This is Teacher Tommy. Whenever you see his picture it is because he has some important information to share with you. Make sure you listen to what he has to say, we don't want a stroppy Tommy now do we? Are you sitting comfortably? We shall begin.....
Please DO NOT give your bird PEANUTS in shell. It is just not worth the risk!
Peanuts are particularly susceptible to contamination during growth and storage.
Poor storage of peanuts can lead to an infection by the mold fungus Aspergillus flavus, releasing the toxic substance aflatoxin.
The aflatoxin producing molds exist throughout the peanut growing areas and may produce aflatoxin in peanuts when conditions are favorable to fungal growth.
Quote: British Trust of Ornithology.
Concern has been expressed by the British Trust of Ornithology (BTO) about the amount of aflatoxin on peanuts
Even though peanuts are tested before they leave their country of origin tonnes of imported peanuts have apparently been found to be contaminated with aflatoxin - at up to 200 parts per billion according to Mr Chris Whittles, Chairman of CJ WildBird Foods. Aflatoxin is produced by a type of fungus called Aspergillus, and it is believed that the aflatoxin forms on the peanuts during transportation, particularly if they are stored under warm, humid conditions.
Members of the public have been advised by the BTO not to feed peanuts to birds unless they meet UK bird food standards and have been properly tested to ensure that they are not contaminated.
Aspergillosis can follow one of two courses - acute or chronic. Birds with acute aspergillosis have severe difficulty breathing, decreased or loss of appetite, frequent drinking and urination, cyanosis (a bluish coloration of mucous membranes and/or skin), and even sudden death.
The fungus generally affects the trachea, syrinx (voice box), and air sacs. The lungs may also be involved.
Chronic aspergillosis is much more common, and unfortunately, much more deadly due to its insidious nature.
The bird may not become symptomatic until the disease has progressed too far for a cure.
The respiratory system is the primary location of infection.
White nodules appear and ultimately erode through the tissue, and large numbers of spores enter the bloodstream.
The spores then travel throughout the body, infecting multiple organs including kidneys, skin, muscle, gastrointestinal tract, liver, eyes, and brain.
Respiratory symptoms will be the first to occur but will depend on the location of the greatest areas of colonization.
Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing and/or exercise intolerance are common.
If the syrinx (voice box) is involved, a change in voice, reluctance to talk, or a "click" may occur. Nares may become plugged or you may see a discharge. Eventually, severe respiratory compromise may kill them.
Other signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the other organs involved. If any portion of the central nervous system has become involved, the bird may have tremors, an uneven or wobbly gait, seizures, or paralysis.
With liver involvement, a green discoloration to the urates may be seen, and the veterinarian may feel an enlarged liver.
Generalized, non-specific symptoms can include loss of appetite leading to weight loss, muscle wasting, gout (painful, inflamed joints due to urate deposits), regurgitation, abnormal feces or diarrhea, excessive urination, depression, and lethargy.
Teacher Tommy doesn't like peanuts but sadly some of his fellow housemates have been fed them in the past. They are now very ill. "There are so many more treats that you can give us that are nutritious and yummy, such as pomegranete, palm nuts and other nuts. I especially enjoy a walnut in its shell".