Sometimes owners doubt which fruits can be given to parrots and which should be discarded. Birds living in their natural environment instinctively distinguish edible fruits from poisonous ones. You should not deprive your feathered pet of tasty and healthy treats - they are necessary for health. You can pamper your parrot with bright, sweet delicacies and reward him for good behavior.
Kiwi's benefit
This is a unique fruit due to its chemical composition. Rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, PP, minerals: zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, sulfur, sodium, phosphorus, fluorine and others. Its structure contains organic and unsaturated acids, fiber, dietary fiber, starch, and antioxidants. Its use protects the body from many ailments and provides the necessary daily dose of vitamin C, which it contains more than citrus fruits.
Kiwi strengthens the immune system, increases protection against colds, strengthens the heart, serves as the prevention and treatment of hypertension, lowers cholesterol levels in the blood, improves digestion, removes kidney stones, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, and promotes weight loss. And this is not a complete list of the positive properties of this fruit.
Even the peel has beneficial properties. It contains many antioxidants and has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic effects. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the fruit entirely, do not peel or throw anything away. You can eat 2-3 fruits a day without harm to your health. People prone to allergies need to reduce the dose or stop using them.
Why you shouldn't give too much watermelon
Despite the low calorie content of this pumpkin berry (38 kcal per 100 g), watermelon has a very high glycemic index (75). Excessive consumption of such foods puts a lot of stress on the pancreas. When carbohydrates with a high glycemic index are broken down, a sharp jump in blood sugar occurs, which has a detrimental effect on the health of such a fragile creature as a parrot. Therefore, watermelons should be eaten in moderation, and not only by birds, but also by people. By the way, the same goes for melon, which parrots also love to eat.
Kiwi for a parrot
The parrot, in addition to grain mixtures, eats fruits and vegetables. Kiwi will be good for a parrot. Fruits will give him the daily necessary vitamins and minerals that will support the high vital activity of the bird’s body.
To strengthen the immune system, you need to give your budgie kiwi. This fruit contains a large amount of vitamin C, which improves immunity and protects the body from viruses and pathogenic bacteria. Peel before serving. The fruit should not be too soft or hard. These qualities indicate immaturity or overripeness. These are not suitable for a parrot.
It happens that a parrot does not show interest in food that is new to it. Do not worry. You can even serve it in different ways. If you don’t eat chopped pieces in a saucer, you can make it in the form of a garland and hang it in a cage, or try grating it. It takes time and patience and everything will work out.
Kiwi budgies can be offered slices, pureed, large pieces, or even freshly squeezed juice. Experiment and choose the option that your pet likes.
It is important to know! When serving fruit desserts, do not overdo it with the quantity. A parrot can consume 2-3 fruits per week without harming its health.
Fruits must be fresh and well washed. If you do not follow these hygiene standards, your feathered pet may get sick.
Not every owner of a budgie knows how to feed it properly.
It is very important to diversify your parrot's diet; its health and appearance depend on it. Budgerigars come from Australia, where they are accustomed to feeding from fields, raiding orchards, and eating seeds of various plants.
It is no secret that the main food for parrots is grain crops, which can be found in any pet store under different brands. But in addition to the main food, it is necessary to provide your wavy with important nutrients and vitamins.
Fruit menu
Introduce fresh, dried and dried fruits into your parrot's menu. But keep in mind that it is better to make the preparations yourself. When eaten, the bird will not only receive pleasure, but also the necessary content of vitamins and minerals that are necessary daily for the good functioning of the body. Each fruit contains a different amount of useful components. When feeding fruit treats, follow the norm.
Many owners ask various questions: can budgies eat tangerines or kiwis, and what fruits to feed and which not. Let's begin to clarify these issues.
Here are the fruits you can give your budgies:
- Bananas are very nutritious, rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium. Content of fiber, all kinds of useful acids. A couple of pieces a day will be enough to maintain and saturate the body with essential vitamins;
- Apple is a vitamin cocktail, enzymes that are good for the digestive tract. Contains tannins, plant fibers and organic acids. The norm need not be limited;
- pomegranate is very necessary, its substances ensure the functioning of the cardiovascular system. A few grains a day, but introduce them gradually, starting with a minimum amount. The norm per day is no more than 1/6 part;
- kiwi – strengthens the parrot’s immunity. The fruits are leaders in vitamin C content. Protects the body from viruses;
- pears - for digestion, which is promoted by pectin. The composition contains carbohydrates, iron, phosphorus. Peel the skin first. Give in any quantity;
- orange – contains fiber, essential oils, carbohydrates. Well protects the body from viral and infectious diseases. A small piece a day. Also add other citrus fruits to the menu. Dilute lemon juice with water;
- grapes are rich in microelements and vitamins. Give 2 - 3 berries without skin, there is no need to remove the seeds. Cleanses the body and removes toxins;
- pineapple - the composition has a positive effect on muscle tissue and strengthens blood vessels. Has general strengthening properties. Destroys proteins, helps digest and absorb protein foods.
- apricot is the owner of sugar, inulin, starch, provitamin A, iron, acid. Supports the immune system, prevents cardiovascular diseases;
Is it possible to give tangerines to a budgie?
Mandarin is a fruit that contains a large amount of vitamin C, amino acids, and various micro and macroelements. Therefore, tangerine as an addition to your budgie’s main diet will be extremely useful. Let's take a closer look at what exactly?
- Strengthens immunity
- Ensures normal functioning of organs and tissues
- Improves plumage
- Increases activity
- Beneficial for exhausted females after laying eggs
- Helps recover from illness or shedding
Kiwi - a healthy treat for a budgie
The champion in vitamin C content is the exotic kiwi. Many owners of budgies have more than once noticed pieces of kiwi in ready-made dry food. Dried fruit is no longer so useful and serves only as a bright addition to grain feed. You need to give kiwi to your budgie fresh. The amount of ascorbic acid in this fruit is much higher than in citrus fruits, so it should be introduced into the diet with caution.
The vitamin range of kiwi is very extensive
- A nicotinic acid
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins
High content of essential micro and macro elements: zinc, sodium, potassium, manganese, selenium, iron. Kiwi is able to compensate for the lack of nutrients in the body of a budgerigar and improve digestion. You can give it no more than twice a week, peeled and cut into small pieces. Observe the seasonality of the fruit and do not give in large quantities. Especially together with other citrus fruits or vitamin supplements. This can cause an excess of vitamin C or an allergic reaction in the bird. During treatment for liver diseases, kiwi is also contraindicated.
How to properly give a budgie kiwi and tangerine: video
If you are the owner of an adult bird that has never tried fresh fruits and vegetables before, introducing additional complementary foods is not always an easy task. A parrot may simply refuse fresh tangerines and kiwis. This problem can still be solved in several ways.
Parrots are imitative birds, eat fruit in front of them, this will interest the bird.
Cut fruit into pieces can be inserted between the bars of the cage; the bright appearance of kiwi and the smell of fresh tangerine will attract attention. Try hand-feeding the bird and giving it a small piece of tangerine mixed with something tasty and familiar, something it always eats. Make a hanging cage toy by decorating it with small pieces of colorful fruit. Experienced budgerigar breeders also recommend purchasing a second bird; coexisting as a pair, they become less picky, repeat everything after each other, and are more active.
Sometimes owners doubt which fruits can be given to parrots and which should be discarded. Birds living in their natural environment instinctively distinguish edible fruits from poisonous ones. You should not deprive your feathered pet of tasty and healthy treats - they are necessary for health. You can pamper your parrot with bright, sweet delicacies and reward him for good behavior.
Who shouldn't
Owners of miniature dogs are wondering if Yorkies can eat watermelon.
Veterinarians respond with a categorical refusal. This berry can cause allergies in representatives of the breed, so it should be completely excluded from the menu. Additionally, sweet treats should not be offered to puppies until they are three months old. The digestive system of these crumbs has not yet formed, so the berry can cause diarrhea.
Watermelons are tasty, perfectly quench thirst, and therefore dogs often like them
Veterinarians note that they are allowed to be used for dog meals, but this should be done very carefully and in small portions
The parrot does not want to eat fruit: what is the reason
Parrots are curious, but they are afraid of new things. If the bird has never seen or tasted the fruit, it will be difficult to convince it to eat. No matter what form you offer the appetizing fruits, the bird simply ignores the treat. Also, not all fruits are readily eaten by a parrot when it is sick.
Birds in pet stores and on the market are most often kept in an economy mode: cheap food is used, the cage is rarely cleaned, and several birds live in crowded conditions. Constant stress causes a feeling of fear and wariness in birds. They are afraid to try something new, and they get used to a simple grain mixture.
How to teach a parrot to eat fruit
When the chick is actively interested in everything around him, you need to start feeding him fruit. But what if you bought an adult with character? A wayward pet may stubbornly refuse succulent feeding, and this will have a bad effect on its health.
Like picky children, birds need to be introduced to new food gradually, patiently, unobtrusively. Experiment, act outside the box, be creative. There are many ways to outwit a cautious pet:
- Peel a ripe banana for your parrot, press grains from dry food into the pulp and place it between the bars of the cage. When pulling out familiar food with its beak, the pet will involuntarily try a banana.
- Chop or grate fruits, puree them, or squeeze out juice. Make fruit salads. Different shapes, textures and colors of food can attract birds.
- Mix small particles of fruit into the main feed. There is a chance that your ward will grab a new product along with the grain. Of course, such a mixture cannot be left in the feeder for a long time, otherwise it will spoil.
- Take the fruit holders, hang them and place them inside the cage. A parrot may mistake fruit kebabs on skewers for a toy. Perhaps, while playing, he will swallow a piece and taste it.
- Pour boiling water over dried apricots, prunes, dry apples, and figs. The bird may not like raw fruits, but it will love dried ones. Just not candied fruits - they contain a lot of sugar.
Worth a try! Demonstratively, gnawing on a juicy pear, apple, and peach with gusto. An inquisitive bird will want to know what the owner is eating that is so delicious, it will try to peck at a piece.
One of the easiest methods to introduce a bird to eating fruit is to organize collective feeding. In a single cage space, being close to its neighbors, the parrot will try to grab food before everyone else. It's okay if the cereal and juice fly all over the place. Some portion of the treat will still end up in the stomach.
What not to give
The birds are very happy with the various treats that their owners give them. The diet can be quite extensive, but there are still a number of fruits that should never be given to your pet.
The consequences can be very diverse.
Persimmon
When consuming this fruit, there is a high probability that your pet will develop problems with the gastrointestinal tract. It is not a toxic fruit, but it is better to protect yourself and your pet. If there is a strong desire to feed a bird with persimmons, you need to give it an absolutely fresh product, having first peeled it.
Avocado
The main disadvantage of avocado is the presence of a large persin. It is extremely toxic and its consumption can lead to the death of the bird. For this reason, it is better to exclude avocados from your diet.
Mango
This is a very popular fruit that birds eat in the wild. It is rich in various vitamins, contains a lot of fiber and various salts. However, it is not recommended to give it to your pet as a treat, otherwise there is a high risk of various diseases due to the presence of a huge amount of essential oils and tannins in the composition.
Papaya
Like all exotic fruits, it can be dangerous to the health of your budgie.
The point is a large number of different essential oils and tannins. They can have a negative effect not only on the functioning of the digestive tract, but on health in general.
Berries for the parrot
Parrots can eat not only fruits - they love to feast on berries. Make sure you always have fresh, dried or frozen fruits in stock:
- Rowan;
- currant;
- irga;
- rose hip;
- honeysuckle;
- raspberries;
- gooseberry;
- chokeberry.
At the beginning of summer comes the season of fragrant strawberries. It contains vitamin C and antioxidants, so its benefits are undeniable. The answer to the question whether a parrot can eat strawberries is only positive if the amount of nitrates does not exceed the norm.
The gifts of the swamp are tasty and healthy: cranberries, lingonberries, blueberries, cloudberries. Birds often peck at the berries, getting to the seeds - their favorite food.
Attention! Small parrots may choke on round berries while trying to swallow them whole. The treat must be crushed to protect the pet from death.
Frozen berries retain all the vitamins, so this method of preparation is best suited. You should not pour berries into the feeder straight from the freezer; let them melt, otherwise the bird will catch a cold. You can make compote without sugar from dry berries. Fruit and berry seeds are not garbage, they are needed for training and strengthening the beak. Birds have fun by chewing shells with their beaks.
Can birds eat clay?
Budgerigars should always be provided with enough clay for their needs, as clay absorbs all toxins and removes them from the body. Despite the high level of development of medicine, the role of clay in metabolism has not yet been established.
Budgerigars living outside the wild and experiencing a clay deficiency may subsequently produce offspring suffering from rickets. There are a large number of assumptions about why birds in the wild try to extract clay for themselves in their favorite ways, so it is better to take this as a given, which is beyond doubt.
There is a myth that is very common among bird owners that fruit seeds are a source of toxic effects on the bird’s body. The seeds contain a huge amount of fat and protein, which is already an ideal platform for the development and reproduction of mold fungi. Therefore, first of all, you need to adhere to the rules for storing such products. They should be stored in a dry, cool and dark place.
Before giving the seeds to parrots, you should break a few grains to make sure that the product has not spoiled. Every summer you should make supplies for the winter; you do not need to store such a product for more than 12 months.
What vegetables should I give my parrot?
Fresh vegetables are an essential nutritional element for poultry. There is no point in giving boiled or stewed vegetables, since beneficial substances are lost during heat treatment. It will be great if you can not only teach your parrot to eat fruits, but also raw vegetables:
- carrots, they contain a lot of vitamin A;
- turnips, which can replace apples with their sweetness;
- beets, valuable for microelements;
- pumpkin, which has vitamins A, D, E, K;
- cucumber with its delicious seeds;
- zucchini, rich in dietary fiber;
- tomato with antioxidant - lycopene;
- bell pepper
If you doubt whether your budgie can eat cabbage, feel free to disassemble the cabbage into leaves and treat your pet. Cabbage is a long-lasting vegetable; in the cold season you cannot do without such feeding.
On a note! Instead of dry corn, you can give fresh grains of milky ripeness. Young cobs are not only tasty and healthy - they amuse the parrot, like a toy. After eating the grains, the bird can play with the stalk.
What vegetables are contraindicated for parrots?
Some vegetables are very harmful to parrots. For example, daikon and radish are too spicy to taste. This also includes celery, onion and garlic - they contain essential oils that are difficult for a bird’s stomach to digest. In large quantities, these components can cause serious diseases of the digestive system.
Raw eggplant is bitter and also contains solanine. True, there are practically no toxins in white varieties of this vegetable. If you want to offer your pet eggplant, choose from the white varieties. Potatoes contain a lot of starch, which is difficult to digest.
The best vegetables for budgies are considered to be home grown without chemicals.
What greens are good for parrots?
A balanced diet includes fresh grass. There is nothing difficult in supplying your pets with lush green stems even in winter. Salad greens grow beautifully in boxes on the windowsill, pleasing the eye with bright colors. In spring and summer, you can pick grass on lawns away from dusty roads:
The collected greens must be washed in running water, and the fleshy leaves must also be scalded with boiling water.
To maintain the health and cheerful mood of your parrot, fulfill your main task - feed it healthy and satisfying. Observe the behavior of your feathered pet, control the amount of food eaten, and adjust the diet taking into account established habits. And don't forget about delicious fruits and vegetables.
What to look for when choosing fruits and berries
When choosing fruits, you need to pay attention to their freshness. Exotic fruits that do not grow in a certain region or in the Russian Federation in general are very often picked unripe, sprayed with chemicals and then taken to store shelves. Because of this, the fruits need to be washed thoroughly, and it is better to remove the peel. Also, if possible, you should take fruits grown in your own garden or garden.