When it comes to feeding fruits to your chatty parrot, almost nothing is off limits! It all comes down to moderation and preparation, as fruits should be offered along with a variety of vegetables and other fruits to enrich your bird’s balanced diet. When preparing fruit for your parrot, keep in mind that you may need to remove seeds and pits.
So, what about the kiwi? Can this delicious fruit be part of your parrot’s diet? Of course! Kiwis are not only nutritious, but they are also among the favorite fruits of parrots! Let’s see what else you need to know before feeding kiwi to your parrot.
What Are the Benefits of Kiwi for Your Parrot?
Fruits should be part of your parrot’s diet because they have many benefits:
However, some fruits are also high in sugar, which can lead to weight gain, especially in less active birds.
The good news is that the kiwi is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, calcium, selenium, and fiber. This cocktail of nutrients and antioxidants makes kiwi a fabulous and safe fruit to give to your beautiful, feathered friend.
Should You Remove the Seeds and Skin from Kiwis?
While the seeds of some fruits, like apples, can be toxic to birds due to the amygdalin compound they contain, the good news is that you don’t need to remove the seeds of a kiwi! Indeed, the kiwi can be eaten in its entirety, which includes the seeds and the skin. However, it is best to remove the skin anyway since it often contains pesticide residues.
What Are the Favorite Fruits of Parrots?
Fruits are some of the best treats Mother Nature has to offer. However, although they are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, fruits should only make up a small part of your parrot’s diet. Also, be sure to remove seeds and pits before offering them to your bird, as these can be poisonous.
How To Feed Your Parrot Fresh Food?
If your parrot’s diet until now has been mostly seeds, it might be tricky to get your bird to like fresh foods, like fruits and vegetables.
What Fruit Is Bad for Parrots?
Most fruits are safe and healthy for parrots to eat in small amounts. However, you must remove the seeds and stones from the following fruits, as they contain small amounts of amygdalin (which is a cyanide compound that is toxic to the heart):
Also, never feed avocados, onions, or garlic to birds, as they can be highly poisonous.
Final Thoughts
Kiwis are delicious and nutritious fruits that you can safely give to your parrot. However, fruit should be offered in a varied salad that includes mostly vegetables, in addition to their complete and balanced pellets and a few nuts and seeds. Thus, kiwis have their place in your parrot’s diet, but should not be offered as a mono diet or in large quantities. So, what are you waiting for to share your snack with your winged companion?
Featured Image Credit: Photo Mix, Pixabay
