Birds cannot eat all food items. These food items are toxic for them. These toxic items include chocolate, caffein, uncooked beans, uncooked eggs, peanuts, salt, mushrooms, spices, oil, onions, garlic etc. As a bird caretaker, you must fulfill dietary needs of the bird. If a bird eats toxic food, then they come under health issues.
Their organs damage and sometimes lead them to death. It is better to avoid toxic food items. Birds have sensitive digestive systems, unlike humans. Some food items are harmful to them, can be harmless to us. Even a small amount of toxic food item affects them.
In this article, I will tell you:
- 9 toxic bird foods
- What to do if birds eat something toxic?
- Symptoms of eating toxic food
- Can parrots eat tomatoes
- Parrots safe food items list
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s start without wasting time!
9 Toxic Bird Foods
Here, I will tell you those food items that are toxic and unsafe for birds.
Chocolate and Caffeine
Theobromine is present in chocolate. A small amount of theobromine is toxic for birds. If a bird eats small amount of chocolate, it will lead to diarrhea, vomiting etc. Dark chocolate is completely prohibited for birds. It is due to a higher concentration of theobromine. Caffeinated drinks including tea, energy drinks, coffee etc should not serve to parrots. It will overstimulate the hearts of birds. Sometimes, it will lead to fatal arrhythmias.
Alcohol and Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks and alcohol hurt birds’ health. Alcohol is toxic for birds. It affects the nervous system and liver of birds. After consumption of alcohol, birds feel difficulty in breathing. Artificial soda and juices are also harmful to them. Birds’ bodies are sensitive to artificial flavors, sugar etc. Fructose corn syrup is present in sugary drinks. It leads to diabetes in birds.
Onions and Garlic
It is better for birds to avoid eating onions and garlic. It contains compounds and elements that affect the red blood cells of birds. Due to the consumption of onions and garlic, birds feel weak. Organ failures occur in them. Also, avoid powdered onion or garlic in their food. Garlic is good for health, but you should serve a very small quantity to birds.
Salt and Salty Foods
Salt is toxic for birds. It contains sodium chloride (NaCl). Eating salt can cause kidney failure, neurological issues, dehydration etc. Food like pretzels, chips, cheetos etc that contain high salt, should place away from birds. Due to high salt intake, parrots electrolytes disbalance.
Fruit Pits and Apple Seeds
Pits of fruits contain cyanide. Cyanide is toxic for birds. Cherry pits, peach pits, apple seeds, avocado pits, apricot pits etc should avoid. But, fruits are safe and healthy for birds. Their pits are toxic for them. They must be removed before serving to birds. If birds eat pits, then breathing difficulties occur immediately.
Dairy Products
Dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese contain lactose. Birds have a small number of enzymes needed to digest dairy products. Due to this, they suffer from digestive issues, bloating, diarrhoea etc. But some large birds can tolerate a very small amount of dairy products. It is better to avoid dairy products. Many birds owners serve cuttlebone and leafy green vegetables to them.
Raw Beans
Raw beans are bad for birds’ health. It contains lectins. Eating raw beans causes vomiting, digestive issues, ulcers etc. Sometimes, it leads to sudden death in birds. But, cooked beans are completely healthy and safe for birds to consume. Make sure that cooked beans are free from seasoning.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms have toxins that are harmful to birds. It causes liver failure, if eaten in small amounts. But, non-toxic mushrooms are very difficult for birds to digest. It is difficult for bird owners to distinguish between unsafe and safe mushrooms. But, it is better to serve only fresh vegetables instead of mushrooms.
Peanuts and Moldy Foods
Moldy foods and peanuts contain aflatoxins. It will affect the liver of birds. Birds must avoid these food items. Yet, nuts are safe for birds but peanuts are harmful to them, if eaten in excess. Always keep an eye on your parrot to examine their behaviour after eating peanuts.
Symptoms of Eating Toxic Food
Eating toxic food leads to poisoning in birds. If your bird eats toxic food, then the following symptoms appear in them.
- Digestive Issues: Your birds lack appetite. Vomiting and diarrhea started.
- Breathing Problems: Due to the reaction of toxic foods, gasping, wheezing etc starts.
- Lethargy: Sometimes birds feel weakness and tiredness. Lack of movement also seen in them
- Changes in Droppings: Their droppings are inconsistent and have smell. If the toxin is in high amounts, then it will cause sudden death in birds.
Parrot Safe Food List
While serving food, it is better to prefer a balanced diet. This includes vegetables, fruits, herbs, pellet, seeds, etc. As a bird caretaker, I will tell you some safe treats for birds.
- Pellets: Pellets are a commercial food for birds. It includes oats, rice, corn, wheat, nuts, fresh vegetables, fruits, etc. These are a good source of minerals for birds.
- Fresh Fruits: Fresh fruits are healthy for birds. But, it must serve in moderation. Avoid serving fruit pits to them. You can serve mango, papaya, watermelon, banana, pomegranate etc to them. These fruits are good sources of vitamin K and antioxidants.
- Fresh Vegetables: Birds must have a part of vegetables in their diet. Safe vegetables include spinach, sweet potato, zucchini, broccoli, corn, peas etc. It provides fiber, iron and calcium to them.
- Seeds: Seeds like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds etc are edible for birds. It is rich in proteins, omega 3, fatty acids etc.
- Nuts: Birds can eat pistachios, walnuts, hazel nuts, almonds etc. It is good source of proteins and fats.
- Grains & Legumes: Pasta, brown rice, barley, cooked beans, chickpeas etc are good for birds. These items are rich in carbohydrates, fibre and proteins.
- Herbs: Basil, dill, oregano, cilantro, parsley, mint etc are good for birds. It is a good source of antioxidants for them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What to Do If Your Bird Eats Something Toxic?
If your bird eats something toxic, then don’t panic. Give frequent water to them to drink. Contact a vet for proper treatment of bird. If a bird eat something toxic, you will see symptoms like weakness, breathing issues, vomiting etc. You can also give the first aid to them at home.
What Human Food Can Birds Eat?
Birds can eat human foods. It includes nuts, cooked eggs, cooked beans, fruits, green leafy vegetables etc. Nuts and seeds are also good for birds’ health. Make sure that cooked food items should be free from any extra salt and flavors. Always serve clean and fresh food to them.
Can Birds Eat Tomatoes?
Yes, birds can eat tomatoes. As a caretaker, you can only serve ripe tomatoes to them. Always avoid tomatoes leaves, stems and unripe tomatoes to them. It contains solanine that is toxic for birds. It causes acidity and digestive issues in them. You can cut tomatoes in different shapes and then serve them to your cutie pie. But tomatoes must added as an occasional treat.
Conclusion
It is very important to know the food that you serve to your bird. If your bird is safe, it means you are providing healthy and safe food to them. Many human foods contain toxins that affect birds, if they eat in even small quantities. Always keep an eye on your birds to know what they are eating. A healthy diet is necessary for birds to stay happy.
Let me know if you need more suggestions! 😊
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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!