Yes, parrots can eat sesame seeds as part of their supplement diet, but you need to feed them in moderation or offer them as a snack. These are tasty, filled with nutrition, and contribute to the well-being of the bird.
You can make a balanced diet, by adding some whole grains, fruits, vegetables, or other food items, so that the bird can get all the required nutrients for proper growth and development.
Let’s get to know about the nutritional value of sesame seeds and what are the precautions you must take before offering them to the parrot.
What are the Other Types of Seeds You Can Feed Parrots?
Other types of seeds that can be added to a parrot’s diet are millet, sunflower seeds, niger seeds, quinoa, and chia seeds. However, you cannot make these seeds a staple diet of the bird and the main course should have a variety of food items.
What is the Nutritional Benefit of Sesame Seeds?
Sesame seeds are safe and provide multiple benefits to the parrot, including protein, minerals, vitamins, fibers, and more. Let’s get to the details:
Protein
Sesame seeds are known to be a good source of protein and they help in muscle development, maintaining tissues, and building the connective tissues of the body.
Fiber Content
Sesame seeds have enough fiber content that helps in healthy digestion and if consumed every day it ensures to help the bird absorb the nutrients and maintain regularity.
Vitamins and Minerals
Sesame seeds have calcium which helps in bone development and muscle building. It also helps in red blood production and oxygen transportation throughout the body, due to the iron content. The magnesium helps in bone growth and overall metabolism. Phosphorus supports the synthesis of protein and zinc helps to boost the immune system. The antioxidants protect the cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage.
How to Serve Sesame Seeds to Parrots?
Take a small amount of sesame seeds and sprinkle them over the daily meals of the birds, which might consist of fruits, nuts, vegetables, and whole grains. Otherwise, you can also pour a small amount of seed into the feeding bowl of the parrot inside the cage, but there must be enough availability of drinking water. Alternatively, you can also grind the sesame seeds, turn them into powdered form, and sprinkle them on top of the fruits and vegetables.
What are the Risks Associated with Sesame Seeds?
Anything that is fed in overdose can lead to health problems, such as allergic reactions, high-fat content, choking hazards, etc. Let’s explore the problems in detail so that you can maintain a precaution.
High-Fat Content
Sesame seeds have high fat content which if fed in excessive amounts can lead to rapid weight gain leading to obesity. Thus, it is advised to serve sesame seeds twice a week, depending on the health condition, age, and activity level of the bird.
Allergy Reaction
Some birds develop allergic reactions and show signs of difficulty in breathing, swelling, and discomfort when sesame seeds are fed to them. So, you need to slowly introduce the sesame seeds and wait to see if the bird shows any sign of discomfort.
Choking Hazards
For smaller parrots, if you are feeding the sesame seeds, then it can create choking hazards. So, you need to either crush or grind them, before you feed the seeds to the parrot.
Precautions to Maintain While Feeding Sesame Seeds
If you are feeding sesame seeds for the first time, then here is a strict guideline that you must follow:
- The sesame seeds must not be included in more than 10% of the main diet of the parrot.
- You need to feed the sesame seeds as an occasional treat rather than making it a daily supplement.
- Mix other variants of seed along with sesame seeds to provide them with a balanced diet.
- When you are introducing a new food item to the parrot, always provide them in smaller quantities as they have a sensitive digestive system. This strategy would allow them the time to adjust to the change in food.
- If you find any potential health issues, stop feeding them sesame seeds immediately and take them to the nearest veterinarian.
How Can You Safely Store the Sesame Seeds?
If you are feeding sesame seeds to your parrots, then keeping the seeds safe and fresh is part of the feeding process. So, choose the right kind of seeds and always go for the ones that are free from additives and preservatives. Get fresh and organic sesame seeds and get them from a good quality store. To keep them fresh and prevent mold or spoilage, the seed should be kept in a cool and dry place. If smelly, molds are visible or if there is a slimy feel, then discard the sesame seeds immediately.
Can All Species of Parrots Have Sesame Seeds?
Yes, you can provide sesame seeds to African Greys, macaws, cockatoos, cockatiels, Eclectus, conures, Caique Parrot, Rose-ringed parakeets, Quakers, lovebirds, Pionus parrots, Amazonian parrots, Senegal, and more but in moderation.
Can You Provide Sesame Oil to Parrots?
No, you cannot feed sesame oil to the birds as this has a higher concentration of fat and has the tendency to induce allergic reactions. However, if you do not want to feed seeds, then consult with the veterinarian about the quantity you should provide to the parrot and the precautions you need to maintain.
Can You Serve Sesame Seed Butter to Parrots?
Yes, you can feed sesame seed butter to parrots but only if they are free from additives and preservatives, and that too in small quantities.
Can You Feed Toasted Sesame Seeds to Parrots?
Yes, you can feed toasted sesame seeds to parrots, but they should not be burned and it should be in moderation.
