Zinc is an extremely important nutrient in your Parrots diet. The amounts of Zinc found in the diverse and nutrient packed diet that you normally feed to your Parrots is no where close to harmful. That little amount of Zinc that is found in the diet is actually what is naturally needed for your Parrot to be healthy.
However; in high enough quantities in the blood, zinc can cause what is known as Zinc poisoning. Zinc is used to coat iron or steel to prevent rust, a process known as galvanization. It dissolves in soft water and in acids/bases such as fruit juices.
In the bird world Zinc can be found on older powder coated cages and some European Parrot cages but more common on the wire used in the construction of outdoor aviaries. The rain water on outdoor aviaries disolves the Zinc on the metal leaving a residue. When Parrots mouth the “walls” of the aviary or cage to move around and explore, the Zinc is slowly absorbed into their system. Regular washing with a vinegar/water solution will remove the Zinc residue.
Some cheap out of country food dishes are coated or infused with Zinc. It can also be found in glues used on cardboard, especially the ones that are not 100% environmentally friendly. The amount may not be enough to make your Parrot sick, however; food grade products restrict the use of zinc based glues. So your cornflake boxes are likely safer then a shoe box.
Causes:
Zinc must be ingested or absorbed into the bloodstream to cause harm,
Ingestion of small amounts over long periods of time,
Food bowls,
Cages that are galvanized,
Ingestion of particles,
Metal pieces (from toys that use Galvanized wire),
Padlocks (for larger escape-artists cage’s),
Paint flecks (galvanized cages),
Mouthing of the cage while moving about (galvanized cages).
Symptoms of Poisoning:
Lethargy, weight loss, possible vomiting, ceasing eating, diarrhea (coloured green), loss of balance, depression, gastro-intestinal upset and death,
Feather picking is commonly found in Parrots with Zinc poisoning.
When zinc poisoning occurs, it takes a long time to get out of the system. Zinc is a cumulative poison, making it difficult to eliminated from the body. Once ingested, it is deposited in the liver, kidneys, muscle and pancreas. The amount excreted in the urine, intestinal tract and bile is very limited. The consequence is significant kidney damage from developing increased urination and water drinking.
If you suspect that your Parrot has Zinc Poisoning, take it to the veterinarian IMMEDIATELY.
Treatments:
Use of a chelating agent, that binds with the zinc in the body and is then expelled,
Injections of Calcium EDTA,
Injections of D-penicillamine,
Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA).
If a piece of metal is swallowed, it can be removed with a catheter, forceps or surgical removal.