Spirulina as a food additive

[ozquaker]

I'd been checking up on various potential additives to feed my birds and spirulina has come up as a source with well documented evidence for its effectiveness. I'd known that Flamingoes in captivity needed to be fed a phytoplankton (some cheat and use artificial colouring) to maintain their colouring, but hadn't realised spirulina was that phytoplankton.

It's on my list of goodies to buy, but thought I'd ask if anyone is already using Spirulina as a health supplement in their handraising formula or as an additive to promote good health in adult birds?

I've checked out several research publications on the product and have also found this summarised article manxaura.customer.netspace.net.au/ozquaker/spirulina.pdf</a>. It focuses on its effects on improving the immune system, but the benefits can be seen - the 3rd last paragraph mentions that one of the components in spirulina makes "skin and hair shiny and soft yet durable". The reports I've read on its effects on birds indicate that it makes feathers more intense in colour and shiny - which makes sense since hair and feather are essentially the same thing made of keratin. Has anyone using spirulina noticed this in their birds?

Giovanni

[AussieBirds]

Good morning Giovanni, If i may boast about our very knowledgeable members here at AussieBirds and draw your attention to a post at the following link at this forum aussiebirds.proboards27.com/index.cgi?board=nature&action=display&thread=1102541081
;D ;D ;D our attention was drawn to this product some time ago by our very clever and knowledgeable friends here.

John

[ozquaker]

Thanks for alerting me to the earlier post. Guess I should remember to do a search first Anyway, I've gone right out and bought myself some from the health food store and will be giving it to the birds at the next feeding!

Cheers, Giovanni