This edition is a continuation on the subject of avian nutrition. We have previously mentioned problems with calcium and phosphorous, but other problems do happen. Iron Storage Disease Problems with iron storage are a problem in many species, but particularly in toucans and the Mynah birds. These birds can have a genetic component in this disease and many individuals can appear clinically normal until death.
Mynahs do tend to show some clinical signs before death.
Current information suggests that dietary iron is important. Mynahs exposed to high levels of dietary iron progressively over time will store it in organs throughout the body, but the main storage organ is the liver. When this storage is excessive, then a weakness, difficulty breathing and abdominal fluid can build up as the liver fails. A lack of vitamin A is one of the most common problems we see in our patients. In many cases this deficiency is chronic but certain signs do indicate it as a problem.