Ask Lafeber

Iron Storage in Amazons?

I have an Amazon, and I am interested in your view on iron storage in Amazons. I am looking for a low-iron pellet. Any suggestions.

Hi Martha,

Amazons don’t get much in the way of iron storage disease. That said, most pellets are too high in iron and so I would frankly feed NutriBerries as they are about 100 ppm. And avoid oranges- you can give occasionally. Oranges and high levels of Vitamin C will affect iron transport across the kidney and so its important to feed small amounts of fruit and more veggies.

Hope this helps!

Susan Orosz PhD, DVM, Dipl ABVP (Avian), Dipl ECZM (Avian)

Bird and Exotic Pet Wellness Center, Toledo, Ohio