Can cockatiels eat oranges? Glad you asked. Cockatiels can eat various fruits, but can cockatiels eat oranges? Continue reading to find out what’s good and bad about this delectable fruit.
Can Cockatiels Eat Oranges?
Yes, cockatiels can eat oranges, but before you start giving oranges to your little winged friend, there are some ‘ifs and buts’ you should be aware of first. Read on to find out what’s good and bad about feeding oranges to your cockatiel.
Are Oranges Good for Cockatiels?
The good news is yes, Oranges are good and safe for cockatiels to eat in moderation. However, you have to learn how to prepare them properly to avoid some risks.
Oranges are a source of numerous nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and proteins that can serve the health of cockatiels. in addition to a high water content (about 86%) that makes it a good food for a summer day as it can aid keep cockatiels hydrated.
Below, we’ve put together few of the health benefits of feeding oranges to cockatiels.
Vitamins
Birds need vitamins to maintain their body functions. Below are several vitamins that cockatiels can get from oranges.
- Vitamin A is essential for your parrot to maintain healthy eyes and organs.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) Its lack can cause your cockatiel to lose appetite, have occasional seizures and even death in severe cases.
- Vitamin C helps create antibodies which are necessary for your cockatiel’s immune system, and it also acts as an anti-inflammatory
Minerals
Cockatiels need several minerals in their meal. Below are few minerals that they can get from oranges.
- Potassium in oranges keep blood pressure in control and protect your cockatiel from strokes and other problems such as kidney stones and osteoporosis.
- Calcium content of oranges help your feathered friend build and maintain strong and healthy bones. The cockatiels’ nerves, muscles and heart also need calcium to work properly.
- Magnesium in oranges helps your cockatiel’s body to have healthy blood sugar levels in addition to a healthy heart.
Fiber
Oranges contain 2.4% fiber which helps keep your cockatiel’s digestion system in good condition.
Protein
Oranges also consist of 0.9% protein which is necessary for cockatiels’ growth.
Are Oranges Bad for Cockatiels?
No, oranges are neither bad nor poisonous to your cockatiels. However, eating extensive amounts can cause some side effects such as diarrhea, digestion issues and clogged arteries due to the high sugar and water levels.
Do Cockatiels Like Oranges?
Yes, cockatiels do like oranges; they find them tasty and would happily eat them whenever they can.
Want to make sure? Enjoy watching this video
How Much Oranges Can Cockatiels Eat?
There is no rule about how much oranges your cockatiel can eat. However, oranges or any snack should never make up more than 10% of cockatiels’ total daily intake. oranges should be considered as treats, not as a replacement for their main diet. If you give your cockatiel oranges, it should be as a part of a well-balanced meal.
How to Feed Oranges to Cockatiels?
Here is how you can serve oranges to your cockatiels.
- Seek organic oranges whenever possible.
- Wash the oranges to remove any contaminants from the skin.
- Remove the peel if your cockatiel does not like it or if you want to remove the threat of pesticide poisoning altogether.
- cut the oranges up into smaller slices that your cockatiel can easily enjoy.
- Mix the oranges with other food that your cockatiel usually enjoy.
- Start with a smaller amount of oranges the first time you serve them to your cockatiel to see if they show any side effects. It’s wise to do this with any new fruit.
Conclusion: Can Cockatiels Eat Oranges?
Yes, cockatiels can eat oranges in moderate amounts. They are healthy, delicious and completely safe for your cockatiel. However, it can lead to issues if consumed in excess.
And with so many healthier options available out there. Oranges are best fed with other food your bird eat.
Keep oranges as a special treat, and don’t replace them with your cockatiel’s main diet.
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