight. From small birds to large parrots.
- Easy to give. In food or water.
- Economical. It's dosed in drops, so a bottle lasts a long time.
- A well-known brand. Beaphar has long made bird products.
Cons
- Doesn't treat the cause of plucking. Stress, parasites and illness need a vet.
- A sugar base. Water with the supplement must be changed daily.
- Inaccuracies on the product page. The description calls it Feather Treatment, and the niacin figure contains a typo.
- Don't exceed the dose. Too much vitamin A and D3 is harmful.
How to give it
If you have one bird, it's easiest to add the drops to a small amount of water in the drinker so the dose is easy to calculate. With several birds, drop it onto soft food such as egg food or a piece of vegetable so each gets its share. A course is usually tied to moulting or recovery; discuss the need and duration with an avian vet. Don't combine it with other vitamin supplements without advice.
What else helps plumage
A complete seed mix, fresh vegetables and greens, a mineral stone for the beak — for example Zernyatko Lemon — and fatty acids from seeds such as ZelenaZoo Flax on the Stalk. Birds also need bathing, UV light, a roomy cage and company: a bored parrot is more likely to pluck. Cages are in the bird cages section.
When to see a vet
Take your bird to a vet if it plucks feathers until it bleeds, or if bald patches, skin crusts, lethargy, or changes in droppings or appetite appear. These signs may point to illness, and vitamins won't fix them. Don't start vitamins "just in case" for a bird with obvious symptoms — get a diagnosis first.
Who it suits
Owners of budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds, African greys and other pet birds who want to support skin and feathers during moulting or on a monotonous diet. More supplements are in the bird treats and vitamins section.
Verdict
Beaphar Paganol is a liquid vitamin complex for pet birds' skin and feathers with clear weight-based dosing and easy use. A good addition to the diet during moulting or with dull plumage. The downsides are that it doesn't address the causes of plucking, the water needs changing daily, and the product page contains inaccuracies.
FAQ
How many drops for a budgie?
Birds under 80 g: 1–3 drops.
Where should the drops go?
Into daily food or drinking water.
How often should the treated water be changed?
Daily.
Will it stop feather plucking?
If the cause is a nutritional deficiency; for other causes, see a vet.
Which vitamins does it contain?
A, B1, B2, B12, C, D3, E, K3, niacin and choline.
Does it need shaking?
Yes, before each use.
What's the bottle size?
50 ml.
