Does Polly want a cracker? Or how about your cockatiel wanting a luscious piece of fruit? While many birds love to pig out on fruits and veggies, some may not be so healthy for your feathered friend.
So, can your cockatiel eat strawberries? Yes, strawberries are perfectly safe (and even beneficial) for cockatiel consumption.
Let’s take a deep dive into strawberries and cockatiels to learn about the perks of feeding this delicious treat to your pet.
The Health Benefits of Strawberries
A strawberry’s heart-shaped silhouette is a sure sign that this yummy fruit is good for your health. Not only does it promote good cholesterol, but eating strawberries also lowers your blood pressure, combats cancer, and gives you a hardy dose of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
But can your cockatiel reap the health perks of strawberries too? Indeed, he can! Strawberries, when consumed in moderation, can help your bird’s immune system, and protect him from certain kinds of germs, bacteria, and viruses. Additionally, eating strawberries can help promote a healthy bowel system in your bird and aids in cell function and tissue development.
How to Feed Strawberries to Your Cockatiel
Strawberries are very juicy fruits, and feeding one to your bird can turn into quite a mess. To make feeding strawberries to your cockatiel a bit less chaotic, be sure to thoroughly chop the fruit up into small, bite-sized pieces. Some birds can be turned off by the red color of strawberries, so cutting the fruit into tiny pieces will make it seem less intimidating. If your cockatiel still seems stressed by the strawberries, remove the pieces from his cage right away. You should also wash the fruit under warm, running water to remove any dirt and debris.
Consider mixing strawberries with other greens, such as parsley, cucumber, cabbage, and broccoli.
Only feed your cockatiel strawberries in moderation. We recommend one to three servings per week. However, keep in mind that strawberries can be contaminated with more pesticides than other types of fruit. Always opt for organic strawberries. It’s also important to remember that strawberries can sit in your cockatiel’s crop for up to 12 hours. Since strawberries can quickly spoil, they can easily cause the crop to bloat, making your bird very sick. This is why you should only feed your cockatiel fresh strawberries.
Feeding your cockatiels the wrong mixture of seeds can be dangerous to their health, so we recommend checking with an expert resource like The Ultimate Guide to Cockatiels, available on Amazon.
This excellent book will help you balance your cockatiels’ food sources by understanding the value of different seed types, dietary supplements, fruits and vegetables, and cuttlebone. You’ll also find tips on everything from housing to health care!
What Other Fruits Can Cockatiels Eat?
Cockatiels can be fed a wide range of fruits, including apples, bananas, grapes, mangos, cherries, peaches, kiwis, and melons. Only feed your pet small quantities of fresh fruits. A cockatiel’s diet should mostly be a pelleted food specifically for cockatiels. Fruits and vegetables should only comprise of 20%–25% of their diet.
Wrapping Up
Your cockatiel can consume a diverse amount of fruits, including strawberries. Strawberries offer a plethora of healthy perks to your bird, including boosting his immune system and protecting him from certain types of bacteria.
When feeding your cockatiel strawberries, keep in mind that the bright red color of the fruit can intimidate him. To lessen the stress, cut the strawberries into tiny, beak-sized pieces or pair them with other greens.
Always thoroughly wash the strawberries before offering them to your bird and only feed your cockatiel fresh, organic fruit in moderation.
Strawberries are a great addition to your cockatiel’s diet and a yummy treat to offer him!
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Featured Image: FilipFilipovic, Pixabay
