Some people might think that because their beaks are designed for ripping and tearing meat from bones that they wouldn’t be able to chew on something like a plum but in reality, their stomachs are very acidic which means it’s easy for them to digest fruits as well as vegetables.
Parrots are intelligent and beautiful animals, but they can be difficult to care for.
Many people who own parrots don’t know how to properly feed them. The wrong diet can lead to health problems like obesity or malnutrition.
Can Parrots Eat Plums?
The answer to this question is YES! Parrots can eat plums. It is on the safe, non-toxic food list for parrots. Plums offer a variety of nutritional and aesthetic benefits for your parrots. Make sure to remove the Plum stone before providing as it is dangerous for parrots.
What is a plum?
A plum is a round, red or purple fruit that’s oval-shaped. It has smooth skin and flesh. Plum trees are evergreen, which means they stay green all year long without shedding their leaves.
Plums grow on small deciduous trees in temperate regions of the world. They’re native to Asia but are now grown in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world.
Are plums safe for parrots?
YES! Plums are completely safe for your bird to eat.
The flesh and skin of the plum are safe for your parrots. They will enjoy them. Plums are allowed in most professionally produced plum diets, which is good news for parrot owners.
They’re also permissible in most commercially prepared seed mixes for birds. Plums are permitted on the official safe, non-toxic food lists for parrots and are advised as part of their diet.
Fresh plums offer a variety of nutritional and aesthetic benefits for your parrots.
Can I offer my parrot the plum stone?
Make sure you remove plum stone while offering it t your parrots. The plum stone also referred as pit are inedible and contains cyanide. It is a extreme chemical which can harm to your parrots. Cyanide is used for preparing chemical weapons. You can learn more about cyanide here
How do I prepare a plum for my parrot?
Cut the fruit into small pieces and place them on the bottom of your bird’s food dish. Your parrots will begin eating right away and you can watch as they enjoy this healthy and nutritious treat.
Plums make an excellent, low-fat snack for your birds between meals if you only have one or two birds.
- Wash your plums thoroughly with water.
- Remove the pit or stones: this should be done before cooking them to and avoid any risks of impaction.
- Cut the fruit into manageable pieces that your parrot can eat safely and easily.
- Pit and skin removed.
- Serve plums fresh, cooked, pureed, or dried.
- Plums should be offered to your parrot in moderation since it is a sugary fruit and can lead to excessive weight gain. Meaning you shouldn’t feed them this all the time because too much sugar will be bad for their health.
You can also offer your parrot part of a fresh-cut plum to prevent them from eating too much at one time. Some plums have pits while some don’t so be sure to check if it has a pit before offering it to your bird.
Can parrots eat the plum’s skin?
The skin of the plum is safe for your bird to consume. It contains some fiber, so it may cause digestion problems if your pet eats too much at once.
Also, the skin has some sugar so it may be better to remove it if your bird likes to eat its fruit very sweet. Plums are low in fat, so you don’t have to worry about them becoming obese on this diet.
Can all parrot species eat plums?
Yes! Most parrot species can eat plums.
Depending on their dietary requirements, some species will require different quantities of fruits and veggies in their diet.
However, if your pet has a special diet or you believe they have a medical condition that requires a unique diet, check with your avian vet before feeding them this fruit.
What are the benefits of my parrot eating plums?
Carbohydrates
Plums are an excellent source of carbohydrates for parrots. They contain 22 grams of carbs per 100-gram serving. Carbohydrates provide your pet with energy and they’re important for cellular function as well as the digestive system.
Fiber
Plums also contain dietary fiber, which is good for digestion and helps control blood sugar levels.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is necessary for vision; it helps keep the immune system healthy, and it keeps mucous membranes healthy and functioning properly.
It also contains carotenoids, which help prevent heart disease and cancer as well as support the immune system.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents cell damage, increases iron absorption, and helps the body fight infection.
Vitamin C is necessary for skin health, healing wounds, and the growth of healthy tissue. It’s good for your pet’s immune system as well as their respiratory system.
Vitamin K
Plums are a great source of vitamin K. It keeps bones healthy and strong because it helps form blood clots that heal any breaks or tears in the bones.
Potassium
Potassium is necessary for healthy heart function; it controls electrolytes in your parrot’s body. It also helps to reduce blood pressure and makes them feel more energetic.
It’s important to note that potassium can be an irritant when ingested by birds, so you should feed your bird plums in moderation to avoid causing any gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating.
Copper
Plums are rich in copper and manganese, which are both necessary for the growth of new cells. Copper also assists in iron absorption so it creates strong bones and helps muscles function properly.
Manganese
Manganese is good for healthy blood cells and bones.
High levels of these minerals can be toxic though, so you should avoid feeding your parrot too many plums.
Plums are low in fat and very filling, which makes them an ideal snack for large birds. They’re also completely safe to feed to the birds you already have at home.
They brighten up their diet with essential nutrients without adding any hidden or harmful ingredients.
Are there any negative side effects of parrots eating plums?
- Be sure to limit the number of plums in your bird’s diet. The pit can pose a problem if your pet eats too much, so be sure to remove it before feeding them the fleshy fruit.
- Plums may cause diarrhea when ingested by your pet in large quantities, but this isn’t common.
- You should always talk with a vet before feeding plums to your pet in case they have a condition that needs special dietary consideration.
- Plums are safe for parrots but you should make sure to give them in moderation.
- Do not give your parrot the stone because it’s hazardous and contains cyanide, which is poisonous to them.
- Do not add any sugar or salt to the plums because it can cause additional damage to your parrot’s health.
- If your bird is diabetic, check with a vet before feeding it plums.
- If it’s their first time trying plums, give them one and wait for an hour to check if they have a bad reaction before you offer more.
In Summary
You should keep an eye on your parrot after offering it a plum for the first time to make sure there are no bad reactions like diarrhea or bloating.
It’s important to remember that fruits should only be offered in limited quantities to avoid any possible health problems.
Do not feed plums to small birds, such as budgies, because they might choke on the fruit.
Plums are safe for parrots and can even add nutrients to their diet. They’re very filling, which makes them a great option for large birds when they need to lose or maintain weight.
Talk with your vet before offering plums to your pet because it can cause irritation in some cases and may not be suitable in all conditions.
