Parrots make fantastic pets with their funny ways and affectionate nature.

One of the reasons why parrots make to the top of the list of most popular domestic pets is because these beautiful birds are very low-maintenance pets.

However, any pet parent who has ever had the good fortune of keeping a parrot in their house will tell you that you need to be careful with what you bring into your home with an avian pet like a parrot, especially indoor plants. 

Parrots are curious by nature, and if you bring home a lavender plant, you can be sure that your parrot will go over to investigate what was brought into its home.

So, parrot owners wonder if it is safe for parrots to eat lavender.

Yes, it is safe for your parrot to have lavender leaves and flowers.

But, it would be best if you offered lavender in moderation as too much lavender will invariably give your feathered friend diarrhea.

Let’s take a good look at whether lavender is safe for parrots and what health benefits lavender can offer to your parrots.

Is Lavender Poisonous To Parrots?

No, lavender is a non-toxic herb for birds.

Every part of the lavender plant is considered safe for parrots.

That is why you will find that while many pet parents allow their beloved pets to munch on raw lavender leaves and flowers.

Other bird keepers use lavender essential oils to clean up their pet’s cage or provide lavender-infused tea to bring some relief to their pet from stress. 

Should You Let Your Parrot Eat Lavender?

Lavender is a flowering plant that belongs to the mint family.

It’s a stunning plant with a sweet floral scent.

In ancient times, lavender was considered a sacred plant as it looked divine and offered several health benefits.

Studies have shown that lavender is non-toxic for humans and most animal species.

Studies have recently proved lavender to be safe for avian species; hence, you see many avian medicinal teas with the active ingredient as lavender.

According to a study published in the journal of Phytotherapy Research, lavender contains polysaccharides, linalyl acetate, and linalool that work as a natural remedy for pain. 

Moreover, lavender is a herb well-known across the globe for its soothing properties.

So, you find that if your parrot is stressed due to any changes in the environment or sickness, then the vet will invariably recommend an avian lavender tea.

Lavender tea relaxes your parrot’s anxiety, reduces stress levels, calms the heartbeat, helps your birdie sleep better, and improves its mood.

Many pet parents also make use of lavender due to its antifungal properties.

Studies suggest that lavender essential oil inhibits the growth of fungi such as C. Albicans. Candida albicans is a common environmental fungus that affects the digestive tract of birds, both in the wild and in captivity.  

How Can You Feed Lavender To Your Parrot?

As mentioned earlier, the entire plant of lavender is safe for parrots.

So, your parrots can enjoy munching on lavender flowers, leaves, or shredding lavender roots.

But, in many cases, parrot keepers provide their beloved pet with lavender-infused tea. 

Also, some use lavender essential oil through an infuser to take away foul odors from their pet’s cage and create a calm and refreshed environment.

As far as chewing or eating on the various parts of lavender is concerned, it would help if you were sure that the entire plant had been organically grown without any usage of chemicals or pesticides.

But, even with these measures, you will have to practice caution as lavender helps relieve constipation.

And, if your parrot likes the bitter taste of lavender and hogs on it frequently, your bird will face a stomach upset. 

What Flowers Can Parrots Eat?

Many flowers aren’t fit for consumption as Nature has provided these beautiful bloomers with natural pest mechanisms.

Hence, some flowers have a hint of cyanide or strychnine.

But, some flowers are perfectly safe for parrots to eat.

Any avian expert will tell you that many parrots in the wild do revert to eating flowers or buds when facing a scarcity of food, and some parrots seem to have a palate for such delicate tastes.

So, here’s a list of flowers that your parrot can eat without fear of any toxicity:

• African Violets
• Magnolias 
• Petunias
• Pansies
• Honeysuckle
• Lilac
• Marigold
• Hibiscus
• Violets
• Sunflowers
• Roses
• Aster
• Bottlebrush
• Daisies
• Gardeniums
• Nasturtiums
• Carnations
• Chrysanthemums
• Gladiolus
• Impatiens
• Honeysuckle

This is not a complete list of all the flowers that your parrot can eat, but the list does cover flowers most commonly found in backyards and home gardens.

However, if you have avian visitors in your backyard and you have a garden with these flowers, then you need to make sure you stop using any form of chemicals or pesticides so that your winged friend can enjoy munching on some of these flowers without suffering from any toxicity.

Wrapping Up

Lavender is truly a remarkable flower and it possesses many healing qualities.

As long as lavender flowers, leaves, stems, and roots are free of chemicals and pesticides, your parrot can gorge on them.

But, you need to make sure that your bird does not indulge in overeating lavender unless you want your feathered friend to end up with a slight tummy ache.