When it comes to feeding fruits to your chatty parrot, almost nothing is off-limits! It all comes down to moderation and preparation, as they should be offered along with a variety of vegetables to enrich your bird’s balanced diet. When preparing fruits 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! Kiwi are not only nutritious but also among the favorite fruits of parrots! Let’s see what else you need to know before feeding this fruit to your bird.
What Are the Benefits of Kiwi for Your Parrot?
Fruits should be part of your parrot’s diet because they have many benefits:
- They help maintain shiny and healthy plumage.
- They are a source of fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals.
- They are healthy treats.
- They are a supplement of water.
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 this a fabulous and safe fruit to give to your beautiful feathered friend.
Should You Remove the Seeds and Skin From Kiwi?
While the seeds of some fruits, like apples, can be toxic to birds due to the amygdalin compound they contain,1 the good news is that you don’t need to remove the seeds of a kiwi! Indeed, it can be eaten in its entirety, which includes the seeds and skin. However, it is best to remove the skin, anyway, since it often contains pesticide residue.
What Are the Favorite Fruits of Parrots?
Fruits are some of the best treats that Mother Nature has to offer. However, although they are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, they should only make up a small part of your parrot’s diet. Also, be sure to remove seeds and pits before offering fruits 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 them to like fresh foods like fruits and vegetables.
- Get raw fruits and vegetables. While there are no significant contraindications to serving cooked foods, raw fruits and vegetables retain the valuable vitamins and minerals necessary for your parrot’s optimal health. However, wash food well to remove all traces of pesticides.
- Go gradually. A parrot that has never eaten a kiwi in their life probably won’t do a happy little dance when you give them a piece for the first time. Don’t worry, though, as this is entirely normal. Give them small pieces mixed with their regular food at first, but don’t rush them.
- Offer your parrot colorful fruits and vegetables. For example, oranges, carrots, leafy greens, broccoli, mangoes, and squash are not only rich in vitamins and nutrients, but they are also appetizing colors that will appeal to your bird.
- Use a bowl of a different color and shape. Once your bird gets used to the fresh food mixed with their regular pellet diet, give them small pieces in a separate bowl. This way, they can nibble on the portions of fruits and vegetables without you having to watch them.
- Remove any leftover food after meals. Decomposing vegetables and fruits lying around the bottom of the cage are magnets for bacteria, molds, and fruit flies, which can be devastating to the health of your parrot.
- Share your nutritious snack with your feathered friend. This will strengthen your bond with your bird, in addition to giving you your daily boost of vitamins!
- Note: Any change in your bird’s (or other pet’s) diet should be done gradually, even if the new diet is better than the old one. Your bird’s digestive system should gradually adapt to the changes to limit the risk of gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea or dysbiosis.
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):
- Apples
- Pears
- Cherries
- Apricots
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Plums
Also, never feed avocados, onions, or garlic to birds, as these can be highly poisonous.
Final Thoughts
Kiwi are delicious and nutritious fruits that you can safely give to your parrot. However, all fruits 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. Therefore, kiwi 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? Go ahead and share your snack with your winged companion!
Featured Image Credit: Photo Mix, Pixabay
