The bird calming formula refers to a nutritional supplement designed specifically for pet birds. It contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and herbs that help reduce stress and anxiety in birds. Some of the common signs of stress and anxiety in pet birds include excessive vocalization, feather plucking, aggressive behavior and overpreening. The bird calming formula helps create a sense of relaxation and contentment in birds.
What are the ingredients in the bird calming formula?
The key active ingredients in most bird calming formulas include:
- L-theanine – An amino acid found in green tea that has a tranquilizing effect.
- Chamomile extract – A herb with natural sedative qualities.
- Passion flower extract – A traditional herb used for its calming properties.
- Valerian root extract – A herb that acts as a mild sedative.
- Magnesium – A mineral that helps relax muscles and nerves.
- Tryptophan – An essential amino acid that induces relaxation.
- Vitamin B complex – B vitamins help improve stress resilience.
In addition to these active ingredients, most bird calming formulas also contain supplementary vitamins, minerals and amino acids like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E etc.
How does the bird calming formula work?
The bird calming formula works through the synergistic action of its active ingredients that target multiple pathways involved in inducing calmness and reducing stress. Here are some of the ways the key ingredients help calm birds:
- L-theanine increases alpha brain wave activity which puts the birds in a relaxed but alert state.
- Chamomile binds to GABA receptors in the brain which reduces anxiety and nervous behavior.
- Passion flower increases levels of serotonin – the feel good neurotransmitter, leading to calmness.
- Valerian root stimulates GABA activity to inhibit nerve impulses and induce muscle relaxation.
- Magnesium blocks NMDA receptors involved in fear response leading to sedative effects.
- Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin and melatonin – hormones that regulate sleep and mood.
- B vitamins like B6 reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
The combined effect of these pathways leads to a pronounced anxiolytic or anti-anxiety influence in birds. It relieves restlessness and nervousness while promoting tranquility and a sense of wellbeing.
What bird species is it suitable for?
The bird calming formula is safe for a wide variety of companion bird species including:
- African grey parrots
- Amazon parrots
- Budgerigars
- Canaries
- Cockatiels
- Conures
- Eclectus
- Finches
- Lovebirds
- Macaws
- Parakeets
- Parrotlets
- Pionus
- Quaker parrots
It can be used for both young and adult birds. However, it is not recommended for birds younger than 12 weeks old unless under veterinary guidance.
What are the benefits of using it?
Some of the key benefits of using a bird calming supplement include:
- Reduces anxiety, aggressiveness and screaming
- Promotes a sense of relaxation and contentment
- Helps birds adapt to stressful situations like new environments, travel, vet visits etc.
- Discourages feather damaging behavior and overpreening
- Induces sleep and normalizes circadian rhythms
- Supports mood and emotional wellbeing
- Makes training and handling easier
Regular use over 2-4 weeks can lead to a noticeable improvement in bird behavior, communication skills and socialization. It promotes harmony between pet birds and their owners.
How long does it take to work?
Most bird calming supplements begin to show effects within the first 1-2 weeks of regular use. However, it takes a longer duration of 3-6 weeks for the ingredients to build up sufficiently in the body and make significant changes in bird behavior and stress levels.
Effects tend to be cumulative and maximum benefits are observed after consistent long term daily use over months. It takes some time for pathways involved in the stress response to be gradually alleviated. Results can vary depending on factors like the bird’s initial anxiety levels, environment, diet and dosage.
What is the ideal dosage schedule?
The product label provides dosage guidelines for the specific formula. It is calculated based on the bodyweight and size of the bird. As a general rule, the recommended dosage schedule for most bird calming supplements is:
- Small birds like budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds – 1/8 to 1/4 tsp per day
- Medium birds like conures, quakers – 1/4 to 1/2 tsp per day
- Large birds like amazons, greys, macaws – 1/2 to 3/4 tsp per day
It can be mixed with food or water. For optimal results, divide the daily amount into two equal doses given about 12 hours apart. Be sure to follow the usage instructions provided.
Seek veterinary guidance before exceeding manufacturer recommended dosages especially when administering to younger birds. Overdosing could cause lethargy and lack of appetite.
How long can it be given safely?
Most bird calming supplements are formulated for long term daily use. The ingredients are well-tolerated without any known toxicity or side effects when used as directed.
However, it is advisable to consult an avian vet before starting off vulnerable birds with pre-existing health conditions or those on any medications. Discontinue use if any adverse effects are observed and seek timely veterinary care.
Also monitor the progress after 3-4 months to see if the calming benefits are sustained. Supplementation may be stopped if anxiety levels are sufficiently under control. Follow up with the vet to determine an appropriate maintenance dosage and schedule if required.
Are there any side effects?
Bird calming supplements are generally safe when formulation guidelines and dosage recommendations are followed. The quantities of active herbs and amino acids are balanced to avoid adverse reactions.
However, some birds may be sensitive even to natural compounds. Potential side effects could include:
- Decreased appetite
- Lethargy/drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Muscle weakness
- Unsteady movements
These effects are mild and temporary in most cases. But if they persist beyond 24-48 hours, discontinue use and contact an avian vet immediately.
Seek medical advice before using the supplement in elderly birds, breeding birds, babies and birds with prior health conditions. It may interact with medications, anesthetics or other supplements. Vet consultation is advised to prevent complications.
Can it be given along with other supplements?
The bird calming formula can be given in combination with other daily supplements like probiotics, vitamins, fatty acids, antioxidants etc.
But combination with any products that also have a sedative or calming effect could enhance the intensity and increase risks of potential side effects. It is best to avoid using multiple anti-anxiety supplements together without veterinary guidance.
Always consult the avian vet before starting any new supplement in birds already on medications for other health issues. Drug-herb interactions could alter effectiveness and absorption. Stagger timing between supplements by 2-3 hours for best results.
Does it make birds sleepy or lethargic?
Although bird calming supplements do help induce sleep by normalizing circadian rhythms, proper dosing does not overly sedate birds or make them lethargic.
The blend of active ingredients is designed to reduce restlessness and nervous energy without causing extreme drowsiness during waking hours. Effects are meant to be mild, relaxing and promote a sense of balance.
However, some birds may become sleepy, withdrawn or have reduced physical activity if the dosage exceeds recommendations or does not align with their sensitivity. Adjusting the dose downwards often minimizes such effects. Lethargy persisting beyond 48 hours warrants veterinary advice.
How is it different from pheromone formulas?
While both supplements help birds feel calm, pheromone formulas work by replicating natural calming chemicals while herbal calming supplements use plant based ingredients to induce relaxation through dietary means.
Some key differences between bird pheromone formulas and herbal calming supplements are:
| Pheromone formulas | Herbal calming supplements |
|---|---|
| Contain synthetic analogs of appeasing pheromones found in birds | Contain a blend of natural extracts of herbs, amino acids etc |
| Help birds adapt faster to unfamiliar environments | Reduce effects of chronic stressors and anxious temperament |
| Have a mild rapid onset of action | Can take 2-4 weeks to show effects |
| Given short term during stressful events | Meant for long term daily use |
| Do not interact with medications | May interact with other drugs or supplements |
| Typically have very few side effects | Potential for mild side effects like diarrhea, lethargy etc |
The two can be used together for a synergistic calming benefit, but veterinary advice is recommended to adjust dosing appropriately.
Can it be given long term?
Most bird calming supplements are designed for long term daily administration as it takes weeks of sustained use to fully counter anxiety and inhibits the stress response.
The ingredients like chamomile, valerian, tryptophan etc are not associated with tolerance even with prolonged use. They continue to provide benefits when given regularly as part of the daily dietary regime.
However, it is prudent to monitor birds periodically and take occasional breaks. Rotation with other calming supplements like pheromone formulas can help maintain efficacy of both when used long term.
Conclusion
The bird calming formula provides a safe and gentle way to minimize anxiety, vocalizations, aggression and feather damaging behavior in stressed birds. It contains various natural active agents that help induce relaxation and a sense of calm.
When used as directed for most species of birds, it provides cumulative and sustained benefits. Regular supplementation encourages emotional wellbeing and greater adaptability to changes, making the bond between pet birds and owners stronger and more enjoyable. However, veterinary guidance is advised before use in very young, elderly or medically compromised birds.
