Yes, parakeets can eat celery but it should be given in small quantities as it has high water content which can lead to diarrhea. Celery can be given to budgies, along with other vegetables and fruits that are rich in vitamins and minerals, as it is unable to fulfill the nutritional requirements of the parakeets.
So let’s get to know why celery is liked by birds, what are its risky outcomes if overfed, and the benefits of controlled feeding.
Why Feeding Celery to Parakeets is Risky?
Celery contains 95% water which is too much for the parakeet’s electrolyte requirement and it also lacks the required nutrients. Thus, it cannot fall into the category of nutritionally packed food and also it does not contain any vitamins or minerals. Celery only has hydration support and if too much is consumed it can lead to digestive problems and diarrhea.
Stomach infection can also lead to other complications, such as bacterial infection, yeast infection, and fungal infection. It can also lead to fatal crop impaction as the strings from the celery or not are totally digestible by the bird. If the crop impaction is not treated by a veterinarian, then the digestive tract fails to function leading to dehydration, and eventually, the Parakeet will starve to death.
What are the Symptoms of Crop Impaction in Parakeet?
The symptoms of crop impaction in parakeets are – vomiting, dehydration, lack of appetite, depression, inactivity, lethargy, and agitation.
Is There Any Benefit of Feeding Celery to Parakeets?
Birds love to munch celery but it has limited benefits and should be fed in moderation. It contains Vitamin A which helps in the growth of bird feathers making them brighter and colorful. It also contains Vitamin C which improves and boosts the immune system. The Vitamin K of celery helps in bird’s blood coagulation and the folate helps in cell growth and metabolism.
How Much Celery Can You Give to an Adult Parakeet?
Depending on its size and age and also the overall activity level and health condition you can provide a small piece of celery twice a week, but if you notice any science or digestive issues stop and eliminate celery from the Parakeet’s feed. Moreover, due to a lack of nutritional components, if celery is fed daily, then it can induce nutritional deficiency in the Parakeet. Thus, it can be given as an occasional treat along with their staple food.
How to Feed Celery to Birds?
If you want to feed the parakeets celery, then here is the guide that you need to follow:
- Chop off the stalk of the celery to avoid choking hazards and also cut the levees into manageable pieces.
- Wash the celery to remove dirt, pesticides, and any other harmful products.
- You can choose organic celery, which is a better option and has gone through minimum exposure to chemicals.
- Feed the parakeet occasionally as a treat and monitor its health. If digestive issues are noticed then stop immediately otherwise continue.
- Mix celery with essential food, such as seeds pellets, fruits, and vegetables.
- Consult with a veterinary professional for a more personalized opinion and set the diet based on the health, age, and diet of the bird.
Can you Give Celery Leaves to Parakeets?
Yes, celery leaves are much better than the stalk as they have less water content and also a higher amount of vitamins. However, it might contain pesticides which can prove to be fatal for the birds. You can wash the leaves under running water before feeding the Parakeets, but it will possibly not remove all the chemicals, so it is better to avoid the leaves. They also have low moisture content which won’t be able to keep the bird hydrated for a long time. While feeding celery leaves to the parakeet, you also need to cut them into smaller manageable pieces to avoid the risk of choking.
Can Parakeets Eat Celery Stalk?
Yes, parakeets can eat the celery stalk, but you need to chop them into smaller pieces so that the birds can pick one piece in one bite. You need to remove the strings or fibers from the celery to minimize digestive issues and choking hazards.
Can Parakeets Eat Celery Seeds?
No, celery seeds are not recommended for parakeets as they are hard, tiny, and have the risk of choking the bird. Also, these are high in fat content, making them difficult to digest. If you feed too many celery seeds to parakeets, it can lead to blockage or stomach upset.
Can Parakeets Drink Celery Juice?
No, parakeets cannot drink celery juice and it is not recommended at all, as the juice is extracted from celery stalk which has fiber and high sugar content making it not suitable for the bird’s health. It also does not provide the same nutritional value when compared with the whole celery.
Can You Give Celery to Small Birds?
If the bird is small, it can struggle with breaking down the stringy texture of the celery and they may also face difficulty digesting the fibrous stem. It also has the risk of choking hazards, so you must avoid giving celery to small Parakeets.
What Should You Feed the Parakeet?
You can prepare a balanced mixture of fruits and vegetables, which isn’t just nutritious but also has enough water content. Celery being mostly water content, is not adequate to fulfill the nutritional requirement of the bird. So, you need to mix it with spinach, carrot, pumpkin, broccoli, sweet potato, cauliflower, cucumber, pepper, radish, squash, tomato and Brussels sprouts.
Which Type of Food is Required for Birds?
Birds need potassium-rich food for muscle construction, maintaining electrolyte balance, and keeping nerve signals functional.
