Liquid calcium linked to kidney failure?

[Grizzle_zeb]

Has anyone ever had a bad experience with liquid calcium?
And has it been linked to neurological fits or kidney failure???

[Diane]

Hopefully some of our more knowledgeable medical members will post here, I can only speak from what Ive seen with regard to humans taking calcium, that being the notices seen on the packaging.

It seems people with several different types of medical history need to take care and/or inform their doctor before taking calcium and one of those "reportable" conditions is previous problems with kidneys.

So, in my mind while calcium, taken correctly, may not lead to kidney problems, it certainly may have some knock on effect for anyone who has had kidney, or other problems, in the past.

Whether this would be a similar situation in birds I really couldn't say, as the supplements on sale here are considered safe by the Australian authorities...for human consumption.

If it is, and calcium is causing death from kidney problems then I would think there could be several reasons for this, breeders buying calcium suited to humans rather than birds, and/or not giving the correct dosage, in the belief that if a bit is good then more has to be better! This would be very problematic when using human based supplements as the dosage rates would have to be reduced significantly.

If all the above is done right and birds are still dying from kidney related diseases then I would start to worry that there is a far more serious problem within that flock which any calcium dosing is bringing to attention.

[Myzomela]

Hi Grizzle zeb,

That sounds like a loaded question.
Why do you ask?

[Grizzle_zeb]

I'm trying to assess the pros and cons of using AVIAN liquid calcium
As I have had nothing but bad experience when using on egg bound hens.
The only read I could find is that it could possibly be linked to kidney failure and neurological fits.
To be honest I've had better success with the good old heat lamp as opposed to using the liquid calcium.
All thoughts appreciated. All doses I did where measured accordingly.
Cheers

[Myzomela]

Most liquid calcium supplements are actually very dilute.
The only reason why your birds may be doing badly has probably more to do with the stress of handling and forcing medication into them than an adverse reaction to the calcium supplement itself.

If you are getting more than the occasional eggbound hen then I would be looking at prevention ie increase the calcium you are providing the hens before & during egg laying, and also other supplements such as fatty acids, trace minerals etc. Also ensuring that the hens aren't being stressed unduly by competition for food/nest sites/ or excessive attention from its mate or other cockbirds or other birds. And ensuring that they are parasite free and in top condition before breeding commences.

[Tiaris]

The heat lamp (warmth) is the best & most effective treatment for an egg-bound hen as long as you find her and act early enough. Calcium supplementation is generally a preventative treatment & is a bit late when the hen is already eggbound. I think unless you supplement with liquid calcium extremely regularly all year round, you are unlikely to have secondary problems arising from its use. I still occasionally (about twice per month) use a liquid calcium supplement solution in drinking water for my finches only during late autumn & winter when younger breeding hens are more vulnerable. At this time of year I also mix some liquid calcium into sprouted seed. Other dry mineral and grit supplements are constantly available to all breeding birds at all times.

[TomDeGraaff]

Would during or just prior to the moult be a good time to act on Calcium needs?

[Myzomela]

Hi Tom,

Calcium is just one of several nutrients required during moulting- the others being amino acids (protein) especially lysine and methionine, and trace elements. These need to be available before and during the moulting period to maximise feather quality and minimise the length of the moulting period.