There are some foods that should be enjoyed in moderation and others your bird should avoid altogether.
Just like many other types of animals, birds love to get into any accessible food. However, it is important that they maintain a regular diet to keep them healthy and happy. This post will help you identify the good and the bad!
In captivity, birds’ diets and energy requirements are different from their ancestors in the wild. They no longer have to compete for food, territory, or environmental stability, defend themselves or fly. This is advantageous to the long-term survival of these beautiful animals, but the end result is that they are not nearly as active and mobile as a wild bird would typically be.
- Birds in captivity are often fed diets too high in energy (fats), and supplemented with table scraps, sunflower seeds and peanuts for treats. Consequently, they can become overweight. A proper diet, balanced in nutrients and energy, is needed for a bird to maintain a healthy weight. Make sure to select the proper, specialized diet based on your bird’s species. And most importantly, dole out treats sparingly.
The Snack Black List
In addition to foods that can be detrimental to your bird’s well being, there are several foods that have been identified as being extremely dangerous, if not fatal, if ingested by birds. The alphabetical list of foods below should not be fed to any bird:
- Alcohol – There are several known cases of accidental consumption. Alcohol can depress a bird’s organ system and cause death.
- Avocado – The skin and pit of this fruit have been known to cause cardiac distress and heart failure.
- Caffeine – Coffee beans, coffee grounds, tea and soda. The effects of caffeine can cause cardiac distress, hyperactivity and possible cardiac arrest.
- Chocolate – Chocolate will induce vomiting and diarrhea in a bird, but more importantly, it also affects the central nervous system and may eventually cause death.
- Dried beans – Uncooked beans can be a choking hazard but they also contain a dangerous toxin called hemaglutin.
- Fruit seeds – The seeds from apples, cherries, peaches, apricots and pears can contain trace amounts of cyanide.
- Mushrooms – Mushrooms are a type of fungus and can cause digestive upset and even liver failure.
- Onions, garlic and chives – Very small amounts are ok, but excessive consumption can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other digestive problems.
- Salt – Too much sodium can eventually result in death due to dehydration and liver malfunction.
- Tomato Leaves – Stems, leaves and vines of the tomato plant.