No, avocados should not be given to parakeets, as they have a fungicidal toxin called persin which affects the health of the bird. Parakeets are susceptible to persin toxicity and just 1 gram of the fruit can cause agitation and feather-pulling situations in the bird.
So, let’s get to know why parakeets cannot eat avocado and what alternative fruits you can feed the birds.
What is Avocado?
Avocado belongs to the Persea americana tree and it is considered to be a nutritious fruit of Central America and Mexico. It is known for its creamy texture and tasty flavor and has immense health benefits for humans. However, these are not suitable for parakeets.
Can Avocado be Lethal to a Parakeet?
The leaves, stems, bark, fruits, and even seeds of the avocado can prove to be toxic to adult and baby birds. Researchers show that just 3.5 grams is lethal for budgies, 20-30 grams for cockatiels, and 2 grams for canaries. It has been seen that right after ingestion the Parakeets start to show toxicity symptoms within 30 minutes. In this situation, you need to rush to the nearest emergency veterinary facility.
What are the Symptoms of Avocado Poisoning?
After a Parakeet consumes an avocado, it shows symptoms of poisoning, such as – weakness, lethargy, vomiting, regurgitation, difficulty in breathing, heart problems, seizures, and the most severe case is the sudden death of the bird.
Is There any Treatment for Avocado Poisoning in Parakeets?
No, there is no specific antidote for avocado poisoning in parakeets. You cannot treat these cases at home and need to take the bird to the nearest veterinarian for immediate drug supplements to regulate the symptoms. The parakeet might have to go through fluid therapy, oxygen supplementation, or activated charcoal treatment for a cure within 2 hours of ingestion.
How Can You Serve Avocados to Parakeets?
It is usually not recommended to provide avocado to parakeets due to the risk it poses, but if you want to give the bird an optional taste of the fruit, then under close supervision you can feed them. Here are the steps that you need to follow:
Remove the skin and the pit of the avocado, take a tiny portion of the fruit, and mash it.
Mix it up with healthy vegetables, such as spinach or you can also add fruits. Serve it in minimum quantity along with their regular diet and never make it a frequent treat for the birds.
What are the Alternatives of Avocado to Feed the Parakeet?
You can feed other nutritious fruits and vegetables, instead of avocado to the parakeet, which are safe alternatives, such as bananas, kiwi, grapes, papaya, and apples (remove the seed).
Why is it Not Recommended to Feed Too Much Fruit to a Bird?
Fruits are delicious, but too much intake of the same fruit can lead to a potential nutritional imbalance in the bird. It can also lead to several other health issues, such as obesity, and digestive problems like diarrhea or infection in the mouth due to bacterial growth.
None of the fruits should be over-consumed as they lack vital nutrients, such as calcium, fat, and protein, and deficiency of any of these elements can affect the bird’s internal body function. Also, due to its high amount of water content and sugar content, the condition can become adverse.
How to Provide Safe Fruits to Parakeets?
If you are going to introduce new fruit to the parakeets, then you need to research properly. Always consult with the veterinary professional before offering any specific fruit. The bird should be given fruits in moderation to avoid nutritional imbalance.
Wash the fruits under running water to eliminate pesticides and bacteria. Avoid any kind of processed products as they contain added sugar and other ingredients that are harmful to the bird.
Keep monitoring the bird’s behavior after you have introduced a new fruit. If you notice any changes or adverse reactions then immediately stop feeding the fruit and consult with a veterinarian.
Which Other Fruits Are Toxic to Parakeets?
Parakeets are susceptible to cyanide poisoning and fruits like cherry, apricot, and peach stones have this chemical component making it lethal for the birds. Citrus fruits, such as lime and lemon might not prove to be lethal but cause stomach problems in birds due to their citric acid concentration.
Which Bird Can Eat Avocado?
Quetzals can eat avocado, where they swallow the entire fruit and then the large seeds are regurgitated by the bird.
What is an Ideal Balanced Diet for a Parakeet?
You can create an ideal balanced diet for a parakeet by including fresh fruits, such as blueberries, bananas, and apples (without the seed), or vegetables that include sweet potatoes, and carrots. Kale, seeds, and nuts can be their occasional treat.
