Aloe vera has been found on some toxic plant lists because of a fine yellow sap that lays between
the leaf and the aloe gel. This sap has been said to cause intestine irritations. For this reason it is found on toxic plant lists however, the intestine irritation is extremely mild. Eclectus should be allowed to enjoy the benefits of aloe vera on a daily basis.
You will also discover most parrot owners offer their birds whole aloe plants and leaves without any problems.
Aloe is great for healing wounds. Natural aloe juice from health food shops, undiluted is sometimes used as a spray for feather pluckers however, there have been some reports of the bought aloe spray oils coating the lungs if inhaled causing respiratory problems, so aloe sprays should be used carefully, bought or home made. Plain water is always a safer solution.
Eaten aloe can be great for arthritic conditions, Aloe saline solution can be used to flush congested sinuses, infections and parasites. Eaten aloe gel also boost the immune system.
Aloe has small amounts of vitamins and minerals, 20 or more amino acids, 9 enzymes, polysaccharides, trace elements, growth stimulants, electrolytes, anti inflamitories.
The plant is extremely cheap to buy and easy to care for. It should be offered to your bird on a regular basis eaten. It should always be a part of the first aid kit. It can be offered as an occasional spray however, over sprays of aloe will dry their skin, causing more irritation. Bathing is usually the best & safest option.
This formula is from Sue & her Parrot Beak and Feather Disease site. Sue writes:
Get an ordinary clean spray bottle. Do not use one that has had any kind of chemicals in it.
Fill the bottle half way with pure water, or water that has been boiled and cooled.
The water in the bottle needs to be fairly hot but not boiling or it will explode when you shake the bottle.
Use common sense, if you are a child, get an adult to supervise.
You will need a live aloe vera plant. No other substitute is the same. Nor as safe.
Aloe Vera in it's natural form is not poisonous to birds.
Break off a leaf, split it in half and scoop out the inside gel. Now take about a teaspoon of the gel and put it in
your bottle of water. Give it a good shake, let it settle, then keep on shaking the bottle till the gel dissolves.
This takes a little while.
You will know if it has dissolved enough because when you go to spray it will clog the nozzle if you haven't.
Whenever you want to spray your bird, take the nozzle off the bottle and heat in the microwave to a luke
warm consistency. Pour some on your skin first to test before you spray on your bird.
This formula will keep for months and months in the bottle.
