Can Parrot Eat Orange? Are Citrus Fruits Healthier for Parrots?

Can Parrot Eat Orange

Yes, parrots can eat orange. You can serve orange to parrots without any hesitation. But, orange for parrots seems like once in a blue moon. Orange can ensure good health if you serve it in moderation to parrots. Different parrot species enjoy eating orange flesh. Citrus sinensis is the scientific name of orange. In 2022, 76 million tons of oranges are produces by Brazil.

Orange is in list of a citrus family. Citrus fruits are excellent for parrots. Oranges are used all across the world to enhance the taste of  sausages and drinks. Orange fruit is a orange color, oval shaped citrus fruit and relates to lemon. It is 5% acidic and has pH from 3 to 4.

You can serve oranges to baby parrots as well. But moderation is the key because baby parrots have sensitive stomachs.

In this article, I will explain: 

  • How to introduce oranges to parrots?
  • Which quantity of oranges are suitable for parrots?
  • Can parrots eat citrus fruits? 
  • Merits of eating orange
  • Its nutritional value
  • Demerits of eating orange
  • List of fruits that parrots can eat
  • Some friendly questions

Let’s Start Without Wasting Time!

Read | Can Parrots Eat Pear

How to Serve Orange to Parrots?

As a parrot owner, you should know the ways in which you serve oranges to parrots. These ways attract parrots the most. These ways are the best source to bond with parrots. Here, I will explain some of the ways to serve orange to parrots.

  • Wash the oranges.
  • First of all remove traces of pesticides to ensure good health of the parrot.
  • Cut orange into small pieces and serve to parrots.
  • You may or may not serve orange peels to parrots.
  • You can add a few drops of orange juice to other juices to enhance taste.
  • You can add a few slices of orange to parrots’ pellets.

Which Quantity of Oranges are Suitable for Parrots?

This is the most important question. You should know the quantity of orange which you serve to your feathery friend to eat. As we know that orange is a citrus fruit, it is better to serve orange in moderation to parrots.

You can serve orange two to three times in a week for better health results. You can’t serve orange juice on a daily basis. Always serve fresh organic orange to parrots.

Keep Reading!

Can Parrots Eat Citrus Fruits?

Yes, parrots can eat citrus fruits. Orange is actually a fruit which belongs to the citrus family. Citrus fruits are found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Australia. Here, is a little bit about citrus fruits which parrots can eat:

  • Grapefruit
  • Orange
  • Lime
  • Key lime
  • Sudachi 
  • Blood orange 
  • Lemon

Citrus fruits are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, phosphorus and manganese. They also contain antioxidants. It helps prevent damaging free radicals and age related problems.

Merits of Eating Orange

Citrus fruits are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber and manganese. Orange is rich in citrus fruits which has a lot of benefits for parrots.

As a parrot owner, I will explain some amazing health benefits of oranges for parrots. Here are merits of eating orange for parrots:

  • Orange is a good diet that you must add to parrots’ food for better health. 
  • Oranges act as a defender against alkaline or yeast infections.
  • The peel of orange is good in preventing parrots from cancer.
  • It also contains antioxidants. It helps prevent damaging free radicals and age related problems.
  • Orange is useful for reducing cholesterol in parrots.
  • Vitamin C is present in orange in plenty as compared to other fruits.
  • Orange is a good source of vitamin C and citric acid which boosts parrots’ immune system.
  • It gives longevity to parrots’ lives and ensures good health.
  • Orange is a good source for absorbing iron and making the sugar level normal.
  • Orange is good for smooth functioning of the gut.
  • Always add a few drops of orange juice to apple or other juices while serving it to parrots. Because high intake of lemon juice leads to yeast infections. Orange helps in preventing these infections. 

Nutritional Value – Hidden Truth

Orange is a source of billions of nutrients. One slice of orange contains following essential nutrients such as:

  • 2.08 g of Calcium
  • 0.05 g of Iron
  • 4.24 mg of Vitamin C
  • 86% of Water 
  • 0.22 g of Fibre
  • 11 mg of Potassium
  • 0.08 g of Vitamin A
  • 0.005 mg Zinc

Demerits of Eating Orange

Oranges are good for parrots but at the same time, it has few demerits which as a parrot owner you must need to know:

  • Excessive preservatives
  • High intake of fiber
  • Excessive pesticides
  • Stomach issues
  • Diarrhea 
  • Acidity

List Of Fruits That Parrots Can Eat

Fruits are vital for parrots. You should serve fruits to parrots which are full of health beneficial. Oranges are safe and healthy for parrots. It provides great health benefits.  Parrots eat fruits, which are low in sugar and full of energy. You will serve only 15 to 30% of fruits to your parrots.

As a pet owner, I will tell you some other fruits including oranges which you can serve to your cutie pie.

  • Blueberry  
  • Banana
  • Pineapple
  • Strawberries 
  • Dragon Fruit 
  • Kiwi
  • Mango
  • Banana
  • Tomato 
  • Coconut
  • Grapes 
  • Watermelon 
  • Peaches 
  • Papaya
  • Pear 

According to Journal of Basic Zoology, fruits having oxalic acid is life threatening. Otherwise all fruits are healthier for parrots to eat.

List of Fruits That Parrots Can Not Eat

Fruits are of vital importance for parrots. Oranges can never affect parrots, if you feed oranges in moderation to parrots. But, all fruits are not safe for parrots. As a pet owner, I will tell you which fruits are not safe for parrots. 

  • Plums 
  • Avocado
  • Raw rhubarb
  • Apricot pits
  • Apple seeds
  • Peach pit
  • Cherries pits

Parrots’ digestive system is more sensitive than humans. So, remove pits and seeds and then serve it to parrots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Parrots Drink Orange Juice?

The simple answer is Yes, parrots can drink orange juice. It is good for their health. You can add orange juice to various parrots’ food. Orange juice is sour and has a pH of 4. 

You don’t serve tin or packed orange juice to parrots. because it contains little amount of white sugar and preservatives. These are toxic for parrots’ health.

Can Parrots Eat Orange Seeds?

Yes, orange seeds are completely safe for parrots. Parrots like to eat orange seeds more than flesh and peels. It is a source of fun for parrots. It is not an organic diet for parrots. It is better to mix orange seeds with different fruits and vegetables.

Can Parrots Eat Orange Peels?

Yes, parrots can eat orange peels. It is good for parrots’ health. It is not mandatory to remove the peels before serving it to the parrots. As a parrot, it is important to wash oranges before serving them. There are small traces of pesticides on them. 

Orange peels contain D-Limonene which have 97% of Limonene oil. Always serve fresh orange peels to your parrot for good results. 

Can Parrots Eat Orange Skin?

Yes, parrots can eat orange skin. But small amount of it is good for parrots. Wash orange skin properly to avoid germs. It is not rich in nutrients. It has a bitter taste. So some parrots may not like it. Avoid serving unwashed orange peels to parrots.

Can African Grey Parrots Eat Orange?

Yes, African Grey parrots can eat oranges. It is a source of treat for them. Oranges are full of Vitamin C. It prevents african grey parrots from dehydration. Moderation is necessary for serving oranges to them due to sugar content. Remove seeds and then serve to them. 

Last Lines

It is okay to serve oranges to parrots. While serving oranges to parrots, you must serve oranges in moderation. As the excess of any food is bad for parrots. Intake of citrus fruits is good for parrots. It has a lot of health and nutritional benefits but at the same time it has demerits too. 

You can serve oranges in different forms to parrots. Always serve fresh and juicy organic oranges to parrots for best health results.

If you have any query, ask me in the comment section, I will answer you as soon as possible. Thanks for Reading!

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By Amna Saeed

I'm Amna, and I absolutely adore birds, especially parrots. I've been immersed in the world of these colorful feathered friends for over 10 years. While I'm not a bird doctor, I've gathered a wealth of knowledge on how to care for and understand them. My experiences extend to various bird species like parrots, macaws, cockatoos, canaries, and finches. In addition to my personal adventures with birds, I've dedicated time to volunteering at a local bird rehabilitation center. My true passion lies in sharing what I know about parrots and birds with you. Through my articles, I aim to share the information you need to provide the very best care for your avian companions. So, let's embark on this journey together and make your feathered friends' lives as joyful and healthy as possible!

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