HARI PRIME is a full-spectrum vitamin, mineral and amino acid supplement for companion birds, particularly birds whose diets are predominantly based on seeds, vegetables and fruit.

It provides 14 vitamins, 9 minerals and the essential amino acids lysine and methionine, along with micro-encapsulated beneficial bacteria, enzymes and acidifiers.

PRIME is formulated for a wide range of companion and aviary birds, including:

Budgies / Parakeets
Cockatiels
Lovebirds
Finches
Canaries
Parrotlets
African Greys
Amazons
Pionus
Lories
Cockatoos
Macaws
Mynahs
Softbills
Toucans

It is available for very small through large birds.

No. This is an important distinction.

PRIME is primarily intended for birds eating a predominantly seed-based diet or less than about 70% formulated/extruded food. If a bird eats a predominantly complete formulated diet such as Tropican, additional supplementation may not be necessary and excessive supplementation should be avoided.

If you're unsure whether your bird needs supplementation, HARI recommends discussing it with an avian veterinarian.

Seed-heavy diets can provide protein and energy but may not provide appropriate amounts or ratios of certain vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids.

PRIME is specifically formulated to address nutritional gaps in seed, vegetable and fruit-based diets, including calcium and the amino acids lysine and methionine.

This makes it particularly relevant for birds in India that are traditionally fed predominantly seed mixtures.

The dose depends on bird size, weight and overall diet.

For birds predominantly eating seeds, HARI's general daily feeding guidance is:
| Bird size | Suggested daily amount |
| ------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------: |
| Small birds – budgies, cockatiels, finches, lovebirds, etc. | **½ cc** |
| Medium birds – Pionus, small Amazons, Goffin Cockatoos, etc. | **1 cc** |
| Large birds – African Greys, Amazons, Cockatoos, Macaws, etc. | **1½ cc** |

The enclosed measuring spoon is 1 cc.

Do not exceed the recommended amount.

HARI recommends moist food as the preferred method.

Sprinkle the measured quantity over the bird's preferred fruit, vegetables or leafy greens, where the powder adheres to the food and is more likely to be consumed.

HARI specifically advises against putting PRIME directly into a seed mix because much of the powder can fall to the bottom of the bowl or remain attached to seed hulls that the bird later discards.

Yes, but HARI considers this an alternative rather than the preferred method.

PRIME can be mixed at 1 cc per 88 ml (3 oz) of water. However, it isn't completely soluble because of its calcium and amino-acid content, and the beneficial bacteria can produce a sulphur-like odour after several hours in water.

For this reason, mixing it with moist food is generally the better option.

Yes. HARI's feeding guidance recommends daily PRIME during moulting, provided supplementation is appropriate for the bird's diet.

The inclusion of lysine and methionine is particularly relevant because these amino acids contribute to protein metabolism and feather development.

Yes. HARI specifically highlights PRIME's calcium, vitamin D and vitamin E content in relation to reproduction and describes it as particularly useful for birds that are breeding or laying eggs.

For chronic or excessive egg laying, however, supplementation should ideally be discussed with an avian veterinarian rather than managed solely through supplements.

It depends on how much formulated food the bird actually consumes.

HARI states that birds eating a predominantly extruded diet may not need PRIME. Where supplementation is still appropriate, HARI recommends no more than 3–4 times per week, with daily feeding during moulting.

So don't automatically add PRIME simply because your bird eats Tropican—look at the overall diet.

Yes, and calcium is one of its major nutritional features.

PRIME uses calcium gluconate as a nutrient carrier and also contains calcium carbonate. HARI positions the product as a high-calcium supplement, particularly useful where seed-based diets don't provide sufficient calcium.

Because it is already calcium-rich, do not combine it indiscriminately with other calcium supplements.

Yes. PRIME contains micro-encapsulated beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecium. HARI says these support healthy gut flora.

It also contains enzymes and acidifiers intended to support digestion and nutrient utilisation.

Yes. PRIME can be used for companion birds in India according to HARI's feeding directions.

For Indian conditions, pay particular attention to storage. HARI recommends keeping PRIME tightly sealed in a cool, dry place at approximately 10–26°C to preserve the vitamins, probiotics, flavour and composition.

During India's hot summer months, avoid leaving the container in direct sunlight, near a kitchen appliance or in a hot room.

HARI states that PRIME can support the growth of hand-fed babies, but baby-bird supplementation should not be improvised.

A hand-fed chick's formula already has a carefully designed nutritional profile, so additional supplementation should be undertaken only according to the feeding protocol or advice of an avian veterinarian/breeder experienced with hand-feeding.

No added sugar.

HARI specifically highlights that PRIME uses calcium gluconate as its nutrient carrier rather than sugar and contains natural fruit flavouring to improve palatability.