Food you should NEVER feed your parrot

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine that has similar properties to caffeine. These substances cause excitement, heart rate increases, and can lead to death in high doses. For this same reason you should not allow your bird to drink caffeinated beverages such as Coke, Pepsi, Mt. Dew, Coffee, caffeinated tea, etc.

Avocado is very deadly. If a bird ingests it, death will occur in minutes, if enough is ingested. Enough would be a teaspoon for a cockatiel, more for larger birds. Some birds react at lower doses. The exact dosage is not known. This fruit is also toxic to rabbits, goats, horses and cattle. The toxin, called Persin, is leached from the pit and the skin. The leaves and stems of the plant are also toxic.

If fed in moderate amounts salt is very toxic, causing brain damage known as encephalomalacia - which means softening of the brain. This will cause ataxia, seizures and eventual death if untreated. So, no junk food like potato chips and other salty snacks. If a bird nibbles a little it is not a problem, but, moderate amounts will cause problems.

Alcohol is a toxin. It can cause liver failure. It can also cause neurological damage. So, not even a sip of wine should be allowed.

Fats - Diets high in fat will cause birds to become over weight and even obese. Not deadly in and of itself, but does lead to serious, life-threatening health problems such as hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease), heart disease, arteriosclerosis, etc. Seed only diets are notorious for causing these problems. As well as treats high in fat, if the bird is allowed to eat too may treats. So no buttered toast, very few seeds, no peanuts, and no animal fats such as red meats containing fats, etc. There are some good fats, though. Such as those found in macadamia nuts and almonds.

Sugar - Table sugar (sucrose) is not good for birds. It can contribute to yeast infections and cause hyperactivity (leading to behavior problems such as plucking, etc.). It is a highly processed food and has no place in the diet of a bird. They don't need it so don't feed it. Stay away from sugary deserts and pellets that have lots of sugar (e.g. ZuPreem and others).

Onions and Garlic - These contain toxins, that are not deadly, but can cause an upset GI tract - diarrhea, vomiting, regurgitation. It is dose related , but no one realy know the dose. There is some degree of controversy if this is true, but most birds don't like it, and why take the chance anyway?

Dairy Products - Birds do not have the enzyme lactase that allows them to break down the lactose (milk sugar). It will cause varying degrees of diarrhea, intestinal gas, regurgitation, and vomiting. General GI upset, but not death.

Regardless of the fruit or vegetable, if it is not organic, then it has been sprayed with pesticides and herbicides. Studies have shown bird to have reactions to these chemicals, causing systemic disease, and feather damaging behaviors.

When ever you purchase produce in the grocery, it needs to washed, preferably with a solution made for washing produce. These products remove the chemicals on the outside, but not from within the peel. Use organic produce when available, wash what is not organic, and remove the peelings.