Milk Thistle Capsules for Birds

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is one of many bird-safe edible flowers. Some bird owners grow their own flowers for their pet birds' enjoyment. However, those that do not have the time or space to grow these nutritious flowers can instead purchase them in supplement form. Your vet may sell milk thistle supplements specially formulated for birds. Many health food stores also sell milk thistle capsules.

  1. Discuss with Your Veterinarian

    • Be sure to talk to your veterinarian before changing your bird's diet. Most pet owners know that different bird species require different types of nutrition. However, all birds are unique and some require specialized diets; others may have allergies. Your bird's current diet also plays a role in determining if supplementing with milk thistle capsules is appropriate. If your bird food of choice is already nutritionally complete, supplementing is not necessary and could actually cause more harm than good. You see, your bird can eat only so much, so you need to be sure that what gets digested is what your bird really needs.

    Why Milk Thistle?

    • Milk thistle is good for the liver. Many well-intentioned bird owners feed their feathered friends an all-seed diet, thinking this is best for them and because they like it so much. The fact is that an all-seed diet is not good for the liver. When birds get older, their livers may not function as well. One prevention is feeding a pellet-based diet and using seeds only as a treat.

      Sometimes pet owners instead supplement their bird's diet with milk thistle. Milk thistle promotes healthy liver function.

    Its Many Forms

    • Milk thistle comes in many forms. The bird can eat the whole flower, but it is easier to buy it in supplement form. Although milk thistle is available as a capsule, this form is not easy for all birds to take. Birds do not swallow pills or capsules well. The bird version of milk thistle typically comes in a powder or liquid. It can also come glycerin-based. Whichever version you choose for your bird (and the bird will likely have its own preference), be sure to get alcohol-free milk thistle.

    Feeding Your Bird

    • Getting your bird to ingest this new substance may be tricky, especially if it is a picky eater. Try sprinkling the powder on your bird's favorite treats. If you chose a liquid, the obvious choice is to add it to your bird's water. If your bird refuses this method, instead add it to some pellets and make a nice mash for your bird to enjoy. If you purchase the milk thistle capsule for your bird, open up the capsule and sprinkle it on food, a treat or in the water.