ALL, Birds

Toxic and Dangerous Foods For Birds

Posted onAvatar photoAuthorBec

Bird1This week we have been bird sitting my brothers beautiful Alexandrine Parrot called Richie.  Richie is nearly two years old, male and has a little bit of an attitude.  He is incredibly destructive with his very strong beak easily biting through nearly anything that he passes by.  However, we are enjoying his company, talking and even his squawking and would love to have him visit anytime.

Richie is a very spoilt and well loved bird who gets everything imaginable to keep him happy and healthy.  He is currently on a diet of seed, Vetafarm Parrot Deli Treats (which he absolutely loves) and a range of fresh fruits and vegetables as snacks.  As my brother dropped Richie off he was rattling off a list of foods that he can’t have as they may make him sick.  As I was given very strict instructions to keep Richie happy, healthy and alive (as if I wouldn’t anyway) I thought I would look into what foods shouldn’t be feed to birds.  I knew of some of them but a few of them I wasn’t aware of.  Below is a list I have compiled of some of the different toxic or dangerous foods for birds to eat and therefore they should be avoided.

Toxic and Dangerous Foods for Birds
*  Chocolate
*  Alcohol
*  Seeds or pits from apples, oranges, peaches, apricots, pears, plums, nectarines (most seeds and pits are dangerous)
*  Avocado – any part of the plant or fruit
*  Onions
*  Asparagus
*  Garlic
*  Mushrooms
*  Tomato leaves
*  Lettuce
*  Salt
*  Dairy products
*  Caffeine and Caffeinated drinks – like coffee, cola, soft drinks, energy drinks
*  Dried Beans

Remember that most (if not all) domesticated birds do not instinctively know what foods are toxic or dangerous for them.  So as owners it is up to us to keep them safe and away from these potentially harmful foods.

For a more comprehensive list at what foods are safe and unsafe for your bird please visit http://www.animalloverspetshop.com/BirdCare.html#Avoid

Of course, if you have concerns, questions, or you think your bird may have ingested something dangerous please contact your veterinarian immediately.

Until next time,
Bec

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Author: Bec

From a very young age Bec has always had a great love and appreciation for all animals. Bec is a qualified Veterinary Nurse and also has a Bachelor in Applied Science Animal Studies with special interest in Wildlife and Recreational Animals. Her studies have been put to good use working in various animal industries including small and large animal veterinary clinics, horse studs and the family cattle property. Horses have played an important part in her life, living on a horse stud and caring for horses throughout breeding, foaling, spelling, racing and retirement. Bec is the proud mum of two gorgeous girls, a beautiful Cocker Spaniel, a cheeky cockatiel, chickens and many horses including a naughty little pony.