Chamomile is a popular herbal tea that has been used for centuries for its calming and soothing properties. While chamomile is commonly consumed by humans, many bird owners have started using chamomile for their feathered friends as well. But what exactly does chamomile do for birds? Here we’ll explore the benefits, risks, and proper usage of chamomile for birds.
The Benefits of Chamomile for Birds
There are several ways that chamomile may benefit bird health:
Supports calmness and sleep
One of the main traditional uses of chamomile is as a mild sedative to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. The compounds in chamomile, particularly the flavonoid apigenin, may exert a mild tranquilizing effect. This could help high-strung, nervous, or anxious birds feel more relaxed and get better rest.
Aids digestion
Chamomile has long been used to support digestive health and soothe gastrointestinal upsets. For birds prone to digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation, chamomile may help regulate digestion and absorption thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial actions.
Supports respiratory health
The flavonoids and essential oils in chamomile make it a popular remedy for upper respiratory symptoms like coughs and sore throats. Chamomile steam or tea could help soothe irritated respiratory tissues in birds. It may also have mild antimicrobial effects against some bacteria and viruses that cause respiratory infections.
Soothes skin irritation
Applied topically, chamomile may help calm skin irritation, rashes, and inflammation in birds. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds can reduce swelling, redness, and discomfort. Owners sometimes use cooled chamomile tea as a DIY rinse for birds with dry, itchy skin issues.
Potential Risks of Chamomile for Birds
While chamomile has many promising benefits for birds, there are also some potential risks to be aware of:
Allergies
Like humans, birds can be allergic or sensitive to certain herbs and compounds. Chamomile allergies are thought to be relatively rare in birds, but look out for signs of an allergic reaction like facial swelling, skin irritation, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Medication interactions
Chamomile’s sedative properties could potentially interact with tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants if given concurrently. It may increase their effects to dangerous levels. Always check with an avian vet before combining chamomile with other medications.
Estrogen-like effects
Some small studies have found extracts of chamomile exhibit estrogen-like effects. This means chamomile could theoretically impact hormone levels and reproductive health if used long-term in high amounts. Such effects haven’t been reported in birds, but it’s still something to be mindful of.
Contamination
Like any supplement or herb sourced from outdoor crops, chamomile can become cross-contaminated with pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, or other impurities during growth and processing. Only give birds chamomile from trusted organic sources to minimize this risk.
Proper Dosages and Preparation of Chamomile for Birds
If you want to try giving your bird chamomile, follow these tips for safe administration:
- Consult an avian vet first, especially if your bird is on any medications
- Use only high-quality, organic, contaminant-tested chamomile
- Prepare chamomile tea by steeping 1-2 grams dried flowers per cup of hot water for 5-10 minutes; let cool before serving
- A general dosage is 1-5 mL of tea 1-2 times daily for small birds; adjust as needed for larger species
- For topical use, brew a stronger tea, chill completely, and apply with cotton pad 1-2 times a day
- Monitor your bird closely for signs of allergic reaction or sensitivity
- Discontinue use if any concerning symptoms develop
Chamomile should not be given long-term or in high doses without veterinary guidance. Follow label directions for any premade chamomile bird products. And be sure to keep all teas and supplements out of reach of children and other pets.
Studies on Chamomile and Birds
Relatively few scientific studies have looked specifically at using chamomile in birds. Some relevant research includes:
- A 2016 study found chamomile extract had antimicrobial activity against common poultry respiratory bacteria in test tube experiments.
- Chamomile essential oil added to feed showed some benefit for growth performance and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens in a 2018 trial.
- Commercial chamomile teabags were found to be contaminated with trace levels of pesticides and fluoride in a 2022 analysis. Organic tea had lower levels.
- No unwanted estrogenic effects were seen in studies giving chamomile extract to chickens and quails at common dosages.
While promising, much more research is still needed to fully validate the use of chamomile in birds of different species. Most current usage is based on traditional medicine and anecdotal evidence.
Types of Birds That May Benefit from Chamomile
Some birds that may benefit most from the addition of chamomile include:
Parrots
High-strung parrots prone to plucking feathers or screaming when anxious may appreciate chamomile’s calming effects. It could also help stimulate appetite in finicky eaters.
Budgies
These busy little birds are often in need of more rest. Chamomile can encourage budgies to settle down for some much-needed sleep.
Canaries
Chamomile may soothe chronic respiratory conditions like asthma that can affect canaries and other petite bird species.
Chickens
Digestive support from chamomile could benefit chickens prone to common issues like crop impaction, enteritis, or vent prolapse.
Pigeons
The anti-inflammatory properties of chamomile may help relieve symptoms of swollen, arthritic joints that aging pigeons frequently develop.
Chamomile Tea Recipes for Birds
Here are a couple anti-stress chamomile tea blends you can brew up for your bird at home:
Sleepytime Chamomile Tea
- 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers
- 1/2 teaspoon dried passionflower
- 1/2 teaspoon dried lemon balm
- 1 cup hot water
Steep herbs for 5-10 minutes, strain, and cool before giving 1-3 mL to your bird 1-2x daily. Calms the body and mind.
Tummy Tamer Tea
- 1 tablespoon dried chamomile flowers
- 1 teaspoon dried meadowsweet
- 1 teaspoon dried ginger
- 1 cup hot water
Steep for 8-10 minutes, strain, and cool. Give 1-5 mL 1-2x daily to soothe digestive upsets.
Other Herbs and Plants with Benefits Similar to Chamomile
If you’re looking for alternatives to chamomile for your bird, consider these other helpful herbs:
- Passionflower – Has relaxing, anti-anxiety effects.
- Lemon balm – Encourages calmness and sleep.
- Catnip – Mild sedative and stress reliever.
- Holy basil – Reduces stress and stabilizes mood.
- Valerian – Relieves anxiety, nervous tension, and insomnia.
- Skullcap – Eases anxious feelings and restlessness.
- Meadowsweet – Soothes digestive complaints and discomfort.
These can be used individually or blended for synergistic effects. Always consult your vet before using.
Precautions When Giving Birds Chamomile
While chamomile is generally very safe for birds, taking some basic precautions can help avoid any risks:
- Ask your avian vet before using, especially if your bird is unwell or on medication
- Start with very small amounts and gradually increase to gauge tolerance
- Watch closely for signs of allergic reaction or sensitivity
- Make sure the product comes from a high-quality, reputable source
- Don’t combine chamomile with other sedatives or tranquilizers
- Stop use if diarrhea, vomiting, abnormal bleeding, or other problems develop
- Don’t give to pregnant birds or young chicks without vet approval
When used properly under veterinary supervision, chamomile can be a beneficial natural supplement for many birds. But always exercise caution and stop use if any concerning symptoms appear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chamomile safe for my bird?
Chamomile is generally very safe for birds when used appropriately. Potential side effects like allergies or medication interactions are rare. It has a long history of use in folk medicine without reports of toxicity.
What are the signs of a chamomile allergy in birds?
Symptoms of a chamomile allergy can include facial swelling, skin redness or itching, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. Discontinue use immediately if any allergic reaction symptoms appear.
Can I give my bird chamomile seeds?
No, the hard chamomile seeds pose a serious choking hazard to birds. Only give birds the dried flowers or teas made from the flowers. Seeds can also germinate and grow in the bird’s crop.
How much chamomile should I give my parrot?
For a medium-sized parrot, a typical dosage is 1-3 mL of cooled chamomile tea 1-2 times per day. Adjust the amount based on your particular bird’s size and tolerance.
Should I give chamomile to my bird daily?
Chamomile is not recommended for daily long-term use in birds without vet guidance. Use it only as needed for occasional anxiety or digestive issues, generally no more than a few weeks at a time.
Can chamomile cure respiratory infections in birds?
No, chamomile should not be relied on to cure contagious respiratory illnesses. But it can provide soothing support for mild symptoms in combination with proper veterinary treatment.
Is it safe to apply chamomile tea on my bird’s skin?
Yes, cooled chamomile tea can usually be safely dabbed onto areas of minor skin irritation, inflammation, or dryness. Discontinue use if skin appears more irritated.
Can I give my bird chamomile capsules or extract?
It’s best to stick to brewed chamomile tea or flowers for birds, since the dosage can be carefully controlled. Extracts and capsules designed for humans may contain overly concentrated amounts of essential oils not suitable for birds.
The Bottom Line
When used responsibly under veterinary supervision, chamomile tea, flowers, or extracts can provide a number of benefits to pet birds. Its gentle sedative and anti-anxiety properties can help high-strung birds feel calmer and more relaxed. Chamomile may also support digestive health, respiratory comfort, and skin wellness. However, birds can suffer allergic reactions or medication interactions in rare cases. Only give organic, high-quality chamomile in conservative amounts, and discontinue use if any concerning symptoms develop. With judicious administration, chamomile can be a valuable natural supplement in maintaining avian health and wellbeing.