As we feel cherished by having fruits once in a while, our pet cockatiels would love it even more. They may feel bored when sitting in the same cage for hours and hours. At this time, a little treat and their daily food would be an excellent choice for the fellow owners.
Cockatiels will have a tuff time digesting the fruit that you feed. Here is the perfect guide if you do not have much idea how to provide Cockatiels with fruit, especially an apple.
Can Cockatiels eat apples?
The answer is Yes, Cockatiels can eat apples. It depends on the way you feed them. But is it that simple? Few things have to be taken care of before you provide fruit, especially apples, to your Cockatiels.
Let us begin by understanding what kind of food suits a Cockatiels?
Serving fresh green vegetables like broccoli to your Cockatiels is an idle choice. Their diet depends on various factors such as age, the gender of your Cockatiels, and if they are suffering from any health issues or not.
Cockatiels are fond of eating leaves like mint that have aromatic properties that usually comfort Cockatiels. If a female cockatiels is expecting and on-urge to lay eggs, they require a high calcium diet. Whereas Cockatiels that molt tends to consume a high-protein diet. Baby cockatiels has to be fed by their parents before they turn 5-6 weeks. So make sure not to provide them with any aromatic foods or fruits till they are strong enough to digest.
Can Cockatiels eat all kinds of fruits?
We often come across the question ‘What fruits can cockatiels not eat?‘, this question generally focuses on avoiding the majority of fruit products. It is better to have a piece of proper knowledge about the diet that you feed your Cockatiels.
In general, you can feed all kinds of fruits to your Cockatiels, but it is suggested to avoid fruits that contain seeds and pits.
Fruits you should avoid feeding your Cockatiels:
- Avocado: You must not feed a raw Avocado to your bird, especially Cockatiels, but you can provide them with the Avocado’s juice. It needs to be adequately stirred as the leaves of the Avocado plant consist of a person, and it may harm the digestive tract of your pet cockatiels.
- Fruits like muskmelon, watermelon, pomegranate, pears, strawberries should be restricted in your Cockatiel’s diet.
- Caffeine-rich food substances are a ‘strictly no food.
The fruits as mentioned above should be avoided from your Cockatiels’s diet.
Fruits you can feed your Cockatiels:
It is better to feed them fruits that are available throughout the year. Yes, feeding them seasonal fruits may spoil their appetite. As they will be constrained for a particular season, your Cockatiels may expect that fruit again and again. Their digestive tract will require a stable kind of fruit. Some fruits that you can feed your Cockatiels are:
- Banana
- Apple
- Grapes
There are some seasonal fruits that you can feed them once in a while along with their regular diet like:
- Mango
- Peaches and pears
- Papaya
These fruits are healthier for your Cockatiels, and you can feed them occasionally.
How do I feed an apple to my Cockatiels?
Anti-oxidant creamy fruit apple can be fed in various ways to your Cockatiels. Feed apple in small quantity every week, make a scheduled diet for your Cockatiels. Change their diet with varieties of fruits. It may bring more nutrients to their body. During the absence of seasonal fruits, you can feed an apple to them every day.
You May Also Read – Can cockatiels eat Mint ?
Feeding them apple the right way is necessary. It is recommended to peel the skin of apples before feeding them to your pet cockatiels. Yes, that means ‘avoid apple skin.’ Once you have peeled the skin of the apple, now slice them into small pieces. Make sure to remove seeds. Now wash the apple properly to get it rid of waves and pesticides. Follow this SSW rule always.
SSW rule means:
- S – Avoid the skin.
- S – Avoid the seed.
- W – Wash it thoroughly.
The seeds of apple may be toxic. Our feathered friend may not be comfortable adapting to a diet that has harmful. They may creak if you feed them seeds, not just apple but any other fruit.
Remember, it is ok for your Cockatiels not to eat. When your Cockatiels may feel irritated or are in their mood swings to have a proper diet, there are situations. Give them some time and feed them in small quantities. If your Cockatiels is quirking when you provide them, then treat them with some sweet apple slices. They will be satisfied.
Are apples toxic for my Cockatiels?
The general question is actually ‘Are apples toxic for birds?‘. The answer is No, and apples are not toxic for cockatiels. As we discussed before, it all depends on the way you feed them. An apple has to be fed after peeling off the skin and removing the seeds.
Apples are rich in anti-oxidants and do not contain any toxic substances. The only possibility of poisonous substances present in apples is through the presence of wax and pesticides. Washing the apples thoroughly would get rid of this.
How much quantity of apple can I feed my Cockatiels?
According to Healthline, Here are the nutrition facts for one raw, unpeeled, medium-sized apple (100 grams):
- Calories: 52
- Water: 86%
- Protein: 0.3 grams
- Carbs: 13.8 grams
- Sugar: 10.4 grams
- Fiber: 2.4 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
Feeding too much quantity of apple may cause digestive issues as apple even contains starch. As you now know, apples are rich in anti-oxidants. Feeding an excess amount of apples may make your pet cockatiels weak.
Feed them few slices per day. Chop them or mash the apple. This will make it easier for them to consume.
Can Cockatiels eat apple skin?
No, Cockatiels cannot eat an apple’s skin as it may have toxic substances and wax. The skin of an apple is exposed to many harmful substances during cultivation and transportation. That’s why we must not feed apple skin to our pet cockatiels.
Conclusion
We can feed an apple to our pet cockatiels in a limited quantity. Make sure to follow the SSW rule mentioned above. Peel the apple before feeding them, and also in a small amount with their regular diet.
