Milk thistle

[Wolf]

I know that this is directed primarily for Pajarita, but It might be of use for others at some point.
Recently I found a home for a pair of Budgies and had to trim the beak on one of them as it was way too long. I removed nearly an inch and it is still a little too long. I am hoping that this is just due to a lack of chewing materials and I am happy to say that they have finally began to chew on some wooden perches that I made for them. don't see them everyday, but am still providing for them in some areas while the new owners are learning about them, which brings me to why I am writing this.
I was at the doctors yesterday and went to the health food store to replenish my aloe and to get the milk thistle. it is a liquid and alcohol free I would like to use it on the budgies just in case the overgrown beak was caused by liver damage so I am looking for some instructions on how to proceed. Would you mind assisting me, Pajarita?

[Pajarita]

Of course, Wolf! Yes, that budgie definitely has liver problems (most likely an all seed diet for too many years). I use 1/2 dropperful of milk thistle extract in about 5 oz of water but I also use dandelion root extract and aloe vera juice and, if you can get it (needs a prescription in USA but you can get it from Canada without one), lactulose at the beginning (for about a month or so) PLUS methionine in their soft food. Artichoke extract is good, too. Now, the thing is that by the time the beak is overgrown, the liver is already in real bad shape so they usually need supplements for the rest of their lives although in a lower dosage and resting one month ever six of treatment (this is not a protocol I've found anywhere but one I came up with myself so there is no study or anything that I can direct you to but it has worked well for me for years.

[Wolf]

Ok, Now I think that I need to be careful here as to what I give and in what dosage as this one has a mate that is eating and drinking with him. I don't know how long they have been together but it has been for several months and I don't want to give anything that will hurt her. With this information do I still use these items?

[Pajarita]

Yes, all the things that I mentioned are good even for healthy birds (all my birds get them once a week) , they have no contraindications and you cannot overdose with them.

[Wolf]

OK and thank you.

[Pajarita]

Wolf, look at his poop carefully and check his chest because, if his poop is too dark and he is real skinny and doesn't gain any weight, he needs to be put down because the damage is too severe and you won't be able to reverse it.

[Wolf]

No, poops looked good last time I was there and his weight appears to be good. I am planning on taking scales over to weigh them soon to at least establish a baseline.

[Pajarita]

Oh, good, then there is hope. Also (and I am sure I don't need to tell you this but I figured it's good to have it down for other people), gloop for all day eating is essential.

[Wolf]

I gave them some and then mixed up about 4 cups dry for them to cook for the birds. Just so that there would be no excuses to not feed them gloop. I had told them how to make it and gave them a shopping list and they didn't go to the store and get the stuff for over a week. I am trying to get them to do right by the birds and am willing to give some time, but not too much. I told them from before Liz brought them that if they didn't take good care of them that I would take them back.

[Pajarita]

GOOD FOR YOU! I've learned (the hard way) that it's always better to make it VERY clear from the very beginning that I will be keeping an eye on the birds I give out and that, if I see that they are not been treated right, I will repossess them (and I am very serious and very firm when I say this and I always add: "Don't think for one second that this is an idle threat because it's not. I've done it before and I'll do it again!"