Blood Plasma Vitamin and Mineral Concentrations in Pet Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) in Germany

Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) are commonly kept as pet birds around the world, but little is known about their plasma vitamin and mineral concentrations. The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals for vitamins A, D, and E and various minerals (calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, iodine, potassium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, inorganic phosphorus, selenium, and zinc) in the plasma of 88 adult pet grey parrots in Germany. The samples were collected during routine health checks and analyzed using a point-of-care device, an autoanalyzer, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and high-performance liquid chromatography. No significant (all P > 0.05) influence of sex on the analytes was found. However, feed supplementation did significantly increase plasma vitamin D (P < 0.001) and iodine (P = 0.003) concentrations. Vitamin D concentrations were also significantly greater (P = 0.024) in birds with access to outdoor aviaries and natural sunlight. The results show that these factors play important roles and should be considered in the husbandry and management of these parrots, as well as in the interpretation of blood results. The established reference intervals should help to improve the medical care of grey parrots and better monitor and optimize feeding and husbandry.