Vitamin E and selenium deficiency in canaries and finches

Cause: Old grain or rancid oils · Type: Nutritional

Other names: Vitamin E deficiency

Symptoms

• Poor fertility
• Embryos dying in the egg
• Neurological signs in chicks (loss of balance)
• Muscle weakness

How it spreads

Not contagious.

Diagnosis

Dietary history.

Treatment

Treatment is decided by the veterinarian after examination. Do not give any medication without consultation.

Prevention

Fresh, well-stored grain, sprouted seeds, and vitamin E before breeding.

Season

Before and during the breeding season

Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.

Other diseases

• Vitamin A deficiency
• Calcium and vitamin D3 deficiency
• Iodine deficiency (thyroid enlargement)
• Obesity and fatty liver
• Riboflavin (B2) deficiency - curled toes
• Gout

Sources

• KB (not web-verified this session): widely repeated aviculture/breeder consensus; treat with stated confidence