Last Updated on by Mitch Rezman
A woman called recently wanting to learn more about CBD oil and its effects on birds.
The blog post title really says it all.
In a nice way, I told her I don’t know and I don’t care ~ not said rudely but let’s face it – we have an animal that can live for decades – can fly – survive brutally cold weather – find its way home 12,000 miles away, so I have to ask – why do people keep asking me ~ here’s what we know so far.
I’ve said what I have to say and moved on.
It’s a similar subject To the vitamin D issue as in “my bird needs more vitamin D but I don’t know how to introduce it into his system”.
The sad follow-up question will be how do you know your bird is vitamin D deficient?
“My vet told me”.
This is where I kindly explain like a “how babies are made”, talk because I know Vitamin D can’t be tested for in birds in a veterinary hospital – it has to be done at the university laboratory level.
The response is usually – “oh” then we go in about proper nutrition for bird care.
I asked the caller what her medical and nutrition goals were.
“We want to make our birds better”
Better than what?
It also can be used to control pain.
How do you determine the dosage, I asked.
“We’d use really small drops, was the answer.
Ok time for science.
In general 1mg of CBD oil per pound of dog.
1 pound of dog = 455 grams.
1 budgie = 25 grams or 5.5% of 1 pound of dog.
Thus the dosage is .055 mg or 50 micrograms.
Then to measure micrograms you’ll need one of these.
The discussion then took a turn for the worse.
“Can I send you some samples?
This was a sales pitch
I didn’t say “you’re an idiot” but thought it.
I did ask what would I test for – over how long a period of time and which of the 11,000 species of birds should I test on?
That’s when a male associate jumped on and now I’m pissed because the phone call was misrepresented but he was going to “fix” things.
He admitted to listening to the call and went on to pitch me (30 years of experience in outside sales).
He wanted to assure me their product was tested AND organic.
That’s when I hung up because this is the reality of organic – anything
I’m the first to admit these are unscientific opinions on CBD oil so let’s recap:
What are the benefits and drawbacks of CBD use in birds?
The use of CBD (cannabidiol) in birds is still not well studied, and there is limited research available on its effects and safety. However, here are some potential benefits and drawbacks of CBD use in birds:
Benefits:
- Pain relief: CBD has pain-relieving properties that may help birds with chronic pain or discomfort.
- Anxiety reduction: CBD may help reduce anxiety in birds, which can reduce stress and improve their overall well-being.
- Improved appetite: CBD may help stimulate appetite in birds, which can be beneficial for those with a decreased appetite.
Drawbacks:
- Lack of research: There is limited research on the use of CBD in birds, and more studies are needed to determine its effectiveness and safety.
- Interaction with other medications: CBD may interact with other medications that your bird is taking, so it is important to discuss its use with a veterinarian.
- Potential side effects: Some birds may experience side effects from taking CBD, including decreased coordination, dizziness, or changes in behavior.
It is important to note that giving your bird any type of supplement or medication should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian, who can assess the potential benefits and risks for your specific bird.
Written by Mitch Rezman
Approved by Catherine Tobsing
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