Parakeets love eating various fruits and vegetables. In the wild, parakeets search for fresh fruit, seeds, insects, and vegetation to eat. Their mixed diet should be mimicked closely under human care to ensure that they receive proper nutrition. Extremely tame parakeets will often be curious about what their owners are eating and want to sample a bit of their food. We know that parakeets eat fruit, but exactly what kinds of fruit do they like? If you’re eating a kiwi, is it safe to share that with your parakeet? Can kiwi be included in the fruit that you offer your bird? The answer is yes! Parakeets enjoy kiwi and can safely eat this fruit.
A parakeet isn’t a specific type of parrot, but rather a term given to several small to medium-sized species of parrots with long tail feathers.
The term parakeet isn’t a taxonomical reference to any genus or family of parrots; the parrots sometimes referred to as parakeets span multiple genera.
Examples of parrots generally termed as parakeets include budgies, cockatiels, ring-necked parrots, and nose-ringed parrots.
A Healthy Parakeet Diet
To make sure that your parakeet is getting essential nutrients from their diet daily pellet food is recommended. A seed-only diet is high in fat, considered incomplete, and can lead to health issues like fatty liver disease. Seeds, fruits, and vegetables are important for your parakeet but should only be given in moderation, with the bulk of your bird’s nutrients coming from pellets.
A formulated diet (such as a pellet) should form the majority of your companion bird’s diet (about 75%). The rest of the diet should be comprised of smaller fractions of vegetables, nuts and other protein sources, and a small serving of fruits. True berries are preferred over other fruits. Such a composition is appropriate for most pet birds, with the exception of some nectarivores (such as lorikeets and lories) and some species with a very exclusive diet (such as the Glossy Black Cockatoo). Always consult with your exotic or avian veterinarian if you have any doubts about your bird’s diet.
Parakeets and Kiwi
The entire kiwi fruit is edible for parakeets. They can safely eat the flesh, seeds, and skin of this fruit. Some fruits must have the seeds or pits removed before being offered to your bird. The many seeds of the kiwi would be nearly impossible to completely remove, so it’s good news that your parakeet can consume them. This is a convenient snack for your bird because it can be cut in slices or in half for them to enjoy.
Is Kiwi Ever Unsafe for Parakeets?
Kiwi can be unsafe for your bird, but not because of the fruit itself. Kiwi fruit has a high sugar content, so while your parakeet might love the taste, it’s not advised to give them too much. This is a snack best enjoyed by your bird in moderation. Too much sugar can cause obesity in your bird, leading to other health problems in the future.
If you’re peeling the kiwi before serving it to your parakeet, there’s no need to worry about the skin. However, if you’re allowing your bird to eat this fruit with the skin still on, this is unsafe to do unless the fruit is washed first. Washing the skin removes any pesticides and dirt that may be on it. Kiwi skin is always safest after it’s been cleaned.
Any uneaten kiwi that you offer your parakeet should be removed after 2 hours. After that, the fruit can start to grow bacteria and be unsafe for your bird to continue eating. Any fresh food given to your bird should always be removed and disposed of if not eaten in a short period.
Which Foods Are Bad for Parakeets?
Certain foods are not good for your parakeet even if they’re a fruit or vegetable.
If you’re unsure if you can give your parakeet a certain food and can’t find it in this list, always check with your veterinarian first.
What Other Fruits Do Parakeets Enjoy?
In addition to kiwi, your parakeet can safely enjoy:
Which Nuts Can Parakeets Eat?
Your parakeet may also love eating nuts. Unsalted nuts are best to avoid too much sodium. Peanuts (without the shell), Brazil nuts, pistachios (without shells), and walnuts will give your bird more variety and keep them from getting bored with the same foods. Switching up what you offer them every day keeps them excited to eat and is also necessary for their overall health.
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Conclusion
Parakeets can safely eat kiwi and enjoy it very much. When added to your parakeet’s balanced diet, kiwi can be a healthy treat for them. It’s best to feed this fruit in moderation due to its high sugar content. Pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables are all part of your parakeet’s diet, so you can swap out the different foods that you offer every day. This will keep your bird healthy, happy, and excited to eat different things.
Featured Image Credit: pixel2013, Pixabay
