Plumage formation
Even though feather formation should usually proceed without nutrient supplementation, there are some nutrients for molting that positively support it.
- Silica
- Copper and ZInk (trace elements).
- Methionine (sulfur-containing amino acid)
While in humans silicic acid stimulates hair growth in the hair roots and supports cross-linking of the keratin-protein building blocks, in budgies it performs the same function in feather growth.
Copper, zinc and methionine also have positive effects on feather development, such as in keratin formation.
Nutrient content
Especially during molting, you can help budgies grow new feathers with these nutrients by offering them suitable fresh food.
Designation
Copper
Zinc
Methionine
Silica
Basil
0,23mg
0,70mg
36mg
Nettle
0,24mg
1,02mg
Broccoli
0,13mg
0,60mg
50mg
Dill
0,22mg
0,91mg
Cucumber
0,09mg
0,16mg
6mg
Millet
0,49mg
2,24mg
250mg
Parsnip [root only!]
0,14mg
0,85mg
Parsley
0,52mg
0,90mg
Ribwort
Bird’s knotweed
Chickweed
(?)
After compiling the nutrients of plants, I found that the cucumber often recommended for molting contains only exceptionally few nutrients, which is probably due to thehigh water content.
On the other hand, the following herbs are particularly suitable:
- Nettle
- Parsley1only in moderation because of the content of essential oils!
- Ribwort
- Chickweed
For an extra of Methionine would also still Broccoli in question and for an extra of trace elements also dill2only in moderation because of the content of essential oils!.