Would you like to add some variety to your parrot’s diet?
Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are excellent for your parrot’s overall health.
However, some common foods in your kitchen may not be safe for your feathered friend to eat.
Not all foods safe for humans to eat are also safe for your parrot.
Some may even be toxic!
Take garlic, for example.
It is a staple in several cuisines but is not safe for your feathered friend.
In this blog post, we will answer in detail the question, “Can parrots eat garlic?” and help you figure out whether or not it is safe.
Let’s fly right in, shall we?
Yes Or No: Is Garlic Okay For Birds?
No, garlic is not okay for birds.
While the root vegetable has several health benefits for humans, it can cause serious health problems in birds.
Garlic cloves contain the following:
- Alliin, which is a sulfur-rich cysteine-based amino acid.
- Allinase a protein-based enzyme.
Upon combining, these two compounds form thiosulphinate or allicin–the thing that gives garlic its distinctive smell.
So, what’s that got to do with your parrot?
Well, the thing is that allicin is an oxidant that can create free radicals in your parrot’s body, which can lead to:
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Stomach irritation
- Hemolytic anemia
- Blisters, if placed directly on the skin
That being said, you don’t need to panic if your parrot accidentally consumed some garlic.
However, it is best to contact your vet and seek guidance on what to do.
What Are The Harms Of Garlic To Parrots?
Your parrot will probably be fine if he accidentally consumed garlic once or twice.
However, the real issues can arise if your feathered friend consumes it regularly.
In this section of the blog post, we will go over some dangers of feeding garlic to your feathered friend.
Carry on reading..
Root Cause of Several Health Problems
Garlic creates free radicals in your parrot’s body, which are the root cause of several health problems in birds.
Research on free radicals has shown how they play a crucial role in disease, illness, and aging.
This is one of the reasons why antioxidants have taken off in the past few years.
Avian Hemolytic Anemia
Feeding garlic to your feathered friend increases its chances of getting Hemolytic anemia.
This can cause several symptoms like fainting, lethargy, weakness, etc.
May Even Lead to Death
In severe cases, the consumption of garlic can even lead to death.
There have been several recorded cases of death due to garlic consumption. While they are low in number, it is still best to take every precaution possible.
Damages Immune System Function
Too much garlic can damage your parrot’s immune system, making it vulnerable to getting several diseases.
So now we know the danger of giving your parrot garlic
It’s a no no
Make sure you keep them away from your parrot by storing them in a place where your birdie can’t get to
Let’s look at what else parrots cannot eat
What Are Parrots Not Allowed To Eat?
This section of the blog post will go over some food items that aren’t safe for your parrot.
- Avocado
- Apple seeds
- Cocoa or Chocolate
- Caffeine
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Dried beans
- Salt
- Vegetable leaves
- Alcohol
- Peanuts
- Fruit pits and seeds
- Meat
- Dairy products
- Cassava
It is best to look up a food item before serving it to your feathered friend when in doubt.
If you accidentally gave your parrot something you were not supposed to, call your vet and see what you can do.
Before you make any changes to your parrots diet or you wish to add something new it’s best to talk to the avian vet just to make sure it’s okay
Wrapping It Up
Were you able to find the answer to your question?
It is best to keep garlic away from your feathered friend as it is not safe for parrots to consume.
Garlic contains chemical compounds such as allicin that can cause hemolysis, leading to anemia.
You don’t need to worry if your parrot accidentally consumed some garlic.
However, we will advise you to call your vet and seek professional guidance from them.
There are plenty of other vegetables and fruits you can give your parrot
I have plenty of articles about this so make sure to check them out by clicking any of the links you’re interested below