Overview of nutrients
An overview of the nutritional content of herbs, vegetables and lettuce suitable for budgies.
The overview is limited to nutrients that are particularly relevant for budgies. In addition, it is still indicated whether essential oils are included.
Kitchen and wild herbs
The data correspond to the content at 100g.
| Designation | VitaminA | VitaminC | Calcium | Silica | Essential oils |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Horsetail | |||||
| Basil | 0.7mg | 26mg | 250mg | ||
| Nettle | 0,9mg | 166mg | 245mg | ||
| Daisies | 0,2mg | 87mg | 190mg | ||
| Shepherd’s purse | |||||
| Nasturtium | |||||
| Clover (Red clover) | |||||
| Lovage | 0,7mg | 45mg | 150mg | ||
| Dandelion | 1,3mg | 68mg | 168mg | ||
| Meadowsweet (only cones!) | |||||
| Oregano | 0,1mg | 45mg | 310mg | ||
| Parsley | 0,9mg | 159mg | 179mg | ||
| Peppermint | 0,1mg | 31mg | 210mg | ||
| Pimpinelle | 0,7mg | 45mg | 150mg | ||
| Rosemary | 211mg | ||||
| Arugula / Rocket | 0,2mg | 62mg | 160mg | ||
| Sorrel | 0,8mg | 117mg | 58mg | ||
| Ribwort | |||||
| Thyme | 307mg | ||||
| Bird’s Knotweed | |||||
| Chickweed | 0,4mg | 115mg | 80mg | ||
| White goosefoot (Field bindweed) | 0,6mg | 236mg | 310mg | ||
| Wild mallow | 0,9mg | 178mg | 200mg | ||
| Lemon balm | 0,7mg | 45mg | 150mg |
Vegetables and salad
The data correspond to the content at 100g.
| Designation | VitaminA | VitaminC | Calcium | Silica |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | 0,1mg | 94,0mg | 58mg | |
| Cucumber | 8,0mg | 16mg | ||
| Endive salad | 0,3mg | 9,8mg | 54mg | |
| Iceberg lettuce | 0,6mg | 4,3mg | 19mg | |
| Lamb’s lettuce | 0,7mg | 35mg | 35mg | |
| Fennel | 9,0mg | 38mg | ||
| Carrot | 1,7mg | 2,7mg | 23mg | |
| Lettuce | 0,2mg | 11mg | 21mg | |
| Lollo Rosso | 0,2mg | 14mg | 104mg | |
| Paprika | 0,4mg | 140,0mg | 10mg | |
| Radish | 21,0mg | 25mg | ||
| Arugula / Rocket | 0,2mg | 62mg | 160mg | |
| Celery | 0,5mg | 7,0mg | 80mg | |
| Zucchini | 14mg | 27mg |
Explanations
Plants contain only provitamin A (beta-carotene), but this is then converted into vitamin A in the organism.
Function
Vitamin A promotes the formation of mucous membranes and growth. It also serves to protect the sensory organs.
Deficiency symptoms
Deficiency of vitamin A may result in weakening of the immune system and mucous membranes, as well as growth disorders.
Many diseases associated with mucous membranes, such as goiter, are often favored by a vitamin A deficiency.
Function
Vitamin C is involved in the formation of hormones and cellular respiration. It also promotes the formation and metabolism of connective tissue.
Deficiency symptoms
Deficiency of vitamin C may cause disturbance of the general condition and decrease of the immune system.
Calcium is needed in larger quantities by the organism, with 99% bound to the skeleton of the bird.
Function
Besides skeletal structure, calcium is also needed for blood clotting, muscle and nerve activity, and enzyme activity.
Deficiency symptoms
Since the bones also serve as calcium stores, it can happen that they give off too much of it in the case of a deficiency and lose strength. Likewise, the beak of the bird may be affected and in the worst case soften to such an extent that they can hardly take food.
Function
Silicic acid is an important component for new plumage formation and thus there is a significantly increased need for silicic acid, especially during molting.
Deficiency symptoms
Deficiency may cause problems with new feather formation, which could also result in a stock moult.
Budgies should be given herbs with a higher content of essential oils no more than 1-2 times a week, otherwise there is a risk of irritation of the crop mucosa.
- H.-J. Kühne: “Die Ernährung der Papageien und Sittiche” (Arndt-Verlag)
- D. Quinten: “Ziervogelkrankheiten” (Ulmer-Verlag)
- Nährstoffe (Vitamine.com)
- Alle Wild- und Heilpflanzen (KostbareNatur.net)
- Kräuter von A – Z (KräuterBuch)
Further information:
- Vitamine (WelliPedia)
- H.-J. Kühne: “Die Ernährung der Papageien und Sittiche” (Arndt-Verlag)
- D. Quinten: “Ziervogelkrankheiten” (Ulmer-Verlag)