Yes, parrots can eat cherries, but you have to remove the pit before you serve them. The pit of the cherry contains cyanide which is toxic for the parrots. Otherwise, you can mix a perfect blend of fruits and vegetables, along with cherries, and provide them with a healthy meal.
Let’s learn about the nutritional value of cherries and in what amount should you give them to the parrots
Why Are Cherries Beneficial for Parrots?
Usually, wild parrots learn by themselves which food is safe and which is not, but for a pet parrot, you need to choose beneficial and nutritional fruits.
So, if you are choosing cherries, then here are the benefits that your feather friend would get:
Vitamin
Cherries have a high content of vitamins which are important micronutrients for the parrot. Vitamin C helps boost the immune system, reduces blood pressure, regulates blood pressure, protects the cardiovascular health, and prevents cataracts. Vitamin A in the cherries is required for their healthy appearance and the growth of feathers.
Calcium
The calcium in cherries helps to make the bones and beak of the parrot stronger. It also maintains a normal heart function and keeps the nervous system functional.
Iron
Cherries are needed to produce hemoglobin, as they have high iron content, which helps in carrying oxygen and prevents anemia in parrots. However, if too much iron is taken, then it can affect the liver, heart and due to iron storage disease.
Magnesium
The magnesium in the cherries helps to absorb calcium which keeps the bones, and beak of the parrot healthy and also helps in keratin formation for feathers and skin.
Fiber
Cherries have fiber content which promotes gut health and keeps the digestive process functional.
Inflammatory Substance
The inflammatory substance in the cherries helps prevent metabolic syndrome, prevents fatty liver disease, and also protects the heart.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants in the form of polyphenols in cherries help to fight against cancer, heart disease, and obesity.
Which Cherry Should You Feed the Parrots – Sweet or Sour?
Cherries come in two forms: Sweet cherries and Sour cherries, where sweet cherries have a succulent sweet flavor and can be eaten fresh and raw or added to the dessert. But, the sour cherries have a tart taste and can only be used for cooking and baking. So, it is always suggested to provide sweet cherries to the birds.
How Can You Serve Cherries to Parrot?
If you want to serve cherries to parrots, then here are the steps you need to follow:
- Before you offer cherries to the parrot you need to wash it well to remove pesticide and dirt and make it safe and healthy for the parrot.
- You need to remove all the pits and then offer them directly.
- If your parrot is fuzzy, then it can make a messy situation out of it, so you can also cut manageable pieces and then serve them to the parrot.
- If you find cutting the cherry is a hassle, then you can blend it or turn it into juice or smoothie.
- Add fruits and vegetables, along with cherries to make it a balanced diet. You need to feed cherries occasionally as a treat, do not make it a staple diet for the parrots.
Why are Cherry Pits Harmful to the Birds?
Parrots should not eat the cherry pits, and if it does, then it would split it out as it has a bitter taste. However, if it is swallowed, then it can create a problem, but the concern depends on the amount of pit the parrot has ingested.
If the parrot has a good digestive system, it won’t have much problem, otherwise the cyanide created after the metabolism of amygdalin present in the pit, might lead to liver and kidney dysfunctions.
If you find that the parrot is vomiting or showing disbalance or any change in droppings, or other colors of change in urate or wobbling, then it is an alert sign, and you need to take the parrot immediately to the veterinarian.
Can You Serve Dried Cherries to Parrots?
Yes, parrots can eat dried cherries and they are safe. Parrots also enjoy crunching into the fruit but you need to give them fresh ones. If the cherries have become out of season always choose organic dried cherries which do not have sulfur dioxide as a preservative.
Why is the Parrot Poop Red after Eating Cherries?
It is completely normal for a parrot to poop red after eating cherries, but it may be shocking as it varies from other normal days. The reason is that the parrot passes all the cherries out of its system and so the color turns out to be red.
Can Parrots Eat Cherries Loaf Cake?
No, you cannot give cherry loaf cake to parents as it contains ingredients, such as sugar, and flour which are harmful to the parrots’ digestive system.
What Other Kinds of Fruits Can You Serve Parrots?
Other fruits that can be served with cherries are apples, berries, grapes, melons, bananas, peaches, etc. These fruits should be washed thoroughly, cut into manageable sizes, or blended to create a puree before feeding the parrots.
