Yes, you can feed eggplant to parrot and it can also be added to the regular diet for its immense health benefits. However, you need to know what are the risks and also the safe way of serving eggplant to the parrot.
Here, we will discuss all the concerns and preparation process you need to go through before feeding eggplant to your feathered friend.
What are the Nutritional Benefits of Eggplant?
Eggplants also known as aubergine, are highly nutritious and have many benefits such as –
Folic Acid
Eggplant has Vitamin B9 which is high in folic acid and it helps to process amino acid and protein. Folic acid helps in metabolism and cell growth and also prevents anemia, stunted growth, deformity of bones and beak, and development of the offspring.
Magnesium
Eggplant has magnesium which helps in proper bone formation, enzyme secretion, and carbohydrate metabolism and maintains cardiovascular health. It also prevents thinning of the eggshell, behavioral issues, and diarrhea and reduces the chances of low egg production.
Vitamin A
Eggplant has Vitamin A which helps in the proper function of the brain and central nervous system. It also maintains the cardiac health, respiratory system, reproductivity, kidney, and oral health of the parrot. Vitamin A also helps in maintaining the feathers, vision, skin, and behavior. It prevents fungal infection and reproductive problems. Vitamin A also fixes skin problems such as lesions, and fungus and boosts the immune system.
Vitamin B6
Eggplant helps in the metabolism and breakdown of protein, fat, and carbohydrates due to the presence of vitamin B6. It also prevents poor appetite, poor growth, convulsions, and spasmodic.
Potassium
The potassium content in the eggplant helps in the proper metabolism of protein and glucose. It also helps to maintain muscle health, nerve functions, and regulation of fluids. Potassium prevents muscle weakness, and convulsions and restores the quality of the egg.
Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients in eggplants enhance immunity and help in cell development and growth. It also has phenols or polyphenols which act as antioxidants in the body of the parrot.
How to Serve Eggplants to Parrot?
The best way to serve eggplant to parrots is by cooking them, which helps to remove the bitterness caused by the presence of solanine which is present in all nightshades.
You need to soak the eggplant in water for 30 minutes before cooking, which helps to draw out the Solanine compound from the eggplant, along with oxalic acid. Take the inner white part of the eggplant and roast or fry it. Remove the skin, stem, leaves, and vines. Serve the eggplant along with the daily meal of the parrot. You can either cut it into smaller pieces or grate it, based on the feeding behavior of the parrot.
Do not add salt, sugar or onion along with the eggplant. Based on the digestive and nutrition requirements of the parrot you need to slowly introduce the eggplant, along with their daily meal. You must not overfeed the eggplant, as it contains oxalic acid which affects calcium absorption.
Can Parrots Eat the Seed and the Skin of an Eggplant?
Yes, the parrots can eat the skin and seeds of the eggplant without any issue
Can You Feed Dried Eggplant to the Parrot?
Yes, you can feed dried eggplants to the parrot but make sure you clean it properly to get rid of bacteria and pesticides. Also, you must not use salt or sugar to clean the eggplant.
What is the Risk of Feeding Eggplants to Parrot?
Being a nightshade plant you need to feed eggplant to birds in moderation, otherwise, the bird can go through nightshade poisoning. The symptoms include vomiting, dilated pupils, irregular heart rate, difficulty in breathing, lack of urine production, diarrhea, and paralysis. It contains a compound called solanine which if left uncooked can be poisoning for the bird. Also, eggplants have oxalic acid which prevents nutrients from being absorbed adequately.
What are the Best Alternatives for Eggplants?
If you find the bird is quite picky about eating eggplants, then you can try alternatives, such as squash, which is filled with nutrient content.
Which Parrot Species Can Eat Eggplant?
The parrot species that can eat eggplants are Eclectus parrots, Cockatiels, and Amazon parrots.
