Can Parrots Eat Peas?

Peas are among the healthiest of foods with nearly all the essential nutrients.

And so, a parrot can not only eat peas, but it is one of the only few vegetables that can be added to a bird’s daily diet.

Besides, snap peas are often used as treats to train parrots.

In this article you’re going to discover the following.. 

• Can parrots eat green peas?
• What about African greys, can they eat peas?
• Why you should feed your parrot peas?
• The nutrients found in peas
• How to serve peas to your parrot
• Can your parrot eat frozen peas?
• How much peas your parrot can eat
• Safe vegetables to feed your birdie

You’re basically going to learn everything about feeding your parrot peas!

A very comprehensive article which will benefit your understanding about parrots and eating peas

Sound good?

Let’s get started!

Do Parrots Eat Green Peas?

They definitely do.

But birds don’t normally reject other kinds of legumes either.

So, technically parrots can eat both green and non-green peas. 

However, sprouting green peas are considered far more nutritious than other peas. 

Even so, parrots prefer eating unripe baby peas.

Most parrots love eating snap peas with sugar-rich insides.

Despite that, some parrots may not eat peas at all.

Mainly because all parrots have unique personalities and so, different likes and dislikes. 

So, your parrot may not enjoy eating the peas served in a certain way or eating them altogether.

Naturally, if you are a first-time parrot breeder, you are bound to have doubts.

Though, somehow the question is always about the same parrot species,

Asking:

Can African GREY Eat Peas?

Certainly, yes. 

Of course, I have wondered why it’s always about the African Grey.

But I guess it’s because they are quite the picky birds. 

You see, African greys are the most popular parrot pets.

Their intellect and ability to mimic humans are almost bewildering.

And so, they tend to reject peas unless the peas are offered a certain way, say cooked to their taste.

It’s more like,

‘Thy Highness the great African Grey will nibble the peas, only if it deems it to its liking.’

Now, you may be wondering:

Why Should I Feed My Parrot the Peas?

Because a pea is the closest we can get to the “wholesome food” for a bird.

You see, only a parrot eating a balanced diet will be able to enjoy a healthy life.

So, a regular bird meal shouldn’t merely be a mixture of seeds and pellets.

At least, half of the daily nutrition must come from fruits or vegetables. 

Surely, you should add a variety of greens.

And yet, peas are one of the most nutrient-rich veggies, with the ability to provide your bird with all the essential vitamins. 

I know what you’re thinking

What’s so healthy about peas for your parrot

What health benefit does it provide?

Let’s find out..

What Nutrients Are Present In Peas?

Here is a list of major pea components and their roles in a parrot’s life:

1. Vitamin

Peas provide the parrots with the following vitamins:

1. Vitamin A helps develop a bird’s immunity, vision, nerves, and even kidneys. It is also essential for the formation of healthy skin, feathers and skeleton. 
2. Vitamin B supports a bird with:

1. B12 synthesizing blood, nerves, and the nervous system. 
2. Thiamine aiding in enzyme and nerve functioning.
3. Folate producing red blood cells as well as RNA and DNA.
4. Riboflavin supporting energy production, RBC formation of RBCs, growth, and reproduction.

1. Vitamin C maintains a parrot’s immunity as well as the digestive system.
2. Vitamin K aids in blood clotting.

2. Minerals

Peas dispense the following necessary minerals to the parrots,

1. Calcium supports bone health and balance. Furthermore, it is essential for the proper functioning of blood vessels, muscles, and connective tissues.
2. Iron forms hemoglobin and so, helps a bird to breathe.
3. Manganese mediates a parrot’s growth, metabolism, reproduction as well as blood clotting. 
4. Potassium for nerve conduction
5. Phosphorous enhances bone and egg formation.
6. Zinc aids in insulin production. Therefore, it is crucial for blood glucose levels. Moreover, zinc supports molting and feathering.

3. Carbohydrates and Fiber

Half a cup of peas i.e. 170 grams contains about 11 grams of carbs.

However, these provide moderate energy with no fluctuations in blood glucose level.

Fiber from peas supports gut health and digestion.

4. Proteins

Peas contain four times more proteins compared to the carrots having same dry weight.

These proteins aid in growth and development.

Also, these prevent fatty liver disease among parrots. 

The consumption of pea proteins stimulates certain bird hormones, promoting a feeling of fullness.

Therefore, a bird would not over-eat while eating peas. 

5. Antioxidants 

Peas contain polyphenol antioxidants such as saponins and flavonoids.

These compounds reduce the risk of cancer and chronic diseases.

Hopefully, with this nutrient-rich talk, now you are convinced to feed your bird the peas. 

So you now know the health benefits to your parrot 

Question is…

How Should I Serve Peas To My Parrot?

You can feed your bird the peas in:

1. Raw Form to adult birds. Though, parrots prefer to eat small or more appropriately baby peas. You can always chop the peas into even smaller bites.
2. Soaked Form with peas in water for at least 8 hours prior to eating.
3. Sprouting Peas must have their tips cut to about a quarter of an inch, to avoid any complications.
4. Cooked Form preferably steamed or baked. I discourage boiling as the peas will lose excessive nutrients.

Can My Parrot Eat Frozen Peas?

Yes, but only after thawing them to room temperature.

Truth be told, frozen peas may even be better than shelved peas. 

Why?

Well, it’s mainly because the frozen peas are chilled almost immediately after harvesting.

And so, all the nutrients are locked in the peas.

However, the shelved peas lose nutrients over time.

Frozen peas with salt or preservatives must be avoided at all costs.

It because salts can cause heart and kidney issues to a parrot.

Also, the preservatives may cause slow poisoning to your bird. 

“Can’t I just wash the salted frozen peas with water?”

Actually, no.

Even if you do that, most of the salt will remain absorbed within the peas.

So, best to get fresh peas and freeze them yourself, if you want to feed your bird the frozen peas. 

How Much Peas Parrots Can Eat?

Ideally, the vegetable part of your bird’s diet should be no more than 25% of its meal.

So, you have to fit peas in that frame.

Therefore,

A spoonful of peas a day should be adequate for a parrot.

However, moderation in the diet is always encouraged.

And so, I would suggest you don’t feed your bird peas on daily basis.

Over-consumption of peas may even cause your bird to be bloated.

Try using alternate vegetables.

Which vegetables are safe for your birdie, you ask?

Safe Vegetables For Parrots To Eat

You can feed your parrot the following vegetables:

1. Corn
2. Carrots
3. Cauliflowers
4. Broccoli 
5. Peas

However, there are certain vegetables that you must never feed to your bird.

These contain certain harmful substances like thiosulphates.

So, you should never feed your bird the following:

1. Onion
2. Mushrooms
3. Kale
4. Cabbage
5. Garlic

Wrapping Up 

Parrots can eat moderate amounts of peas every day.

These can be served as either chopped raw or cooked peas.

African greys can also eat peas.

However, a parrot may not eat peas if it’s not to its liking.

Nevertheless, peas are a nutrient-rich diet with essential vitamins and so, you should feed your bird peas.

There’s plenty of health benefits for your parrot

Do remember to always talk to your avian vet before adding any new food to your parrots diet