Vitakraft for medium and large parrots during moulting, 25 g is a vitamin-enriched mix that, according to the description, supports the bird while its feathers grow, supplying vitamins, minerals and restorative substances so that the moult passes quickly and painlessly. The manufacturer highlights three components: beta-glucans for immunity, iodine for thyroid health and methionine for a normal moult. It contains no colourings or preservatives. The supplement is given daily as a pinch in the food.
Ingredients
Seeds (73%), cereals, minerals, oils and fats.
Additives per kg: DL-methionine 18,513 mg, vitamin A 12,000 IU, vitamin D3 1600 IU, selenium 0.10 mg, iron 50 mg, iodine 1.60 mg, copper 47.85 mg, manganese 16 mg, zinc 60 mg and, again, zinc 95.52 mg.
Methionine is a sulphur-containing amino acid used to build feather keratin, which is why moulting supplements contain a lot of it. Vitamins A and D3 matter for skin, feathers and calcium absorption, and iodine for the thyroid gland, which helps regulate moulting.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | vitamin-enriched mix |
| For | medium and large parrots |
| When | during moulting |
| Basis | seeds 73%, cereals |
| Key additives | methionine, vitamins A and D3, iodine |
| Dose | a pinch in the food daily |
| Weight | 25 g |
Pros
- Plenty of methionine. An amino acid needed for feather growth.
- Vitamins A and D3. For skin, plumage and calcium metabolism.
- Iodine. Supports the thyroid gland.
- No colourings or preservatives.
- Easy to give. A pinch in the usual food.
- Additive amounts are listed.
Cons and what to watch
- Zinc listed twice. The ingredients give two different figures, 60 mg and 95.52 mg per kg.
- Beta-glucans missing from the ingredients. The description mentions them, the additive list does not.
- "A pinch" is an imprecise dose. It will differ from bird to bird.
- Small pack. 25 g will not last long for a large parrot.
- Seeds not specified. Which seeds are in the mix is not stated.
How to give it
Add a pinch of the mix to the usual food every day during the moult. For a medium parrot such as a cockatiel the pinch is smaller, for a large one bigger. Mix it into the food so the bird does not pick it out on its own. Fresh water is needed every day. Once the moult is over, the supplement can be stopped.
What happens during a moult
During a moult a parrot sheds old feathers and grows new ones. This takes a lot of protein, especially sulphur-containing amino acids, plus vitamins and minerals. The bird may be sluggish, sleep more and scratch. A normal moult is gradual, without bald patches. More on supporting plumage in the review of Beaphar Paganol, a liquid plumage vitamin.
Minerals and calcium
As well as vitamins, a moulting bird needs calcium. Mineral sand with oyster shell, such as Versele-Laga Prestige Marine, gives access to calcium and grit for digestion.
The staple diet
The supplement does not replace the staple diet. For medium parrots, consider Special One for medium parrots or Vitakraft Menu for cockatiels, and for lovebirds Vitakraft for lovebirds.
When to see a vet
If feathers fall out in clumps, bald patches appear, the bird plucks its feathers, new feathers grow twisted or with dark stress bars, or the moult drags on for months, see an avian vet. These signs may point to illness, parasites, stress or serious diet problems.
Can budgies have it?
This mix is designed for medium and large parrots. For budgies it is better to choose a supplement made specifically for them or to ask a vet.
Storage
Keep the pack closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Who it suits
The supplement suits medium and large parrots — cockatiels, lovebirds, African greys and others — for support during the moult alongside a complete staple food. Other products are in the vitamins and mineral supplements and bird treats and vitamins sections.
Verdict
Vitakraft for parrots during moulting is a seed-based mix with methionine, vitamins A and D3, iodine and minerals, free of colourings and preservatives, added to food a pinch at a time. The downsides are that zinc is listed twice with different figures, the advertised beta-glucans are missing from the additive list, the dose is imprecise, and 25 g will not last long for a large bird.
FAQ
Which parrots is it for?
Medium and large parrots.
How is it given?
A pinch in the food every day.
Why methionine?
It is an amino acid used to build feathers.
Does it contain preservatives?
According to the description, no, and no colourings either.
Should it be given after the moult?
The supplement is meant for the moulting period.
Can budgies have it?
It is designed for medium and large parrots.
What does the pack weigh?
25 g.
