Many bird owners refuse to let their parrots and other birds eat soybeans.

Feeding soybeans to birds and other animals has always been pretty controversial.

Others believe that there are no harmful effects of letting their pets have soybeans as part of their meals, but some say otherwise.

So, most of the confused owners have the same question:

Is it really safe for parrots and other bird species in general to eat soybeans? 

In reality, many bird pellets and other poultry diets have soybeans as one of their primary ingredients.

However, it has been significantly reduced because of its potential harmful effects to birds, including parrots.

Though these beans have a high source of protein and other energy sources, the potential risks outweigh these benefits.

This is because soybeans have natural inhibitors or anti-nutrients that disrupt nutrition and mineral balance among birds, especially parrots.

It is also good to add in the knowledge that soybeans must be processed first, and should never be fed to birds fresh and raw. 

Can Parrots Eat Soybeans?

Parrots can eat soybeans, especially that most bird pellets and feeds have soybeans as ingredients. 

However, many bird owners discourage it as their meal since it contains serious potential risks to their health.

Though soybeans are high in protein, it has a lot of anti-nutrients. 

Soybeans are extremely high in soy protein.

Although these are considered great energy sources for birds, they can also be considered as toxins for them.

This is primarily because of the hormones that soybeans contain which can be also called as anti-nutrients. 

These anti-nutrients are enzyme inhibitors and interfere with utilization and absorption of many nutrients of your parrots.

This is also the same for other bird species, hence why bird breeders and owners opt not to include soy in their pets’ meals.

They can play a big factor in the healthy growth of your feathered friends, especially when they are excessively fed with soy beans.

Do Birds (In general) Eat Soybeans?

Birds can eat soybeans, but it comes with risks.

Soy toxins or the soy proteins can cause various acute and chronic diseases to birds as soy has a lot of hormones such as phytate and phytoestrogens.

Both of them disturbs the mineral balance in your parrot and may affect their health. 

Most common illnesses that birds may acquire from taking too much soy toxins are beak and bone diseases, thyroid problems, disorders related to their immune system, and even infertility and premature maturation.

These diseases are deadly and could put the bird’s health in a serious situation. 

However, the reality is that many available bird feeds in the market contain soy ingredients.

Bird owners refrain from feeding their bird pets with soy products, but there are still some owners who find no problem having soy products as part of their birds’ meals. 

Hence, this is primarily the reason why soybeans being fed to parrots and birds are controversial.

Still, in case you still want to try them as feed, one common stand between these opposing bird owners is that soybeans must never be given to your birds fresh and raw.

It should be thoroughly processed and roasted before feeding them to your pets to destroy the anti-nutritional substances. 

What Beans Are Safe For Parrots? 

In general, all beans can be safe for parrots as long as they are heavily cooked and roasted to get rid of the anti-nutrients.

Most beans like Anasazi, Kidney, Navy, Soy and Black beans have soy toxins that may cause upsets for birds, including parrots, when you feed it raw.

It is recommended to cook large beans for at least 2 hours prior to feeding to reduce risks.

Soak the beans for at least 24 hours to make it also digestible for your parrots, as per recommended by experts and bird owners. 

Dried beans also have a significant low to no amount of enzyme inhibitors, thus bringing lower risks.

Still, make sure that all beans, regardless of variety, must be cooked and roasted to let your parrot be safe and healthy.

It is also important to only feed them in moderation and balance your parrot’s meals with more nutritious and safer food, such as fruits, berries, and vegetables. 

Wrapping Up

Parrots and birds may eat soybeans, but you should always take some precaution since they can also bring harmful effects to their health.

Some bird owners feed soy to their pets, while some do not since they contain anti-nutrients which can cause some disorders and illnesses. 

If you want to try feeding your parrots some soybeans and other types of beans, make sure to thoroughly cook them for at least 2 hours to destroy the anti nutritional factors.

It is also recommended to soak them for 24 hours prior to feeding.

Remember that your birds must never eat raw and fresh beans since they contain high levels of soy proteins which can be toxic.