Budgies make it right to the very top of the list of favorite domestic pets across the world.
And, it’s true that budgies make remarkable pets with their fun ways, loyal nature, and silly noises and chatter.
But, there is one thing that many people don’t know about budgies is that many of them love to snack on sugary treats.
You might find it hard to believe, but most budgies have a crazy sweet tooth.
Pet parents of budgies see their birdies devour fruity snacks with great enthusiasm. And, seeing as how at least 20% – 25% of your budgies daily meal should consist of fruits, many pet parents wonder if it’s okay to offer some sugarcane to their winged friend as a foraging, sugary treat.
So – Can budgies eat sugarcane?
Let’s just look into the various aspects of feeding sugarcane to your budgies and whether it is safe to give some refined table sugar to your budgie.
Can Birds Eat Sugarcane?
You see, sugarcane is a tropical grass cultivated across the globe to produce refined sugar, sugarcane juice, and other medicinal products.
As mentioned earlier, budgies can eat sugarcane.
And, most birds, domestic or otherwise, can have sugarcane too.
Also, you should know that there are many different forms of sugary products that come from sugarcane, such as refined sugar, brown sugar, molasses, and jaggery.
Sugarcane contains proteins, iron, magnesium, vitamin B1 (thiamine), and riboflavin.
Furthermore, sugarcane has diuretic properties and is full of antioxidants.
Not to mention, while the common table sugar possesses zero vitamins and minerals, sugarcane isn’t devoid of nutrients.
Moreover, sugarcane is quite good for the digestive system as it contains zinc, calcium, potassium, and fiber that prevents stomach infections and helps relieve constipation.
But, you have to understand that your budgie is a tiny bird with a delicate digestive tract.
So, an occasional snack of sugarcane is wonderful, but too much sugarcane can cause birds to develop diabetes.
Do Budgies Like Sugar?
Budgies are granivores as in the wild; budgies tend to eat primarily seeds and grains.
But, budgies in the wild suffer from many different nutritional deficiencies.
Though budgies aren’t frugivores, you will find budgies randomly eat a fruit or two as well.
Hence, most pet parents will vouch that their pet budgies love to eat sugary snacks.
But, eating sugary snacks and eating refined sugar are two different scenarios.
Sugary snacks can be fruits with natural sugars that contain many minerals and vitamins.
Plain table sugar is nothing but sucrose which is a type of disaccharide made up of one part glucose and one part fructose.
There’s no denying that most budgies do seem to enjoy snacks made with refined sugar and like to eat refined sugar just as it is.
Can Budgies Have Sugar? (If So, How Much?)
Well, yes, budgies can have sugar, and they will if you offer them some.
But, the critical question isn’t can budgies have sugar.
The more pertinent question would be whether you should be feeding refined sugar to your budgie.
And, the simple answer is a resounding no.
Indeed, birds are not like mammals.
They need more sugar in their bodies, but the best way to fulfill those bodily needs of your beloved pet is to provide healthy options such as fruits, seeds, grains, or nuts.
Refined sugar isn’t toxic for budgies but with high sugar levels, your budgie might experience weight gain and have difficulty sleeping.
With high-stress levels and increased amounts of sugar consumed, your birdie can quickly get diabetes or other health concerns such as heart conditions.
What Foods Are Toxic To Budgies?
You’d be surprised that many toxic foods for many animals and even birds are just everyday human foods.
Some items of the toxic-for-birds-list are considered to be exceedingly healthy for human beings.
So, as a pet parent, you need to practice a great deal of constrain in what you offer to your pet budgie to eat.
- Avocado
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Salt
- Fat – buttery, oily, fried items
- Fruit Pits
- Apple And Other Fruit Seeds
- Onions
- Garlic
- Xylitol
Wrapping Up
Budgies might love to eat sweet delights, but your pet budgie doesn’t know better.
You see, wild birds have more survival instincts and a sense of self-preservation than domestic avian pets.
Your beloved pet will rely on your good reason to provide food that will fulfill its daily nutritional needs.
So, it would be best if you were sure that you offer specifically formulated budgie pellets to your domestic avian pet, in conjunction with wholesome vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts as occasional treats.
It’s OK for budgies to munch on some sugarcane and pull the pieces apart.
But, feeding your birdie plain table sugar is going too far, even as an indulgent pet parent.
