In the wild, cockatiels sometimes feed on a wide variety of fruit, and in captivity, they enjoy eating fruit too. Fresh fruit should make up around 5–10% of your bird’s diet because it provides them with essential vitamins, minerals, and hydration. But what about apples? Can cockatiels eat apples?
Yes! Apples are great snacks for cockatiels, and since apples are so readily available, they are ideal additions to your cockatiel’s daily fruit intake. That said, moderation is key, and cockatiels should not eat apple seeds.
In this article, we look at the potential health benefits of feeding apples to your cockatiel and a few concerns to be aware of. Let’s get started!
Potential health benefits of feeding apples to your cockatiel
Potential health benefits of feeding apples to your cockatielSince cockatiels can benefit greatly from having fresh fruit in their daily diet and apples are so widely available and easy to find, it makes sense to feed apples to your cockatiel on a regular basis. Plus, they love them! Apples are packed with beneficial vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial for your cockatiel.
Apples are also low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. They are almost 90% water, making them a great source of hydration for your feathered friend.
Are there any dangers in giving apples to your cockatiel?
While apples are healthy snacks for cockatiels, there are a few potential concerns to be aware of. Firstly, a large portion of the calories in apples comes from sugars, and while these are “good” sugars that are healthy for your bird, they can still be dangerous in excess, potentially causing an insulin spike (high blood sugar) if apples are overfed.
Apple seeds are also potentially dangerous to your bird and it is best if they are removed from apples being given to your cockatiel. Apple seeds contain amygdalin in small amounts, and while a few seeds shouldn’t pose a problem to your parrot, they are best avoided.
Lastly, make sure to wash the apples thoroughly before giving them to your parrot, as they are a part of the “dirty dozen,” a list of the most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables.
How many apples are safe for a cockatiel?
Too much of any healthy food can quickly negate its positive effects, and apples are no different. While apples are great occasional snacks for your parrot, the high sugar content can quickly cause issues in excess, so moderation is key. In general, one small slice of apple every 2–3 days is enough for a cockatiel or even less for smaller birds.
What other fruits are safe for cockatiels?
Besides apples, there are a handful of other healthy fruits to give your cockatiel:
No matter the fruit that you give your cockatiel, make sure to remove the pits and seeds, as these can be potentially toxic for your bird. Also, remember that moderation is key.
Feeding your cockatiels the wrong mixture of seeds can be dangerous to their health, so we recommend checking with an expert resource like The Ultimate Guide to Cockatiels, available on Amazon.
This excellent book will help you balance your cockatiels’ food sources by understanding the value of different seed types, dietary supplements, fruits and vegetables, and cuttlebone. You’ll also find tips on everything from housing to health care!
Foods to avoid feeding cockatiels
Now that you know what fruits are safe for your cockatiel, here are a few foods that you should avoid giving your cockatiel, even in small amounts, because they can make them ill or be fatal or at the very least, cause a decline in their overall health over time.
- Chocolate and cocoa powder
- Avocado
- Caffeine
- Refined sugar
- Alcohol
- Dairy products
- Onions
- Garlic
- Foods high in salt
- Processed vegetable oils
Final Thoughts
Apples are healthy, tasty snacks to give your cockatiel, and chances are high that they’ll love this sweet, watery fruit! Apples contain many healthy vitamins and minerals, and they have a high water content that is great for added hydration on hot days. Just be sure to remove the seeds, and only give apples to your cockatiel in moderation — one slice every couple of days is ideal.
See Also:
- Can Conures Eat Apples? What You Need to Know!
- 18 Biggest Cat Myths & Misconceptions: Get the Facts Straight
Featured Image Credit: michael sheehan, Shutterstock
