Pogo's lumps are getting worse, so I took him to a good bird Vet yesterday. She thinks he has massive fatty tumors from a bad diet, and the lack of essential vitamins and iodine. Iodine is very important to Budgies and their thyroid gland for metabolism regulation. If Pogo is iodine deficient, it could be a big factor in his problems.

I need to find a good vitamin and iodine supplement ASAP and change his diet to more pellet based or else he will probably die if I can't get these lumps to hopefully decrease in size in the next month or two. This was per the Vet's analysis.

Anyone have some good recommendations on brand, etc?

I'm sorry to hear that Pogo's lumps are getting worse. I'm glad you brought that up because I remember this thread:

Iodine Block

and honestly I have forgotten about the matter. The Avicakes and Nutriberries that I feed contain iodized salt but I have no idea if that quantity is sufficient.

After some searching, I found this supplement at the local pet store and bought a small bottle.

Nutritional Supplements and Conditioners: Nekton-S Bird Vitamins at PETdiscounters.com

This is the one the Vet recommended also, and has iodine in the form of calcium iodide ... which is a compound of about 10% calcium and 65% iodine. Tried to find the link I saw earlier showing the compound breakdown, but can't find it now.

Anyway, this is supposed to be highly rated vitamin and mineral supplement for birds, and also has the iodine. I also see that Zupreme pellets has some iodine in the ingredients.

Hopefully, getting Pogo some iodine in his diet will show an improvement in his weight and lumps. He's going to be 3 years on on July 8th, so he's way too young to die at this point IMO. The Vet said if the diet change and supplements don't show a noticeable improvement in 2 ~ 3 months time (and the lumps continue to grow), then the lumps are probably cancerous and there isn't much that could be done since they are too big.

Poor Pogo! I hope he makes a speedy recovery! I use Johnson's iodine blocks, both mine have it. Brian actually quite likes his, and I have seen Colin have a peck at it a few times. Not sure if they do this brand over there, but here it is:

Johnson's Iodine Block

Did you end up buying that supplement? Please let us know how it goes with getting some more iodine into his diet. I'm praying that this will be the solution to the issue and that the lumps aren't cancerous.

Yes, I bought the supplement last night and started giving Pogo and Ziggy water with the correct dosage in it. This morning, Pogo kept flying over to the sink for water, so apparently he's tried the new water and doesn't like the taste. I tasted it myself, and it's not very appealing to me anyway. I'm sure when they get thirsty enough they will drink it and get use to it. I think I will dilute it to half the recommended dosage for a while and gradually work up to the normal dosage so they can get use to it easier.

Yes, I really hope the iodine is the key ... the Vet really thought that his thyroid gland might be off due to iodine deficiency, and with a majority of seed diet caused him to get these fatty lumps.

My budgie have a mineral block that they chew on at will. Sprouting budgie seed will make it healthier to eat.

Scott, Harrison's carries a product from his AviX line, BIRD BUILDER; which is a Trace Mineral and Iodine Supplement. I still use this product from time to time and like it.

Bird Builder is a trace mineral and iodine supplement that is good for birds that eat seeds. This supplement can be used during the conversion of a bird to Harrison's diets or while the bird is sick. Once the bird is eating Harrison's exclusively, the use of Bird Builder would be discontinued.

BENEFITS
• Supplements trace minerals and iodine missing
from a seed diet
• Enhances feather strength and appearance
• Helps control incidence of fatty liver disease and
obesity
• Helps support the body’s enzymes
• Contributes to an overall healthy immune system
• Supports conversion to a formulated diet

DIRECTIONS: Add 1 oz (30 ml) to 1 gallon
(approx. 4 L) drinking water; adjust for larger
quantity. Keep refrigerated. Use as the bird’s only
source of drinking water. Not recommended for
use with birds eating a formulated diet or taking
iodine supplements unless advised by your
veterinarian.

INGREDIENTS: Distilled water, trace minerals
and iodine

LINK: AviX Bird Builder

Awww! We don't want any lumpy birdies! Take your iodine sweetie! Ruby is loving her juice these days from our new juicer. Maybe you could mix it in juice instead of water.

Well, Pogo and Ziggy are now being converted over to mostly pellets, and getting the vitamin/iodine supplements in their water. I do see them drink it, but if there is any other water around they try to go for that over the "doctored up" water.

Pogo does seem to be more active and energetic in just a few days ... but the Vet said if the fatty lumps reduce at all it will probably take 6~8 weeks before a noticeable difference is seen.

I cut the dosage of the water supplement in half because the Zupreem pellets also has calcium iodate in it, and that is where the iodine comes from.

Time will tell ...