1. B₁₂ is non-toxic 2. B₁₂ improves the palatability of the food to which it is added (birds like it) 3. B₁₂ promotes feathering 4. B₁₂ hastens the development of young birds.
The significance of the last two points is important to all bird owners. In moulting, for instance, the loss and replacement of feathers is a severe tax on a bird’s general health, and an improperly feathered bird is at a great disadvantage. Furthermore, nutrition experts place great importance on the growth and development which foods produce in young animals and birds. Foods which support the best rates of development are naturally considered the most desirable.
Vitamin B₁₂ was included in the formulas for French’s Bird Biscuit and French’s Nestling Food only after the company had been convinced that the addition of B₁₂ would be a real contribution to canary and parrakeet nutrition. Bird owners will do well to feed vitamin B₁₂ regularly. This can be done by keeping the biscuit in the cage at all times. Sick or run-down birds, in particular, should have the biscuit or the nestling food.
ABOUT FEEDING DAINTIES
Most persons like to give their pets a treat now and then. An occasional treat is always relished and is usually beneficial. Wild seeds you have gathered are excellent. French’s Song Food and French’s Bird Biscuit are treats most canaries enjoy. French’s Sunshine Food is especially helpful during winter months. These French’s treats are excellent nutritional supplements which the canary enjoys. Follow the directions on each package, and your canary will be benefited out of all proportion to the small amount fed.
BIRDS NEED MINERALS
Extensive research with chickens has indicated that for proper nutrition and good health birds require quite a long list of minerals, some in fairly substantial amounts, others in only minute traces. The trace minerals and many of the others are present in sufficient quantity in the foods regularly fed.
Calcium is required in larger amounts and is best supplied by keeping a cuttle bone in the cage at all times. The cuttle bone is the backbone of the saltwater cuttle fish and provides a ready source of calcium and several other required minerals. If the cuttle bone becomes soiled or dusty, replace it with a fresh one. Add a tiny pinch of salt to a treat cup of Song Food or Sunshine Food once a week.
Occasionally dry and sterilize a few egg shells when you are using the oven. Crushed and sprinkled in with the gravel, these make good supplemental sources of calcium.