Iodine for Parrots

Iodine is vital for your parrot's health because it helps keep his thyroid working properly. Your bird doesn't need massive amounts of iodine, though. He should be able to get all he needs from his food if you're feeding him a quality parrot food and fresh fruits, grains, greens, vegetables and sprouted seeds. He may get a bit of iodine from his drinking water, depending on the iodine content of the tap water in your municipality.

If your parrot isn't getting enough iodine through his diet, he could develop a goiter. Goiters put pressure on his vocal organ and his trachea, causing breathing problems. If your parrot wheezes or squeaks when he breathes, stops talking and has a hard time swallowing, take him to his avian vet immediately. The condition puts stress on your bird's heart and its main vessels, and could cause seizures or possibly death if left untreated. Your vet will prescribe iodine supplementation to add to your bird's water. It will supply the iodine he needs to bring the condition under control.

Fatty tumors can become painful and can endanger your parrot's health if they grow too large and are left untreated. Bring abnormal growths to your vet's attention so you can determine a course of treatment. If the tumor isn't infected or doesn't have an open wound on it, your vet will likely prescribe iodine supplements to stimulate your bird's thyroid gland so the fatty issue can be absorbed.

If you take it upon yourself to supplement iodine in your parrot's diet, you'll run the risk of overdosing him on it. Always consult an experienced veterinarian regarding the health and treatment of your parrot before supplementing him with iodine or anything else. If the vet determines an iodine supplement would be beneficial, he'll recommend drops for your parrot's water or have you get an iodine block at the pet supply store for your bird to nibble on.