Parrots are delicate animals, especially when it comes to their diet. They are so picky that as a parrot owner it would be very confusing to understand what organic foods they can eat.
Frequently asked questions by first time pet bird owners is whether it is ok to give oranges to parrots or not. In fact, oranges are perhaps the healthiest natural product for humans. They definitely make incredible treats and delicious drinks. They are rich in nutrients and vital nutrients. Is it the same with parrots?
The answer to this question is yes. Oranges are quite safe for parrots. In truth, they are very solid as they provide essential supplements for your pet, such as vitamins A, B and C. However, they should be given with some restraint as they are very acidic.
Can parrots eat orange peels?
Orange peel is known to contain many additives. The rind contains more fiber than the entire fruit inside. It also contains calcium, vitamins A, B and C, almost everything that is found inside the fruit itself. It has an incredible positive effect on your parrot's digestive system and is essential for the good functioning of the nervous system. Parrots love to eat orange peels along with the inner fruit. However, they should be washed as they may contain traces of pesticides and dirt.
What to look for when choosing vegetables and fruits
When choosing an assortment of vitamins for your budgerigar, focus on the appearance of the fruits and root vegetables. They should not raise suspicions about quality. Choose fruits and vegetables that are ripe, fresh, and free from mold and rot. Don’t try to experiment with nutrition, just give what you know. If possible, feed only seasonal fruits.
The main diet of a budgerigar is a grain mixture, but a vegetable and fruit menu is also important in the pet’s diet. To maintain health, vitamins and minerals play an important and major role. When eating a variety of food, the parrot’s body receives all kinds of components that saturate the body with all the necessary nutrients.
Follow the rules and regulations for feeding your pet. In return, you get a healthy, active and good-humored parrot that will delight you for many years of life. If you liked the article or have something to add, leave your comments and also join our VKontakte group.
How to properly serve oranges to a parrot?
It is recommended to add oranges to your parrot's diet as they are safe and rich in nutrients. Oranges can be served in different ways. They can be served in small slices, dried or even added to juice. However, several precautions must be taken. Here are some tips to help parrots prepare oranges in a more attractive manner.
Add Oranges to Your Parrot's Diet
Instead of serving a few slices of oranges regularly, try to include them in your daily healthy diet. Feed your parrot oranges with some restrictions, perhaps adding cut up oranges as a temporary treat.
Make sure the oranges are fresh and clean
Parrots find moldy and spoiled parts to be very repulsive. Make sure the oranges are as fresh as possible before serving. And just in case you serve it with the skin on, be sure to peel it to get rid of any traces of pesticides and dirt that could seriously harm your bird and threaten its well-being.
Dried oranges without sulfur
Most dried fruits contain high levels of sulfur dioxide, and dried oranges are no exception. Sulfur dioxide acts as a preservative, extending the shelf life of fruits. However, this can have serious negative effects on your parrot's health. Whenever you serve dried oranges, make sure they do not contain sulfur.
Always serve homemade orange juice
Packaged orange juice is rich in preservatives, which can negatively impact your parrot's well-being in the long run.
Never give your bird raw orange juice. Ideally, you can dilute it as much as possible with water first.
If your bird shows signs of any health problems, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. It is true that oranges are safe for birds, however there can always be rare cases of allergies from time to time. Some birds simply cannot tolerate acid levels, no matter how low they are. Like humans, parrots are biochemically unique.
Prohibited treats for poultry
For birds at home, fruits with a high content of tannins are not allowed in complementary foods. Often, the owner of the bird knows which fruits are allowed for budgies, but which ones are prohibited - not.
These include the fruits of such plants:
- Persimmon. Has a strong astringent effect. Birds may choke on this fruit.
- Mango. The product is conditionally approved. Ornithologists do not recommend offering it to domestic birds.
- Avocado. The starch in this fruit promotes rapid weight gain. Poultry that does not lead a very active lifestyle does not need this.
- Papaya. The content of acids and tannins in this product can harm your pet.
These products must be excluded from the bird’s diet, replacing them with healthier ones.
What is the nutritional value of oranges for parrots?
Oranges are considered an incredibly rich source of vitamin C, vitamin B, and vitamin A. Oranges are also rich in fiber and potassium. When taken care of in moderation, oranges can be a great and delicious addition to your parrot's diet.
Vitamin A
Without vitamin A, your feathered creature may struggle with poor development, respiratory infection, and decreased safety. This ensures healthy bones and improves abilities.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B can be an effective natural antidepressant that will support your parrot's mental well-being and prevent mood swings. It also does the important job of fusing proteins to create red blood cells.
Vitamin C
In fact, parrots need to take vitamin C regularly to maintain their circulation levels. Oranges are quite rich in vitamin C and can help a bird in strengthening its immune system, healing and maintaining vital organs.
Calcium
Oranges are rich in calcium. This is a very important nutrient that birds need to maintain strong bones, muscles and organs.
Benefits of pomegranate
Pomegranate is one of people's favorite berries. Its amazing taste and high nutritional properties contribute to the health of the body and improve immunity. Pomegranate seeds are a storehouse of vitamins P, C, B12, B6, B5, B3, various minerals: potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and even iron, 15 amino acids, half of which are found in meat.
Eating pomegranate helps strengthen blood vessels and the nervous system. It contains sugar, essential oils, and phytoncides. Due to its medicinal properties, it is considered one of the healthiest berries. Berries and tree bark contain tannins that have disinfectant properties and defeat intestinal, dysentery and tuberculosis bacillus.
It contains antioxidants that affect the aging process, restraining it and thereby prolonging youth.
Pomegranate removes radioactive elements from the body, which is very useful after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.
Even the seeds of this berry are useful. It is recommended not to throw them away, but to swallow them. This is pure fiber that removes cholesterol, toxic substances, and pathogenic bacteria from the body. Just keep it in moderation. In ancient times, they believed that bones enhanced male potency and developed female sexuality.
It should not be consumed in large quantities. It increases stomach acidity and thins tooth enamel.
Pure pomegranate juice should not be drunk, especially if you are pregnant. Dilute it with water, carrot or beet juice in an amount of 1:3.
Remember! This berry is an allergen. And if you exceed the dose, you may experience a cough, runny nose, red spots on the body, rash, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
What are the dangers of eating oranges for parrots?
Unlike humans, parrots are very sensitive to their diet. The slightest imbalance can lead to amazing results. The uncontrolled consumption of oranges by parrots can be attributed to two main factors; high acidity and pesticides.
Too much fiber
Too many oranges can negatively affect your parrot's digestion, causing cramps and diarrhea. This is the result of an unbalanced fiber intake.
High acidity
When there is too much acidity in a parrot's body, the poor thing will not be able to balance its pH levels (just like humans). This will lead to serious health problems. The higher the pH level, the less nutrients your pet can absorb. Too much acid can neutralize vital stomach acids.
Pesticides
They are also called silent bird killers. Fresh orange peels may contain traces of pesticides. Exposure to pesticides can be life-threatening for your parrot. It can damage the kidneys, liver, and even change the function of some vital organs. You should keep the bird away from processed and processed oranges and be sure to wash the peel well before serving.
Lots of preservatives
Dried oranges are known to contain many preservatives. While it may not have a noticeable effect on humans, these preservatives are enough to kill your parrot. The level of tolerance may vary from one bird to another, but the long-term risks are the same.
Always make sure to feed your parrot organic and unprocessed food that has not been treated with any dangerous chemicals. We do not have such a strong tolerance to these substances with our birds. Additionally, organic and unprocessed oranges have been shown to contain better nutrients and birds find them much more attractive. This theory applies to any other unprocessed organic product.
Oranges can be a strong pillar of your parrot's nutrition and are also often served as a tasty and juicy treat. This will improve your parrot's mood and provide an excellent lifestyle for your adorable chick.
However, oranges are high in sugar, very acidic for poultry, and may contain dangerous pesticides. Therefore, they should be given to your parrot with some restraint to prevent any negative impact on its well-being.
Reasons why pets refuse fruit
Birds do not always want to eat fruit, so owners should know the main reasons why they refuse treats, as well as methods to combat this. Often, birds have a reluctance to eat fruit due to improper care and maintenance. Thus, the parrot develops a fear of everything new.
For example, large species of parrots are imported illegally and their diet is very poor until they are sold. They often feed only on seeds. After this, the birds get used to such food and are afraid to eat anything else.
Small parrots also eat a small amount of food until they are sold. Inexpensive grain mixtures often predominate. The bird gets used to food and does not want to consume healthy fruits. Therefore, it is better to purchase birds in special nurseries or from trusted breeders.
If the bird was purchased from people who improperly kept it, then the new owner should accustom the pet to fruit. To do this, you can use the following recommendations:
- Initially, you need to offer your pet several types of fruits, which are cut into different parts (slices, cubes, puree, etc.). You can also give the product as juice. In addition, the juice tends to be quickly absorbed by the pet. For example, when using cabbage juice, it can be diluted with carrot and apple juice. As a rule, the color of carrots and the pleasant smell attract birds.
- It is recommended that before giving the fruit to your pet, bite off a piece and eat it yourself. Curious birds will see that the owner eats such a product, in addition, they take an example from their owners.
- You can use additional equipment or holders that will help you hang fruit in the cage. They are often colorful to attract birds.
If you fail to achieve success with any method, then do not be upset. After all, the pet will throw the treat, biting off a piece and spitting it out. Thus, a drop of juice, or even more, will enter the body. Over time, the parrot will taste the fruit and feed on it.
Some people may ask the question: “How to train a cockatiel to eat fruit?” To do this, you should use similar techniques as described above. They will be suitable not only for the wavy bird, but also for other species of birds.
Which is more accessible?
The list of fruits is quite extensive. What fruit can you give your budgie? Let's start with those that are closer geographically - native, domestic.
Pear
Remove the seeds from the pear.
The composition of this fruit is very rich: essential natural vitamins, fats, organic acids, microelements, sugars, carbohydrates. It is recommended to cut the thoroughly washed fruit into slices, removing the seeds. If you bought pears out of season - and these will most likely be imported - then before feeding they must be peeled.
Plum
This fruit is also a real storehouse of vitamins and microelements. It contains sugar and a lot of fiber.
Before offering such a treat to your parrot, you need to remove the bone, which is known to contain hydrocyanic acid.
The same applies to other stone fruit plants: apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, which are excellent succulent food for birds.
Apple
The fruit of the apple tree naturally contains vitamins, especially a lot of vitamin C. The apple contains acids, plant fibers, some tannins, pectins useful for digestion, and microelements such as:
Apples are rich in microelements!
- iron,
- calcium,
- magnesium,
- phosphorus,
- fluorine.
Regarding the form in which apples should be given to the bird, the opinions of the owners are divided: some believe that the seeds should be removed from them and the apple should be peeled, others suggest giving the fruit unpeeled, including the seeds.
Treats with dried apples are allowed. It is given in soaked or stewed pieces.
Green feed
It must be remembered that it is not enough to give birds only grain mixtures; their diet should be supplemented with other ingredients. For example, green food. Fresh greens contain many vitamins, so they are very healthy.
What do budgies like? Birds really like to eat young tree branches; they happily eat buds, bark, and wood. In addition, parrots willingly eat leaves of vegetable plants, the so-called “tops” - young leaves of carrots, radishes, and lettuce. In summer there is no shortage of leaves and herbs. To know what grass budgies eat, you need to carefully read and memorize the list below.
In the summer you can pick the following plants: dandelion, clover, chickweed, bluegrass, fireweed, shepherd's purse, wheatgrass, plantain, nasturtium, timothy, strawberry leaves. Plants should be plucked away from roads and busy highways, and pets should be avoided. It is best to collect plants outside the city limits.
But it should be remembered that not all plants are useful for parrots, and some are even dangerous. Fans of feathered pets should remember well what is prohibited for budgies.
Some indoor plants are very dangerous for these birds; parrots can become poisoned if they eat them. Among these plants are amaryllis, hyacinth, azalea, hydrangea, periwinkle, dieffenbachia, cocoa tree, caladium, jasmine, narcissus, cana, bracken fern, nightshade, colocasia, poinsettia, crocus, laurel, ranunculaceae, oleander, ivy, philodendron, aeonium and etc.
Poisonous flowers: tulip, narcissus, poppy, peony, etc. Poisonous wild plants: buckthorn, white acacia, oak, burdock, juniper, horse chestnut, elderberry, etc.
Twig food is perfect for vitamin feeding in winter. Tree branches also help clean the parrot's beak.
The following branches are excellent for branch food: - Birch, - Linden, - Currant, - Cherry, - Apple, - Raspberry.
Among the trees there are also poisonous for small pets: lilac, bird cherry, coniferous trees, pear.
