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High Source of Calcium
Contains 14 Vitamins and 9 Minerals
With Micro-Encapsulated Beneficial Bacteria
Available Products
PRIME
Vitamin Mineral Amino Acid Supplement for Birds
PRIME is a full-spectrum vitamin, mineral, amino acid supplement for birds. It is the only bird food supplement specifically formulated for seed, vegetable and fruit-based diets.
Keep Learning
PRIME Vitamins
The Best Way to Ensure Total Nutrition for All Cage Birds
For Birds on Seed Based DietsVitamins & MineralsProteins – Amino AcidsBacteria and Acidification
PRIME: A Comprehensive Bird Supplement
Early on in 1984, intensive research was conducted by Mark Hagen and the HARI team on existing seed-based bird foods and supplements to determine the level of nutrition science involved in their formulations. The findings indicated that there was a need for a properly formulated product that was both practical and efficient. Thus began the journey to create PRIME.
PRIME is based on the principle of premix supplementation, which involves comparing the individual nutrient content of the staple diet (seed/veg-legume/fruit ratio at about 6/3/1) with the estimated requirement and formulating to meet the deficiencies. While vegetables, legumes, and fruits (soft food) help to reduce overall fat intake, they do not contain sufficient levels of many essential minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. However, they do serve as an efficient vehicle for necessary supplements.
PRIME is used by sprinkling it over greens or fruit each morning, it can also be mixed with water. However, we do not often recommend using it in water, as most consumers object to the odour of sulfur dioxide produced by our (very viable!) beneficial bacteria cultures. PRIME is not sugar-based, so it does not dissolve instantly in water, but it will do so within a few minutes. And due to its high calcium content, some of the calcium may still precipitate out in a saturated solution. Therefore, we advise using it in food, not water.
PRIME is an ideal supplement for birds raising young or laying eggs, especially excessive egg layers, as it is an extremely high calcium content supplement that is phosphorus-free. It is the only supplement to use calcium gluconate as its carrier, a naturally sweet substance of highly bioavailable calcium.
PRIME is also an excellent choice for newly arrived and stressed birds, as it contains beneficial bacteria that are microencapsulated, increasing their stability. These bacteria help to lower the pH in the lumen of the intestine, creating a more negative environment for opportunistic pathogens such as E. coli.
Vitamins & Minerals
PRIME is a unique blend of 14 vitamins, including extra vitamin D and E, specifically designed to improve breeding outcomes. Although not considered a necessary vitamin for many birds, PRIME contains vitamin C, which acts as a natural anti-oxidant to safeguard the other essential vitamins from inactivation. This is a significant feature that many other products tend to overlook, especially those that are water-based, as their vitamins are more prone to oxidation. Vitamin C also works as a natural preservative of lactobacillus bacteria in PRIME, reducing disease risks during stressful periods.
Calcium is an essential mineral for many reasons, but it’s found in low levels in seeds and fruits. Interestingly, companion birds consume enough phosphorus (P) through their staple diet even when bioavailability is considered, but the calcium (Ca) levels are significantly lower than what’s required. This results in an imbalanced Ca to P ratio, which is critical for optimal mineral utilization, and far from the recommended 1 1/2 to 1.
PRIME is specially formulated with calcium gluconate as its primary ingredient and carrier, which will help maintain the recommended calcium levels in your pet’s diet. Other supplements often have insufficient amounts of calcium, requiring additional supplements to address these deficiencies. Calcium gluconate is an easily absorbable form of calcium, highly recommended by professional breeders and avian veterinarians alike.
The Importance of Amino Acids in Proteins and the Role of PRIME
Proteins, made up of amino acids, are essential components of a bird’s diet. However, plant proteins that are part of the staple diet may lack the essential amino acids lysine and methionine. Though standard seed mixtures contain enough protein to supply nonessential amino acids, the bird’s diet must be supplemented with lysine and methionine to improve the quality of the protein.
Feather protein has a higher level of cystine than other body proteins. During feather growth or moulting, the requirement for cystine increases. Methionine can be converted into cystine in the bird’s body, making cystine available when methionine is supplemented.
Amino acid requirements in the diet are much greater than vitamin requirements because the total amino acid requirement is equal to the protein requirement. Prime’s advanced new supplement has higher dosages of lysine and methionine to closely match the required total amino acid profile and improve the quality of the diet protein.
Many supplements on the market contain a small amount of all amino acids, including nonessential amino acids already found in seeds at sufficient levels. These supplements do not provide sufficient levels of essential amino acids that are low in the staple diet protein. Prime offers superior levels of essential nutrients compared to leading supplements, with 75.9 mg lysine (1/.55×41.745) and 52.3 mg (1/.55×29.315) methionine per gram, compared to the competing supplement’s 2.32 mg lysine and 2.26 mg methionine per gram.
The Role of PRIME in Hand-Feeding Foods
Acidifying hand-feeding food with Prime has many benefits, including maintaining ideal conditions for crop lactobacillus, inhibiting the growth of crop yeast and mold (candida), replacing the regurgitant normally secreted from the parent bird’s proventriculus, and improving digestive enzyme activity. The living bacteria in Prime produce metabolites that suppress the growth of pathogens while acidifying the mixture. This results in a synergistic response that creates a conducive environment for the growth of normal flora.
Prime also contains a unique combination of digestive enzymes, micro-encapsulated, sporulated probiotics (beneficial bacteria), and various acids that slightly acidify the final mixture. These living probiotics, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, remain stable for longer periods at room temperature and suppress the growth of potentially harmful organisms.
Did You Know?
PRIME Vitamin Mineral Amino Acid Supplement for Parrots…
- Is an ultra fine highly palatable powder that does not cake over time and dissolves quickly.
- Penetrates high moisture soft foods for accurate dosage administration.
- The fine powder form of calcium gluconate serves as a nutrient carrier and adds required amount of calcium that is deficient in most supplements.
- Significantly improves the growth of handfed babies.
- Has exotic fruit flavoring without added sugar which can promote pathogenic organisms.
- Contains Vitamin D and E for improved breeding; and A, C and E as antioxidants.
- Is a unique combination of enzymes and acidifiers for improved digestion.
- Contains micro-encapsulated Beneficial Bacteria (Probiotics) for the support of healthy gut flora.
Fruit Penetrating Fine Soluble Powder
PRIME is a great source of calcium gluconate in a fine, powdered form, which offers fantastic anti-caking properties. This makes it an ideal nutritious carrier for your bird’s food. There are numerous benefits to using PRIME’s dry, water-soluble ingredients. Unlike liquid supplements, the higher stability of this powder provides a longer shelf life for your product. Additionally, PRIME’s great dissolvability allows it to penetrate popular high-moisture soft food treats, providing your bird with the essential nutrients they need. Unlike other coarse powdered supplements, which simply coat the surface of the soft food and then fall off or are avoided by your picky bird, PRIME’s fruit penetrating fine soluble powder is a great way to enhance your bird’s diet.
Exotic Fruit Flavor
PRIME supplement is a highly palatable option for birds that prefer exotic fruit flavours and scents. Unlike other supplements that use yeast as a carrier, which birds tend to avoid due to its strong smell, PRIME’s natural apple and orange fruit flavours make it a tasty addition to soft food mixtures or as a sprinkle over veggies and fruit. This results in a homogeneous and pleasant taste that birds love. However, when added to drinking water, the reaction can be different. The beneficial bacteria in PRIME release sulphur molecules after six hours of being in a water solution, which can create a medicinal odour that may deter some birds from drinking enough water to get the nutritional benefit. One of the best things about PRIME is that it can be easily incorporated into your bird’s diet.
Nutrient Carrier Compared to Sugar
Many supplements use sugar as a carrier, but they try to hide it by using technical names like glucose, dextrose, or fructose on the product label. However, these sugars tend to clump together over time, making it difficult to measure accurate dosages. Furthermore, sugar bases offer a great food source for harmful micro-organisms in the drinking water, which may cause an imbalance in the normal gut flora that PRIME aims to correct. To solve this issue, PRIME utilizes calcium gluconate, a necessary nutrient ingredient, as a carrier instead of sugar.
Specifications
PRIME is specifically formulated with two limiting amino acids, Lysine and Methionine, as well as 14 vitamins and 9 minerals. It is the optimal choice for providing your beloved bird with their daily nutritional requirements.
MOST PSITACCINES • CANARIES • COCKATIELS • FINCHES • LOVEBIRDS • PARAKEETS • GOFFIIN COCKATOOS • LORIES • MINIATURE MACAWS • MYNAHS • PIONUS • AMAZONS • SOFTBILLS • TIMNEH • AFRICAN GREYS • TOUCANS
Calcium carbonate, L-lysine hydrochloride, citric acid, DL-methionine, magnesium sulfate, calcium gluconate, apple flavor, orange flavor, vitamin E supplement, salt, choline bitartrate, ascorbic acid, sodium citrate, silicone dioxide, manganous sulfate, ferrous sulfate, dried Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract, dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, niacinamide, vitamin B₁₂ supplement, zinc oxide, vitamin A supplement, riboflavin, D-calcium pantothenate, biotin, phylloquinone, pyridoxine hydrochloride, copper sulfate, thiamine hydrochloride, vitamin D₃ supplement, folic acid, potassium iodide.
Crude Protein (min.) 11%, Crude Fat (min.) 0.5%, Crude Fibre (max.) 0.1%, Moisture (max.) 9%, Ash (max.) 18%.
Guarantees are minimum unless otherwise stated.
Vitamin A 260.63 I.U*., Vitamin D3 48.49 I.U*., Vitamin E 7.27 I.U*., Phylloquinone/Vitamin K1 0.18 mg, Pantothenic Acid 0.30 mg, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 0.48 mg, Folic Acid 0.036 mg, Niacinamide 1.45 mg, Thiamine (Vitamin B1) 0.071 mg, Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) 0.12 mg, Vitamin B12 0.85 mcg, Biotin 3.03 mcg, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 3.39 mg, Choline 9.09 mcg, Iodine 5.46 mcg, Iron 0.48 mg, Manganese 0.73 mg, Zinc 0.80 mg, Copper 36.37 mcg, Calcium 23 mg, Methionine 29.09 mg, Lysine 40.97 mg, Amylase 17.0 units, Protease 12.8 units, Lactobacillus acidophilus 3.85 MCFU**, Enterococcus faecium 3.85 MCFU**.
*International units
**Millions of colony forming units
Prime Vitamin Supplement
82103 – 30 g (1.1 oz)
Prime Vitamin Supplement
82107 – 320 g (0.71 lb)
Prime Vitamin Supplement
82110 – 2 kg (4.4 lb) – Bulk
To preserve the nutrients, probiotics, flavor, and composition of PRIME, seal container tightly after use. It should be kept in a cool and dry place, with temperatures — no colder than 10C (340F) and no hotter than 260C (800F).
Manufactured in a facility that packages products containing known priority allergens. For companion bird use only.
Feeding Guide
PRIME DosagePRIME in Drinking WaterLarge Flock Dosage
Administering PRIME: The Best Method
Moist Food (Preferred Dosage Method):
Mix or sprinkle the recommended dose over the bird’s preferred greens, vegetables, and/or fruit. Avoid adding the supplement powder to the bird’s food seed mix, as most of the PRIME supplement powder will settle to the bottom of the dish. Additionally, the powder will coat the seed shells and hulls and will not be consumed by the birds when the hulls and shells are removed. By using moist food, such as the bird’s favorite greens or fruits, to absorb the powder, smaller and more accurate dosages can be used, since total consumption of the treated food is achieved.
Daily Dosage on moist food:
(enclosed spoon = 1 c.c. )
The correct dosage of PRIME is based on a bird’s overall diet* and on the size/weight of the bird.
Small birds (Canary, Cockatiel, Finch, Lovebirds, Parakeet, etc.) : ½ c.c. per day.
Medium birds (Goffin, Lory, Miniature Macaw, Mynah, Pionus, Small Amazon, Softbills, Timneh, etc.) : 1 c.c. per day.
Larger birds (African Grey, Amazon, Cockatoo, Macaw, Toucan, etc.) : 1 ½ c.c. per day
A veterinarian exam should be considered periodically to evaluate the bird’s assimilation of the supplements offered. DO NOT OVER DOSE.
*Note: A supplement may not be needed when feeding a primarily extruded diet (over a seed based/raw food diet) as a formulated diet can ensure complete nutrition. For birds who consume primarily extruded formulas, feed no more than 3 to 4 x per week. Feed daily when moulting.
HARI experts provide information about Prime dosage for birds, including the amount to give for birds on a formulated diet.
PRIME in Your Bird’s Drinking Water
Drinking Water (Alternative dosage method):
For all companion birds, use the same dosage as small birds require higher amounts of supplements per unit of body weight compared to larger birds. Ensure that the drinking water is fresh every day and dispose of any leftover solution from previous administrations. In a clean mixing container or drinking cup, add the desired dose, then add water and mix well. The supplement will dissolve from a milky suspension to a clearer yellow colour in just a few minutes. A few harmless particles may float or settle in the bird’s water dish with no adverse effects.
NOTE: PRIME is not 100% fully water-soluble due to its high calcium and essential amino acid content. Also, the beneficial bacteria release sulfur molecules from the amino acids after six hours of being in a water solution, which can produce a medicinal odour that may discourage some birds from drinking enough water to get the nutritional benefits. In warm climates, you may wish to change the water twice daily to minimize any associated (harmless) odour.
Daily Dosage:
(enclosed spoon = 1 c.c. )
1 c.c. per 3 oz (88 ml) of water.
The HARI team provides instructions on how to supplement a bird’s diet with PRIME and how to properly store the multi-vitamin to prevent contamination.
Large Flock Dosage
Determining the appropriate PRIME dosage for a Large Flock
Daily Dosage:
(enclosed spoon = 1 c.c. )
It can be challenging to determine the correct PRIME serving size for multiple birds in a flight, as serving distribution can vary. Consider several factors, such as the bird species (size/weight), diet composition (primarily seed-based or over 70% formulated extruded), season (moulting), age/life stage, and reproductive activity.
For instance, a flight of 15 cockatiels on a seed-based diet may require a suggested dose of ¼ cc per bird. Therefore, four level scoops (4cc) four times per week would suffice. However, the dose would differ if the birds in the flight were scarlet macaws, in which case the suggested dose would be 12 cc.
For birds that primarily consume extruded formulas, feed no more than three to four times per week. For moulting birds, daily feeding is recommended. Periodic veterinarian examinations should be considered to evaluate the bird’s absorption of the supplements provided.
Feeding Resources
Companion Parrot Weight Chart
Keeping track weekly of your birds weight
is vital to their overall health.
Extruded Diet Conversion Guide
Helpful tips and methods to transition your bird
to a balanced extruded diet.
Parrot Feeding Recommendations
Do you know the daily recommended
amount of food for your bird?
Want to Know More?
Learn More About Foraging Enrichment with PRIME
Nutritional Observations:
Hand-Feeding Formulas & Digestion
PRIME
Common FAQs
PRIME
Safety Data Sheets
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PRIME Vitamin Supplement
If you’re feeding your bird a mixed diet of seeds, nuts, vegetables and fruits or a limited amount of pellets or if you have a chronic egg layer then your bird needs PRIME.