Not only the sugars should be cut, but the simple starches too. White bread, white rice etc. Starch and sugar feed yeast like mad.
Here is part of a site about yeast in birds:
How is candidiasis diagnosed?
Since Candida is normally present in the digestive tract, simply finding the yeast there does not make the diagnosis of candidiasis. Along with a culture of the affected area and the finding of a large number of the organisms, your veterinarian will also take into account the signs, results of a physical examination, history and husbandry of the bird, and presence of other diseases.
To obtain samples for culture and microscopic examination, the mouth or other accessible area may be swabbed, or, an endoscope may be used to obtain samples from further down in the digestive tract.
How is candidiasis treated?
Treatment will include the administration of antifungal medications as well as eliminating any risk factors, such as poor diet, poor sanitation, or the presence of other diseases. Antifungal medications commonly include nystatin, flucytosine, ketoconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole. For treatment of oral or skin infections, ointment containing amphotericin B may be applied.
How is candidiasis prevented?
Candidiasis occurs when some other factor negatively influences the health of the bird. By providing a clean environment and proper nutrition, reducing or eliminating any causes of stress, and preventing contact with any potentially sick bird, the risk of candidiasis can be greatly decreased.
For birds on prolonged antibiotics, your veterinarian may advise mixing chlorhexidine into the drinking water. If candidiasis occurs in a bird nursery, nystatin may be added to the hand-rearing formulas. Any nursery items should be cleaned and disinfected after use on each bird (do not use any utensil on two birds without disinfecting in-between). Any left-over formula that could have been contaminated with secretions from baby birds should be discarded.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm ... cleid=3090And another, read the causes section:
THE YEAST BEAST
by Pam Thompson (March 1999)
All Rights Reserved
Candida albicans, a breeder's nightmare! What is it, what causes it, how to prevent it, and how to treat it? If you're a breeder who continuously deals with recurring yeast infections, and have exhausted all your resources for a cure to no avail, then this is the article for you.
I'm no nutritionist or avian vet; my only creditability is that I'm a breeder who had a reoccurring nightmare. Researching and understanding how the yeast organism works was the key to curing my nightmare.
WHAT IS CANDIDA?
Candida albicans is a yeast fungus that is very similar to the yeasts that cause bread to rise and fruit to ferment into wine. No one is sure what purpose it serves, if any. We do know that it helps the body decompose after death, but surely we don't want that to start happening while we're alive. It is a unicellular (single-celled) microorganism, a member of a sub group of the family of plants, known as fungi or mold, and reproduces by budding. It survives in most organic sources or anything alive and it reproduces rapidly.
In a sense, a territorial war is constantly going on within the intestines. Candida albicans resides in harmless quantities in the intestines, in a concentration of one Candida cell to millions of friendly bacteria. Under healthy conditions the friendly bacteria in the intestines keep yeast organisms in check by taking up space and by producing anti-Candida chemicals (these chemicals feed on yeast organisms). However, when the intestines are depleted of friendly bacteria, the yeast organisms begin to take over. This yeast overgrowth produces toxins (poisons) that disable the immune system from working properly.
Young unweaned birds are prime targets for yeast infections since their immune system has not had an opportunity to build up a good source of friendly bacteria to fight off infection. Older birds under stress caused by poor diet, breeding, fighting or overcrowding are also susceptible to infection.
A Candida infection can spread to the mouth, tongue, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, and throughout the intestinal tract. It can cause crop and esophagus lesions, and eye and lung problems. Within the crop, the underlying mucosa is thickened and roughened and therefore the crop cannot function properly. The crop may become distended with a white, cheesy fluid and mucous content, giving a balloon-like appearance, and often has a foul odor. Severe complications include crop stasis, vomiting, and swallowing problems. Rhinitis and beak necrosis may also occur if the yeast infects the otopharynx and spreads to the nares or the upper beak, causing the lower beak to grow abnormally. If untreated, death is likely. If bacterial invasion is also present, other numerous symptoms may occur.
WHAT CAUSES YEAST INFECTIONS?
Keeping Candida albicans in balance is a function of friendly bacteria, not the immune system. While the immune system and friendly bacteria work together, the immune system itself can't control Candida albicans once there is an overgrowth. With a lack of friendly bacteria within the immune system, the yeast begins to proliferate and the immune system will become so weak that viral and bacterial infections begin to wreak havoc. So, what caused the yeast infection is a depressed immune system due to an imbalance of friendly bacteria.
A yeast infection is almost always a secondary infection. The primary infection, more than likely viral or bacterial, is what started the war with the friendly bacteria. Your first step to curing recurring yeast infections is to treat any viral or bacterial infections that may be present.
In some cases the depressed immune system was caused by a combination of sources including the use of synthetic drugs, as well as poor management of environment and diet. Getting to the root cause (determining what caused an imbalance of friendly bacteria) and making the necessary changes will ultimately cure yeast infections and prevent its future recurrence in your aviary.
Synthetic Drugs
The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is the #1 cause for a depressed immune system. The use of antifungals, antibiotics and steroids are problematic as they kill the friendly bacteria within the intestines, weakening the immune system in the process. Many times synthetic drugs are too readily administered even for minor conditions. This over use is only weakening your gene pool. This surely suggests there must be another option. Natural alternatives to these harsher drugs can often be just as effective, if not more so.
Environmental Causes
Candida albicans grows best in a mildly acidic environment. Unfortunately, a nest box of chicks mimics that type of environment precisely. Poor feeding and incubating habits by the parents often are the cause of chicks infected with yeast. Evaluation of these parents is in order. Some other contributing factors include, but not limited to:
1) Stress related due to breeding, exhibiting, injuries, and overcrowding.
2) Dramatic temperature fluctuations.
3) Damp and dark basement aviaries where mold and fungus grows.
4) High humidity (increases the fermenting process of fresh foods).
5) Spray misting the inside of a nest box increases the growth of fungus.
Dietary Causes
1) Vitamin deficiency (particularly Vitamin A).
2) Cold or unsanitary handfeeding formula. Also, formula that is too thick.
3) Foreign objects within the chicks crop (pine bedding).
4) Leafy greens and other fresh foods that have begun to decay.
5) Contaminated feed and water.
6) Certain foods (i.e., refined carbohydrates & sugars).
Armed with this knowledge, it would be safe to assume the key to eliminating yeast infection is to keep the friendly bacteria within your bird's intestines in balance. This can be achieved by:
1) Evaluating your diet and environment and making the necessary changes.
2) Following up with a quality probiotic after administering synthetic drugs or during times of stress and minor illness.
3) Continue to replenish the friendly bacteria using natural alternatives on a weekly basis.
PREVENTION & PROBIOTICS
When necessary, synthetic drugs can cure a yeast infection. Nystatin is commonly used. Harsher drugs like Intraconzole, Ketaconzole, Difluconzole can also be used when Nystatin has no effect. However, remember these synthetic drugs are the biggest enemies of the friendly bacteria causing a depressed immune system. A follow up with a daily supplement of probiotics (lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus) is essential, otherwise the Candida albicans will only grow back, and more abundantly.
Prevention
Rather than continue using synthetic drugs and getting caught up in a vicious cycle of reoccurring yeast infections, a better idea is to prevent yeast from showing its ugly face in the first place. Your gene pool will be much healthier in the long run if you can prevent illness rather than continually treat it. The first step is to evaluate what you have control over and make the necessary changes. Here are some suggestions:
- Fortify your bird's diet with a natural source of Vitamin A (fish liver oil, carrots, green and yellow vegetables, eggs, and yellow fruits). Vitamin A helps to build resistance to respiratory infections, shortens the duration of diseases, keeps the outer layers of tissues and organs healthy, promotes growth, strong bones, and healthy tissue, helps protect the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat and lungs, thereby reducing susceptibility to infections. You can also use a Vitamin A & D supplement made specifically for birds.
- A diet high in fresh vegetables, especially leafy greens, which are alkaline and balance the acidosis of Candida albicans. Wash all fresh leafy greens and vegetables with a safe non-toxic veggie wash.
- Store all feed in clean, dry and tightly sealed containers. Purchase your feed from a supplier that has a reputation for selling fresh product.
- Use bottled purified or spring water.
- Remove fresh foods within 1-2 hours. Sooner if the temperature is hot and humid.
- Do not spray mist the inside of the nest box. If you need to moisten the eggs, take them out of the nest box and hold them in a warm damp cloth.
- Keep the temperature even and steady with the proper humidity level.
- Wash all contaminated dishes daily with a good disinfected (bleach and water solution is recommended and inexpensive).
- Place a heat lamp or a heating pad on the outside of the nest box for those pairs who leave their young chicks unattended for too long. This will help to avoid having to pull the chicks at an early age due to chilling; chilling can cause illness.
- Proper lighting promotes a healthy bird and a healthy bird is more equipped to fight off illness.
- Breads have sugar so that's a "no no" especially if you are experiencing reoccurring yeast infections.
Probiotics
The one supplement I highly recommend to all cockatiel breeders is a quality Probiotic. Probiotics are multipurpose natural antibiotics that inhibit the growth of many pathogens, including the common yeast infection, by producing lactic acid in the intestines; thereby improving intestinal health and promoting effective digestion. A combination of Lactobacilli acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidus is recommended. These beneficial or "friendly" intestinal bacteria strengthen the immune system and actually use the yeast cells as food. Here are a few products on the market.
ProBac Adult Maximizer (Avian Medicine Chest): A probiotic powder for adult birds. Enhances the action of the digestive system, stimulates appetite and maximizes conversion of food. Hornbecks 888-224-3247 (hornbecks.com).
ProBac Chick (Avian Medicine Chest): An all-natural powder supplement containing live microorganisms, immunoglogulins, vitamins, nucleotides, enzymes and other components designed to help stimulate a chick's immune system. Hornbecks 888-224-3247 (hornbecks.com).
Bene-Bac: A concentrated source of live, naturally occurring bacteria in a convenient easy to administer gel or economical dried powder. Helps maintain a healthy digestive system, especially under times of stress or antibiotic therapy. Hornbecks 888-224-3247 (hornbecks.com).
Prime Total Health: Complete balance of vitamins, digestive enzymes, micro-beneficial bacteria and electrolytes. At your local Pet Smart (petsmart.com).
If you are experiencing recurring yeast infections in your aviary, then I would suggest the use of a quality Probiotic daily and begin cutting back to once or twice a week after you eliminate it's reoccurrence.