Birds can eat a wide variety of vegetables as part of a balanced diet. However, there are some vegetables that should be avoided or limited for bird health and safety. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview of vegetables to avoid feeding birds.
Vegetables to Avoid Feeding Birds
Here are some of the main types of vegetables that should not be given to birds:
- Onions, garlic, leeks, chives – these contain disulfides and sulfoxides that can damage red blood cells
- Avocado – contains persin which is toxic to birds
- Raw potato, tomato, and pepper plant parts – contain solanine and chaconine which can be toxic
- Dried beans or legumes – contain hemagglutinin which is toxic if uncooked
- Mushrooms – can cause digestive upset
- Rhubarb leaves – contain oxalic acid crystals that are toxic
There are also some additional vegetables to limit or avoid feeding birds:
- Spinach and chard – high in oxalates which can bind calcium
- Swiss chard – high in sodium
- Beets – may cause colored stool
- Corn – limited nutritional value
Next, we’ll go into more detail on each type of vegetable and why it should be avoided for bird consumption.
Onions, Garlic, Leeks, and Chives
All parts of onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and related vegetables should be avoided for bird consumption. These vegetables contain compounds called disulfides and sulfoxides which can damage a bird’s red blood cells and cause anemia. Even small amounts can cause toxicity over time. Symptoms of onion or garlic toxicity include weakness, regurgitation, loss of appetite, pale mucous membranes, and respiratory distress.
Examples of Unsafe Foods
- Onion
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Chives
- Green onion
- Shallots
It’s important to read ingredient labels carefully and avoid feeding birds any products containing onion or garlic in any form, like powders or onion flakes. Even onion or garlic residue on cooking utensils or surfaces can pose a risk.
Avocado
Avocado should not be fed to birds due to the presence of persin, which is a fungicidal toxin. Persin is found in highest concentrations in avocado leaves, skin, pit, and stems, but all parts can cause toxicity. Avocado poisoning can result in heart damage, respiratory distress, weakness, and death in birds. Birds like parrots seem to be especially sensitive to the effects of avocados.
Raw Nightshade Vegetables
Members of the nightshade family like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant contain glycoalkaloids like solanine and chaconine which can be toxic to birds. Cooking helps deactivate these compounds, but raw nightshade vegetables and leaves should be avoided.
Examples of Unsafe Nightshade Vegetables
- Raw potato or peels
- Tomato leaves and stems
- Unripe tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant leaves
Symptoms of nightshade toxicity include gastrointestinal upset, weakness, respiratory issues, dilated pupils, and hypothermia in birds. Provide nightshade vegetables cooked thoroughly and limit portion sizes.
Raw Beans or Legumes
Raw or undercooked beans like kidney beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas and soybeans contain hemagglutinin, which is a type of toxin that can damage cell membranes and cause vomiting and diarrhea. Cook beans and legumes thoroughly to deactivate hemagglutinin before feeding to birds in small amounts.
Examples of Raw Bean/Legumes to Avoid
- Kidney beans
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
- Soybeans
- Peas
- Peanut plant parts
Mushrooms
It’s best to avoid feeding birds wild mushrooms, as some types may cause toxicity or gastrointestinal upset. Store-bought mushrooms that are safe for human consumption are generally considered safe for birds if thoroughly cooked. But due to the minimal nutritional value, mushrooms should be fed sparingly as an occasional treat.
Toxic mushroom species to definitely avoid include:
- Amanita
- Autumn skullcap
- Destroying angel
- Death cap
- Ink cap
- Podostroma cornu-damae
Rhubarb Leaves
Rhubarb stalks are safe but rhubarb leaves are toxic to birds due to their high oxalic acid content. Ingestion can result in oral irritation, vomiting, seizures, organ damage, and potentially death. Be sure to remove all leaves from rhubarb stalks before feeding to birds.
Additional Vegetables to Limit
Here are some other vegetables that should only be fed to birds in moderation:
- Spinach, Chard – High in oxalates which can bind calcium and cause nutritional deficiencies if fed regularly
- Swiss Chard – Very high in sodium, limit to occasional treat
- Beets – May temporarily color urine or stool, but safe in moderation
- Corn – Low in nutritional value, avoid large amounts
Safe Vegetables for Birds
There are many vegetables that can be fed safely to birds in appropriate amounts. Some good options include:
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Winter squash
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- String beans
- Peas
- Okra
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
When introducing new vegetables, go slowly and watch for signs of gastrointestinal upset. Chop larger pieces to prevent choking. Thoroughly cook starchy vegetables like potatoes, squash, and carrots. Feed a variety for balanced nutrition.
Amounts to Feed
The amount of vegetables to feed a bird per day depends on factors like body size, activity level, species, and overall diet. Use these general guidelines for vegetable portion sizes:
Bird Type | Vegetable Amount |
---|---|
Small birds like budgies, canaries | 1-2 teaspoons chopped |
Medium birds like cockatiels | 1-2 tablespoons chopped |
Large birds like macaws | 2-4 tablespoons chopped |
Focus on providing a variety of bird-safe chopped vegetables rather than large amounts of one type. Always monitor the bird’s droppings; diarrhea may indicate feeding too many vegetables or a sensitivity.
Preparation Tips
Follow these tips for preparing vegetables to feed birds:
- Wash thoroughly
- Chop, shred, grate, or mash into small pieces
- Lightly steam or cook vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and squash
- Mix chopped veggies into bird chop mixes or pellets
- Avoid adding salt, oils, seasonings, or other flavorings
Conclusion
While many vegetables can be nutritious additions to a bird’s diet, there are some that should be limited or avoided. Onions, garlic, avocado, raw nightshades, dried beans, and rhubarb leaves are most dangerous and should never be fed. Use caution when offering vegetables like spinach, chard, beets, and corn which have some risks or low nutritional value if fed excessively. Stick to bird-safe choices like carrot, sweet potato, peas, squash, and pepper. Thoroughly prepare vegetables and offer variety and moderation for optimal nutrition and bird health.