>-> The residue is also potentially toxic--chlorine bleach was never
>-> meant to be ingested.
>Not true...I the advise of my vet, occasionally I mix up a solution of
>bleach and water (exacting measurements) and give to the birds for a
>period of 3 days.
This advice really bothers me. It makes me question your vet's avian
treatment qualifications... I repeat, Chlorine bleach was never meant to
be ingested. Yes, it is a bacteriocide, and in a pinch can be used to
disinfect drinking water for short periods during emergencies. But it
is also a toxin, and can do other physiological damage besides just
killing bacteria.
I STRONGLY suggest you call Dr. Branson Ritchie, THE foremost avian
veterinarian in the US, and ask him for his opinion on this bleach water
prophylactic treatment. You can reach Dr. Ritchie between 7 & 10 pm EST
at 1-900-288-4267. This is a $2.95 a minute call, but I truly believe
that your birds are at risk from this practice, and you should
discontinue it. Dr. Ritchie will be able to tell you if it's safe, and
what to do instead if it's not. I think it would be worth your time and
money to call about this before you repeat the treatment again.
>Not only have I consulted with my vet on this but also
>with a pharmacist friend who initially advised me on proper volumes of
>liquid.
One, I doubt your vet's knowledge. Two, pharmacists don't usually know
much about bird physiology/toxicology. Again, I suggest you get an
opinion from an expert--call Dr. Ritchie.
>Yes, I do taste the solution first to ensure I can take it
>before giving it to my birds.
You weigh how many hundreds of times more than your biggest bird? You
can take a LOT more toxins than a bird can just because of sheer size,
not to mention the major differences in physical construction between
humans and birds. Get a second opinion from an avian expert, please!
--Kathy
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