Manganese supports bone formation, eggshell integrity in breeding hens, and activates enzymes involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism. It is particularly important for breeding budgies, where adequate manganese helps produce strong eggshells and supports embryonic development. Millet, oats, and whole grains are good dietary manganese sources for budgies.
A teaspoon of millet provides roughly 0.1-0.2mg of manganese — your budgie's feed should contain approximately 60-100 mg of manganese per kilogram, which translates to roughly 0.3-0.6mg per day. Millet, oats, and quinoa provide adequate manganese within a varied seed and grain diet.
0.03% of daily nutrient intake
Manganese makes up 0.03% of your budgerigar's total daily nutritional requirements by weight. That's a tiny amount — but it matters.
Perosis (slipped tendon) in chicks, poor eggshell quality, reduced hatchability, skeletal abnormalities, and impaired growth. Manganese deficiency is uncommon in budgies eating a varied seed and grain diet.
Manganese toxicity from dietary sources is very rare. Excess is generally well tolerated and efficiently excreted.
| Life Stage | Size | Min | Max | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | — | 60 | 100 | mg/kg feed | Approximately 0.3-0.6mg per day. Millet and grains provide adequate manganese in a varied seed diet. |
Source: avian nutrition references, general avian veterinary consensus
