Cart Is Empty
In issue 309 -
When an Older Parrot Has Never Learned Skilful Flight – Complete Psittacine by Eb Cravens
In issue 309 -
Scarlet Macaws – were they really bred by indigenous people in the 12th century? Rosemary Low asks the question
In issue 309 -
Understanding the link between nutrition, hormonal behaviours and the avian endocrine system, Part 1 – The Holistic Parrot by Leslie Moran
In issue 309 -
The Yellow-eared Parrot – continues to expand its range in Colombia. By David Waugh, Correspondent, Loro Parque Fundación
Subscribe To Parrots Magazine - Don't miss a thing
Home eMag subs image

New e-Magazine Subscriptions

How would you like to get your Parrots magazine subscription delivered straight into your inbox. We are providing a new service to do just that. Visit our e-Mags Subscriptions page to register now.

subscribe

 The October 2023 edition of Parrots magazine (issue 309) will be available to download from 13th September via a link which will be emailed to subscribers. Single copies will be available from our online shop. You can save money by subscribing – find out more here.

Salt and how much

Spreads for web 3

In this article, John McMichael gives a perspective.

Both we and our parrots require salt or sodium chloride (NaCl) in our diet to survive. This is a legacy of our evolution from creatures that lived in the primeval ocean. We both also have a sense of taste devoted to the detection of the sodium ion part of salt. Sodium is a key component in our cells and blood. In human serum, the concentration of sodium ranges from 135 to 145 mEq/L. That of a Blue & Gold Macaw ranges from 138 to 153 mEq/L. So, in these regards, there is not much difference between us and our parrots.

In both, the kidneys serve to regulate the level in the blood and the more sodium in our blood the harder they have to work. When the sodium concentration is too high, people experience thirst, agitation and exhibit irrational behaviour. Similarly, in birds, an excessive saline level is associated with dehydration and sometimes kidney failure. On the other hand, when its concentration drops too low, people become fatigued or worse, have seizures. In parrots, too low a level can be a sign of diabetes and sometimes parasites, but can also lead to psychogenic problems and kidney failure. Thus, the salt level has to be tightly regulated by the bodies of both people and parrots in order to stay healthy. This makes salt in the diet a great concern for all animals.

Buy Now!

Promotions

Newsletter

Newsletter

Invalid Name
Invalid email address
Please identify how you found us
Invalid Input

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe to parrots magazine

subscribe today. The best most widely read magazine for parrot lovers.

 
 

Our Address

Parrots magazine is published by
Imax Visual Ltd, West Building,
Elm Grove Lane, Steyning BN44 3SA

Telephone +44 (0)1273 464777
© Parrots magazine 2023