Zinc toxicity is a relatively common ailment in pet parrots. The effects of a zinc overdose can be deadly, and symptoms may not develop until the parrot is extremely ill. Unfortunately zinc is commonplace in the home, and can even be found in some parrot cages and toys.
Causes of Zinc Overdose
Pet parrots are inquisitive creatures who explore their world with their beaks. If it can go into a parrot’s mouth, it’s going to get chewed on. That’s one reason bird owners spend so much money on safe parrot toys.
Unfortunately, bells and other metal included in parrot toys are often made of galvanized metal. The metal is coated with zinc to prevent rust. While many parrot toy manufacturers now use stainless steel to prevent heavy metal toxicity, there are still toys on the market that use galvanized metal. If the parrot chews on the metal, it can ingest zinc.
Another common cause of zinc toxicity in parrots are parrot cages. Cages made of galvanized wire can cause zinc overdose. Paint that contains zinc (or lead) has also been used to make parrot cages. If you’re buying a parrot cage, be sure it’s zinc-free.
And then, of course, there are the many household items that contain zinc, all of which could cause zinc toxicity if the parrot gets a beak-hold on them.
Zinc Overdose Side Effects
Zinc toxicity symptoms vary depending on the how much heavy metal the parrot ingested. Acute zinc toxicity occurs when the parrot swallows a small zinc-coated item. Acute zinc side effects include:
- green diarrhea
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- loss of balance
- vomiting
- weight loss.
Chronic zinc toxicity occurs when pet parrots ingest small amounts of zinc over time, such as from parrot cages or even food bowls. Chronic toxicity manifests with irregular periods of lethargy, depression and signs of upset stomachs.
Both acute and chronic zinc toxicity cause:
- anemia
- cyanosis (blue tinged skin due to loss of oxygen)
- excessive urination (can cause kidney damage in chronic zinc toxicity)
- feather plucking
- seizures
- weakness
- weight loss.
Feather plucking is a common symptom of heavy metal toxicity, including zinc overdose. As feather mutilation can be caused by a wide variety of physical and psychological ailments, pet parrots who feather pluck should always be checked by an avian veterinarian.
Treating Zinc Toxicity
Blood tests conducted by an avian veterinarian are necessary to diagnose zinc toxicity. If x-rays indicate a foreign object as the cause of zinc overdose, removal of the item by forceps, cathartics (a substance that encourages voiding) or surgery is required.
Medication that binds to zinc and allows the body to expel it is used to treat chronic zinc toxicity. Called chelating agents, zinc toxicity medication is available in injection and oral forms.
In addition to treating zinc toxicity the pet parrot’s owner must locate and remove any substance that caused the zinc overdose. Failure to do so greatly increases the chance of future cases of zinc toxicity.
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