Since its introduction, this diet has become our go-to recipe for us. It has been widely recommended and extensively used by poultry keepers around the world, attesting to its effectiveness in supporting avian health and aiding in the recuperation of sick birds.
What is “Rickets”? Please click here to view more info
It’s important to note that while “Ricket’s diet” can be beneficial for sick birds in need of quick supplementation of vitamins, minerals, and energy, it is not suitable for birds undergoing treatment for Coccidiosis or taking antibiotic medication. This is because the diet contains calcium and vitamin supplements, which may interact with the medication and reduce its effectiveness. Once the course of medication is complete, “Ricket’s diet” can be introduced during the recovery stage to support the bird’s health and aid in their recuperation.
½ to 1 cooked egg yolk crumbled
1 teaspoon cod liver oil (Contains Vitamin A & D, higher Omega 3 than fish oil)
1 teaspoon of honey
2 Tablespoons of natural yogurt or Greek yogurt
2-4 Tablespoons of oats
1 Tablespoon of beef tin CAT food (not dog food) OR pure raw mince
2 Tablespoons of grated or finely chopped apple
1 teaspoon of avian multivitamin powder or liquid e.g. Anitone, Passwell Multi-vite, Avi-vital
Always provide fresh clean water separately at all times
If you’re unable to source any of the ingredients”, substitute them with alternatives that offer similar nutritional value. Remember to provide small amounts at a time, enough for the bird to finish within a few hours, and store any remaining mixture in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
To make the mixture more crumbly than runny, add some pellets and let them soak for an hour. Then, roll the mixture into small pellets. If the bird is too weak or has lost its appetite, you may need to force-feed small amounts every hour or so until it can feed itself.
If you’re using this recipe to help an unwell feathered friend, we hope your bird make a speedy and full recovery. Take care and prioritize their health and well-being throughout the recovery process.
This post was created based on information collected from various sources, including a post on Australian Poultry by Backyard Poultry written by Fiona McNeill
