Very good point...
Over supplementation is as bad as under.
And your right, I forgot to mention...
One would assume that younger, faster growing Corns and breeder/ egg producing females in particular would have greater nutritional needs than non-breeding adults would obviously.
So if assuming that extra vitamins are not necessarily needed for non-breeder adults, as is some peoples opinion, they very well may be needed for babies and breeders.
By using 2/3 ultrafine Calcium D3 to 1/3 vitamin, mixed up in small batches, and dipping a thawed mouse butt in it every feeding ought not be a problem with over supplementation, especially with naturally sourced vitamin powders such as Superpreen and Herptivites new natural formulation. Baby asprin diluted strength, if you will. imho.
I have/had been using a product called "Prime" by the Canadian company "Hagen" that is sold as a concentrated vitamin, mineral and amino acid cage bird supplement. It has a probiotic package in the formulation.
Perhaps easier to find for many than super preen, locally.
Prime contains 14 vitamins and 9 minerals...
micro-encapsulated beneficial bacteria (probiotics)...
...Calcium gluconate carrier adds required calcium, deficient in most supplements. Lysine and methionine amino acids improve diet protein quality and assimilation. Its unique combination of enzymes and acidifiers improve digestion.
http://www.avianattic.com/store/vitamins.html
http://www.birdalog.com/index.cfm/S/46/N/255/Prime_by_Hagen.html
"Blairs Super-Preen"
Super Preen (Made in the U.S.A.)
A natural nutritional supplement that provides Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids, and Electrolytes, plus other nutrient factors... Contains no preservatives or fillers...only the finest and purest ingredients used...
http://www.arcatapet.com/superpreen.cfm
Super preen is a pioneering product and is still considered the best
by many old school Parrot breeders. Been out for decades.
Prime came on the market about a dozen + years ago, and has a huge market share due to Hagens products established, extensive, pet store distribution network. Originally developed to balance out/ correct the deficiencies of a "seed junkie" birds diet. Other uses became apparent with time.
OSTEO-FORM powder Calcium
A "Chelated calcium"...
Osteoform contains organic chelated minerals.
It contains 9 chelated minerals and vitamin D3.
Try the local drugstore or Health food store for bulk powder.
German made "Nekton" brand is another excellent line/ brand of critter vitamins, pricey though. A relatively big variety of specialty formulations for exotic Critters.
It may be easier to find in europe (E.U.) than the other brands.
"Nekton MSA" is a High grade mineral, calcium, D3 and trace element supplement labeled for use in both birds and reptiles.
http://www.feedingtech.com/p0000025.htm
"Herptivite"...
"New from the makers of Rep-Cal. A multivitamin, multimineral and amino acid food supplement for herptiles without Vitamin A.
Instead it uses Bata Carotene so it eliminates the threat of Vitamin A toxicity. Mix/ dilute with calcium...
" HERPTIVITE contains precise levels of vitamins and minerals combined in perfect balance to ensure correct utilization of protein and other essential nutrients for growth..."
Beta carotene sourced " A" is probably the wave of the future with most of these formulations, this Herptivite could be worth a look see. :~}
"Sticky Tongue Farms"
"Miner-All I"
(key product features)
The only product scientifically designed with over 50 vital minerals and trace-minerals found in skin, bones and muscles of wild herps.
Formulated to stick better to insects, mice and vegetation than any other product.
No oyster shell product containing pollutants or dangerous metals.
Used and recommended by top breeders, Zoos, and veterinarians!
Miner-All "O" does not contain Vitamin D3 while Miner-All "I" does contain vitamin D3.
http://www.miner-all.net/STFMINER-ALL.htm
A good "Parrot Supplies" specialty Store will stock some of the above also avian related products (Super preen, Prime, osteoform). "Bird Expo's"/ Shows are another good place to look for supplies.
There are cheaper priced copycat, "cloned" products that have appeared recently, I would stick with "name brands" for now, to protect ones from inferior quality ingredients/ formulations.
Whats the old slogan, "Accept no substitions"...