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to Assess Zinc and Galvanized Metal in Companion Birds
- Examining the Influence of Caging and Toy Materials
on (Blood) Serum Levels in (two species) of Amazon Parrots.
Summary: Investigation of the effects of environmental changes on serum zinc levels in the captive-housed parrots. Two populations of two species (Hispanolan and Blue Front Amazons) each housed in two cage environments (stainless steel and galvanized).
Background: Like many elements in man and animals, zinc is a needed trace element but, as well, it can be acutely or chronically toxic in birds:
Zinc, required in trace amounts, appears to be intimately concerned with synthesis of protein at the cellular level; "...paints containing lead, arsenic or zinc, because of their toxicity, should not be applied to cage or aviaries." Diseases of Cage &Aviary Birds, M. L. Petrick, VMD, Lea & Febiger, 1969.Long known as New Cage Disease, zinc can kill birds if they ingest lethal quantities or can cause chronic illness, with or without clinical signs. Currently, the normal blood serum levels for zinc in only known for cockatiels. Blood levels for Amazons, Macaws, Cockatoos, African Grays and other Psittacines are not presently known. This study would begin to establish zinc serum levels for Amazons and, would measure:
- Zinc Levels related to caging materials;
- Zinc Levels related to toys;
- Zinc Levels related to food and water; and would help answer questions:
The study will look at the following:
-
Does housing parrots in galvanized wire or stainless steel cages affect blood serum of zinc?
Do serum zinc levels differ in Blue-fronted vs. Hispanolan Amazons?
If birds are moved into or out of cages with zinc sources, how long does it take for the zinc serum levels to rise or fall in a new habitat?
Do toys with galvanized hardware influence serum zinc levels?
Do food and water contribute significantly to serum zinc levels?
Sample Collection: a standard procedure will be developed to minimize or eliminate the risk of false serum zinc laboratory results; A standard laboratory testing strategy used at LSU on hundreds of bird blood samples will be used for consistency of results
Potential Significance:
Knowledge gained through this work could improve husbandry and welfare for birds kept in homes, zoos or research settings. The pet owning community is especially in need of this type of information, because of concern over zinc levels and the need for factual information. The primary sources of zinc toxicity appear to be:
- Galvanized wire cages;
- Ingestion of household objects treated with heavy metal coatings and chewed by birds free in the home environment: wire, kitchen items, etc.;
- cages and cage hardware manufactured at offshore sites without new technology such as powder coating, electronic coating, etc.
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