Parrot Problem Solving 101

Fruit for Your Bird

 

Fruit is an important source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and phytochemicals which are absolutely essential for optimal health. Fruits are a good source of energy and are rich in enzymes that makes digestion fast and easy, releasing energy into the body.

 

Just remember that all that energy needs to be burned up somehow so fruit should be fed but sparingly. Too much fruit may create an 'excited' bird so when you feed fruits, pay attention to how your bird behaves. If she is hyper, then simply reduce the amount.

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Fruit also supplies a good deal of fluid so be prepared for watery droppings. The first time I fed our Eclectus a grape it was like a river, and yes, I freaked out.

 

When you feed fruit, make it FRESH if possible. Freeze Dried or Frozen is second if there's no other option but please don't feed dried fruit. Why? Two reasons ... first, dried fruit is smaller in size so many people think they can feed MORE of it, but it is much more concentrated from a sugar perspective so more is NOT better. Second, dried fruit usually contains sulfites which you do not want to give your bird. 

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Here is a list of SOME of the fruits your birds will enjoy ...

look up the nutritional values and select fruits with the better sources of vitamins and minerals.

• Apple (tart is best)

• Apricot

• Banana

• Blackberry

• Blackcurrant

• Bilberry

• Blueberry

• Cantelope

• Cherry

• Cranberry 

• Clementines

• Coconut

• Date (only in very small quantities - high sugar)

• Damson

• Elderberry

• Fig

• Grapes (red or green, seeded or unseeded)

• Gooseberry 

• Greengage (European plum)

• Hawthorn berry

• Kiwi

• Loganberry

• Lychee