What are Probiotics?

Probiotics are compounds that are comprised of naturally occurring intestinal bacteria. They have the ability to reduce the proliferation of infectious pathogenic gut bacteria. There is a process called competitive exclusion whereby "good" bacteria (Probiotics) out-compete potentially harmful organisms in the gut.

Are Probiotics necessary?

Let me ask you a question now, if I may. How well do you cope with stress in your life? Think about it for a minute.

Any bird taken out of its natural environment experiences various degrees of stress. Whether the bird is kept alone or with other birds, once it is removed from its own natural environment, sooner or later, it will become stressed. Birds experience tremendous stress when they must compete with other birds for space, food, water or a mate. The breeding season is probably the most stressful time during a birds life in the wild but even more so while in captivity. Birds are more susceptible to the effects of stress in shorter periods of time that any other animal or pet. Stress upsets the balance of "good" or as they are also called, "friendly" bacteria in the intestinal tracts of birds. This upset allows pathogenic "harmful" bacteria to multiply causing diseases, diarrhea, "pasted-up" vents, weight loss and a wide variety of other problems.

What is the safest, most natural way to counteract the effects of stress? The answer is to put "friendly" bacteria to work in the birds intestinal tract. This is the Probiotic or natural way. It is a totally safe and beneficial practice utilizing the "friendly" bacteria, Lacto-bacillus acidophilus.

AVI-CULTURE™ offers aviculturists, zoo curators and pet owners the finest Probiotic on the market with bacterial counts of over 100 million living organisms for the avian intestine per gram! It is over 100 times more effective than most other products on the market today!

AVI-CULTURE™ is produced using proven, field-tested microorganisms that have been shown to implant on the villi of the intestinal tract: Lacto-bacillus acidophilus, produces lactic acid and the enzyme amylase during the growth phase; Lactobacillus casei enjoys a wide temperature and pH range during growth and complements L. acidophilus producing lactic acid and amylase; Bifidobacterium bifidium, a delicate microorganism found in mother's milk and human, animal and bird intestines; Enterococcus faecium for lactic acid production in pH ranges similar to L. casei.

AVI-CULTURE is available in a 2 oz., 5 oz., 10 oz. and a 20 oz. Bottle. Each measure (enclosed) holds 1 gram. Each 3-gram teaspoonful contains 300 million colony-forming units of living microorganism avian strain Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Please note that you can begin supplementing your birds anytime with AVI-CULTURE without worry of upsetting their digestive system. AVI-CULTURE begins to work immediately and the best time to use AVI-CULTURE is before, during and after the breeding season, during the molt, show season, shipping and winter conditioning. It is especially beneficial right after if a bird was under an antibiotic medication treatment. In other words, anytime birds experience stress in their lives. If used in drinking water and if you use an anti-bacterial detergent, bleach or an iodine solution, please be absolutely sure that the drinking vessels are very well rinsed. Replace drinkers every day with a fresh solution of AVI-CULTURE.

STORAGE:
Storage should be below 50 degrees F. All live L. acidophilus probiotics should always be refrigerated for maximum viability. AVI-CULTURE keeps indefinitely when kept frozen (recommended).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:

DAILY WATER USAGE:
For use in drinking water add 1 measure per quart of unchlorinated drinking water or 4 measures per gallon of drinking water. Let solution sit un-refrigerated for an hour prior to administration to birds. CHANGE WATER DAILY. Prepared solution is good for approx. one week when kept refrigerated.

FEED & NESTLING FOOD ADDITIVE:
AVI-CULTURE may be added to or sprinkled on pellets, moist foods, seed, fruit, greens, vegetables and to the water (unchlorinated) used to moisten nestling or hand-rearing formulas, etc, without fear of overdose as follows: DAILY USAGE:
•Small Birds (Finches, canaries budgies, etc.)……………………….….. ½ small measure •Medium birds (Conures, cockatiels, lovebirds, doves, mynah, etc.)……1 small measure •Large birds (Macaws, cockatoos, toucans, etc.)………………………… 2 small measures •Large zoo birds (flamingos, vultures, hawks, owls, eagles, penguins, etc.) adjust daily dosage according to size GROUPS OF BIRDS: DAILY DOSAGE:
•Small birds (as above)…………………….....1 teaspoon per 100 birds •Medium birds (as above)…………………...2 teaspoons per 100 birds •Large birds (as above)……………………...3 teaspoons per 100 birds •Large zoo birds…………………..adjust daily usage according to size

During periods of illness or stress, dosage should be doubled for 10 days. If bird does not return to normal after 5 days, consult a veterinarian.

Ingredients:
Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product dehydrated, Lactobacillus casei fermentation product dehydrated, Bifido bacterium bifidium fermentation product dehydrated, Streptococcus faecium fermentation product dehydrated, Dextrose