Can Cockatiels Eat Grass? (+ Risks You Should Know)

Cockatiels can eat grass, yes. Cockatiels can eat a variety of food, and they can even peck on grass and grass seeds. However, because of their wide-range of diets, these birds are prone to obesity and other complications. Thus, always maintain a well-balanced diet for your cockatiel.

Many birds eat grass and grass seeds, and so it’s no wonder that cockatiels do as well. Still, it doesn’t mean you can give grass to your cockatiel just because they eat it.

Before feeding grass and other food for the first time, you may want to know a bit more about it.

Let’s get into it!

Is it OK for cockatiels to eat grass?

It is OK for cockatiels to eat grass. In fact, it can even be a healthy snack option for them.

Grass doesn’t have any toxic components that can harm your cockatiel. Moreover, it has some nutrients that can improve your pet’s health.

Accordingly, a hundred grams of ordinary grass may contain 33 calories, a bit of carb and protein, and a fair amount of fiber.

Thus, if you think grass has no nutritional benefit to your cockatiel, you should think about it again.

If you have some grass in your area, you can feed your pet a few of those. However, make sure that the grass is clean and free from any pesticide or chemicals.

If you are using chemicals to grow your grass, it would be best to let your cockatiel pass.

Now, how about the seeds?

You May Also Read Can cockatiels eat meat?

Can cockatiels eat grass seeds?

Cockatiels can eat grass seeds, and it’s something that they would even love to eat.

Grass seeds are one of the many foods these birds eat in the wild. Thus, you can be sure that it is safe and that your pet will love it.

Still, like all other seeds, you should also feed this one in moderation.

Seeds contain significant amounts of fat. It is because they need the fat to turn into energy as they sprout.

While fat is something that a cockatiel needs as well, too much can cause complications.

For this reason, always make sure you don’t give too much grass seeds to your cockatiel.

Can cockatiels eat lawn grass?

As I said earlier, cockatiels can eat grass, and they can eat lawn grass as well.

The grass is one of the primary sources of food for cockatiels in the wild. Thus, you won’t find it difficult to offer such to your pet.

The only thing you should worry about lawn grass is the way it grew. It is because most lawn grass these days grows with the use of chemicals.

As long as your lawn grass is free from chemicals, you can go ahead and offer some to your pet.

If you even have grass seeds, consider those as a treat to your pet. As always, make sure you only feed grass in moderation.

Avoid giving too much grass, as it won’t be that nutritious to your cockatiel.

Can cockatiels eat wheatgrass?

Cockatiels can eat wheatgrass, and it’s rich in many nutrients that your pet will surely enjoy.

To understand further, take a look at these nutrition facts. According to MayoClinic, wheatgrass offers the following:

  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Enzymes
  • Magnesium
  • Phytonutrients
  • 17 amino acids
  • Vitamins A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamin K
  • Vitamin B complex
  • Chlorophyll
  • Proteins

Thus, it’s not only something we can enjoy. It’s also a food our cockatiels can have.

Wheatgrass does not contain any harmful components, so it is entirely safe. Just make sure you don’t overfeed it.

You May Also Read Can cockatiels eat honey?

How much grass can cockatiels eat?

grass

Cockatiels shouldn’t overeat grass. Although it’s highly nutritious, the grass isn’t something you should include in your pet’s daily diet.

For this reason, it would be best to limit your cockatiel’s grass as snacks or treats, making up only 10% of their total food.

Cockatiels need a balanced diet, and so you should have a variety of food to optimize your pet’s health.

The most significant part of their diet should be pellets. It should take up 60% or more of their daily diet. The reason is that pellets contain almost all the nutrients they need for their daily activities.

The second food you should include is a variety of vegetables. It should take up only 30% or less. Giving different vegetables gives your cockatiel an array of nutrients as well.

With the remaining 10%, it should be a mixture of treats. You can give grass, as well as nuts, seeds, and fruits.

Risks of feeding your cockatiel grass

There’s not much risk in feeding grass to cockatiels since this food is safe for them to eat. However, if you are providing fodder for the first time, be sure to remember these things.

The grass may have chemicals.

This notion is not a problem for wild cockatiels since most of the grass they eat is wild. However, it can pose a threat to your pet if you grow your grass from chemicals.

Such chemicals can cause complications since it’s incredibly toxic for birds. For this reason, always avoid feeding grass that grew with chemicals.

The grass may have bacteria.

Since grass is accessible to almost every animal and insect, they contain different bacteria. Whether it’s coming from waste or poop, it may harm your pet.

Thus, always make sure you wash the grass first in clean water before offering it to your pet.

Too much grass can cause harm.

The last thing you wouldn’t want to miss is to avoid overfeeding grass and even grass seeds.

Grasses are rich in fiber, and while it can improve digestion, too much can also cause complications. At the same time, too many grass seeds can again harm due to their fat content.

As always, treat grass and grass seeds only as snacks, and don’t give it in large amounts and regularly.

Are mint and basil safe for cockatiels to eat? Check it out!

Summary

Cockatiels can eat grass, and it can even be healthy food and snack for them if appropriately fed. Still, while grass can be a great snack, it can also cause many complications.

For this reason, always be cautious whenever you are offering grass. Moreover, you should mix grass along with much other food that your cockatiel needs.

As long as you maintain balanced nutrition, a few grass snacks here and there will be a good thing for your cockatiel.

Resources 

MayoClinic.org’s nutritional take on wheatgrass

Image Credits:

  • Photo by Ochir-Erdene Oyunmedeg on Unsplash
  • https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/02/01/08/17/cockatiel-3968558_960_720.jpg
Share on: