Parakeets can be easily fed by anyone who has the time to learn how. Parakeets have a wide variety of favorite foods. However, there are some foods that parakeets absolutely cannot consume, so what can’t parakeets eat besides their favorite meals?
Chocolate, avocados, pits, seeds, garlic, onions, etc. are just few of the foods parakeets shouldn’t eat. This article provides quick facts about various things, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, that are off-limits to them.
Contents
What Fruits Can Parakeets Not Eat?
Of course, not all fruits are safe for parakeet consumption; in fact, the seeds of some fruits are harmful to the birds. The following is an exhaustive list of all the fruits parakeets should not be fed.
Avocado
When it comes to the dangers of fruits for parakeets and other birds, avocado is at the top of the list. Although you may enjoy avocados, you should never give them to your parakeet.
Now we must address the issue of why avocados are poisonous to birds. Persin, which is found in avocados, is extremely toxic to all birds, including parakeets. All birds, including parakeets, are susceptible to persin’s toxic effects on the cardiovascular system.
What Happens When Parakeets Eat Avocado?
This is what may happen if you gave your parakeet an avocado by mistake.
- Sudden death.
- Lethargy.
- Heavy breathing/ difficulty in breathing.
- The sudden collapse of birds.
Your parakeet needs emergency medical attention if it has taken Avocado. Your parakeet may be saved if you take it to the clinic right away so they can remove the poison.
It’s safe to consume; it won’t harm human beings in any way. You should eat Avocado normally. Don’t ever feed that to your feathered friends.
Fruit Pits
Pits from fruits are just as poisonous to parakeets as avocados. Having persin means that all fruit pits and seeds contain this poison. The fruits listed below all have pits; before feeding them to parakeets, please remove the pits and wash the fruits well.
Mango\sPlums\sPeaches\sCherries\sLychees
Take note that, as was previously said, only the fruit pits are toxic to the birds, not the fruits itself. Parakeets can eat these fruits without any worries. Simply take out the pit before serving.
Fruits Seeds
Most fruits are fine for parakeets to eat, but the seeds are poisonous. Toxic chemicals can be found in high concentrations in all fruit seeds, as was already mentioned.
Parakeets can be fatally poisoned by the tiny amounts of cyanide and cardiac-toxin found in fruit seeds.
While parakeets may be tempted, you should never give them fruit seeds.
The seeds of the fruits listed below are poisonous to parakeets.
Fruits such as Apples, Oranges, Passion Fruits, and Grapes
Watermelon\sKiwi\sGuava\sMelons
Papaya\sPear
Parakeets can eat these fruits safely as long as the seeds are removed.
What Fruits Are Safe For Parakeets?
Parakeets may eat any fruit that is in season. Except for avocados, they are able to consume a wide range of fruit. The vitamins and minerals found in fruits are invaluable.
Parakeets get lots of energy from them, so it’s no surprise that they love them. Feeding your parakeets a variety of fruits will make them happy, and their singing will improve. Under the next heading, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the fruits that parakeets enjoy.
What Fruits Can Parakeets Eat?
Parakeets, which are also known as budgies, are able to consume nearly all of the fresh fruits sold in supermarkets. Parakeets can be fed a wide variety of foods, including fruit, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
The daily fruit consumption rate of wild parakeets is at about 20%. Parakeets can get some of the water and nutrients they need from fruit.
As a result, if you keep parakeets as pets and want to ensure their health, you need learn which fruits are safe for parakeets to consume.
Parakeets are opportunistic eaters, so feel free to stock up on whatever is in season, but keep in mind that some fruits, like avocados, have been shown to be hazardous for parakeets.
The fruits suitable for parakeets’ diets are listed below. The following is guaranteed to be 100 percent secure and nutritious for parakeets. Always cut fruits thinly and remove the pits before serving (If required).
- Apricots (dried & soaked)
- Apples
- Bananas- and banana skins
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Coconut
- Cherries
- Cranberry
- Grapes
- Grapefruit
- Guava
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Melons
- Lychee
- Oranges
- Pineapple
- Ripe-Persimmons
- Plums
- Pear
- Papaya
- Passion fruit
- Raspberry
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
What Veggies Can Parakeets Not Eat?
Vegetables are another staple of a parakeet’s diet, and they are as adaptable as fruits.
However, asparagus, garlic, eggplant, green tomatoes, and others are known to be poisonous to parakeets.
Asparagus
Some vegetables, like asparagus, are questionable. Whether or not this is poisonous to parakeets is a matter of debate.
Asparagine, which is present in asparagus, is hazardous to parakeets because it disrupts their digestive processes, according to studies. Others may feel it is safe for them, but we advise staying away from anything that seems even slightly off.
Since there is an abundance of safe and healthy vegetables, parakeets don’t need to take any chances.
Garlic
The aromatic and flavorful qualities of garlic are well-known. However, parakeet food is not the same.
Allicin, which is present in garlic, has been linked to hemolytic anemia in birds.
Eggplant
If you want to keep your parakeet in good health, you shouldn’t give it any eggplant, raw or cooked, because of the solanine it contains.
Onion
Parakeets should not eat onion or garlic. Parakeets should not eat onions because of the high sulfur content that might lead to anemia. thus, in any form (whether it be cooked, dry, or raw) is not good for parakeets.
Green tomatoes
For obvious reasons, parakeets shouldn’t eat green or overly ripe tomatoes. Tomatoes are more acidic when they are unripe.
Parakeets’ digestive systems can be upset by eating green tomatoes. Select red tomatoes that are ripe and juicy.
Mushrooms
Fungi, of which mushrooms are examples, are the organisms that produce them. All birds, including parakeets, are susceptible to the toxic effects of several species of mushrooms, which can lead to gastrointestinal distress and ultimately liver failure.
What Foods Are Toxic To Parakeets?
Parakeets’ diets include not only fresh produce but also seeds, nuts, and even meat and eggs for protein. It was previously established that parakeets require a varied diet consisting of all foods. Chocolate, rhubarb, bread, xylitol, etc. are all bad for parakeets to eat.
But some individuals lack the information to realize that some ordinary foods are quite poisonous to parakeets.
Chocolate
Parakeets should not be given any caffeine-containing items. Caffeine and theobromine, which are abundant in chocolate, can disrupt parakeets’ normal metabolic processes, leading to agitation, tremors, convulsions, and even death.
Xylitol
To put it simply, xylitol is a sugar substitute. These are ingredients that you’ll often find in sugar-free gum, candy, and other foods. Parakeets are particularly susceptible to the toxic effects of xylitol, which can lead to life-threatening low blood sugar and liver failure.
Rhubarb
The oxalate crystals on the leaves of this plant are harmful to parakeets, causing them to develop severe kidney issues.
Foods With High Fat, Sugar, & Sodium
Parakeets should not be fed anything with excessive amounts of fat, sugar, or sodium.
Parakeets shouldn’t eat a lot of sugar. When the body’s electrolyte and fluid balance is thrown off, as it would be by consuming an excessive amount of salt (sodium), the outcome is dehydration.
To avoid any potential health issues, try to stick to servings of low-sugar vegetables and fruits in the future.
What Are Safe Foods For Parakeets?
It has been established that a vast array of produce is suitable for parakeets. Parakeets consume a variety of things, not only fruits and veggies. Nuts, seeds, bird food, cereals, bird pellets, and so on are all perfectly safe and nutritious options for parakeets.
Nuts
Parakeets enjoy a variety of nuts, and these nuts are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Parakeets love to eat them and play with the shells. Almonds
- Pistachios
- Peanuts
- Walnuts
Seeds
The sound of a parakeet shattering a seed is music to its ears. Protein and other vital nutrients can be found in abundance in bird seed. Parakeets can eat a variety of different kinds of seeds without risk. The list includes the items below.
- Grass seeds
- Herb seeds
- Oilseeds
Bird food
Your parakeets can eat everything they want from a pet store and be completely safe and healthy. When you’re short of fresh food, this is an excellent alternative for feeding your parakeets.
Grains
Whole grains are also safe and healthful food for parakeets. Most parakeets can eat the following types of seeds.
- Amaranth
- Barley
- Buckwheat (whole)
- Canary seed
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Rye
- Sweetcorn kernels
- Wheat
Bird Pellets
Pellets for parakeets are a mixture of a healthy, well-balanced food. Both wild parakeets and domesticated birds would benefit greatly from these foods.
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are all healthier options than parakeet pellets, but they may not be as appealing to the birds. However, parakeets benefit greatly from their nutrient-rich food.
Hard-boiled Eggs
To get your protein fix, go no further than the egg. All birds, including parakeets, require protein in their diets on a consistent basis. Infrequently, you can give your parakeets a hard-boiled egg that hasn’t been seasoned. They will continue to develop normally if we do this.
Cooked Meat
Parakeets can also get a lot of the protein they need from meat. Including meat in the parakeet’s diet improves both its flavor and its nutritional value. Parakeets should only be given thoroughly cooked, unsalted meat.
Can Parakeets Eat Bread?
Simply said, absolutely. Parakeets can eat bread without fear of illness. However, this is not an approach to eating that is encouraged. For their food, parakeets should only consume whole grain bread, as it is the only alternative that is both palatable and nutritious.
Bread should always be freshly baked multigrain with no added sugar or salt and no hazardous preservatives.
Can Parakeets Eat Wild Bird Food?
For the most part, wild bird food is healthy for parakeets to eat because wild birds base their diets on what is in season, such as fruits, nuts, and vegetables. That being the case, there’s really no reason not to. Providing high-quality food for wild parakeets is another way to entice them to your property.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to food, parakeets are not picky. They can eat everything that fits neatly in their beaks. However, parakeets can’t consume everything.
Some of these foods may be fatally poisonous to them. They should not be given any of the foods listed above.
