Can Cockatiels Eat Parsley? (Not Too Much Though!)

Cockatiels can eat parsley, yes. However, it would be best to offer this herb only in small amounts. It is because parsley contains oxalic acid, which prevents your pet from taking its calcium content. Aside from that, parsley remains to be a safe food you can offer for your pet.

Many people see parsley only as a part of a great salad or any great dish. However, it can also be something our pet birds can enjoy.

If you have some parsley to spare for your cockatiel, you may want to take a few moments to read more. You should find a couple of useful tips.

Let’s get into it!

Is parsley good for cockatiels?

Parsley is good for cockatiels since it offers a variety of nutrients that are useful for your pet.

Aside from having a great flavor, parsley is rich in many nutritious components. To understand further, take a look at these nutrition facts. According to HealthLine, half a cup (30 grams) of fresh, chopped parsley has:

  • 11 calories
  • Two carbs
  • 1 gram of protein
  • Less than a gram of fat
  • 1 gram of fiber

Aside from that, this herb also offers many vitamins and minerals. Among these are:

  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K
  • Folate
  • Potassium

This herb is rich in vitamins like vitamin K. This component helps prevent blood clotting and improve bone health.

Parsley is also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, both of which works as great antioxidants.

You May Also ReadCan cockatiels eat asparagus?

How much parsley can cockatiels eat?

parsley

Parsley, like other herbs, isn’t something you can give your cockatiel in a large amount.

Cockatiels need a balanced diet. Thus, while parsley is high in nutrients, it can’t sustain a cockatiel’s needs for the day.

For this reason, it would be best to consider this herb only as a snack, not forming more than 10% of a cockatiel’s food.

The most significant part of a cockatiel’s diet should be pellets, as it is the best food that would satisfy their nutrient needs. Thus, it should take up at least 60% of their daily food intake.

Another big part of their diet should be vegetables. Feeding different vegetables should serve your cockatiel well. Moreover, it should take more or less 30% of their food.

The remaining 10% or less can be part of snacks and treats. Aside from herbs like parsley, you can also offer nuts, fruits, and seeds.

Risks of feeding your cockatiel parsley

There’s not much of a risk when it comes to feeding your cockatiel some parsley. However, if you’re planning to do so, be aware of these two things.

Parsley contains oxalic acid, which binds calcium.

Oxalic acid isn’t as harmful to cockatiels and other animals as you think it would.

This acid can bind calcium, making it unavailable to your bird’s body. The thing is, it doesn’t pertain to all calcium. Instead, it only means the calcium from parsley.

Thus, when feeding parsley, you should also feed something rich in calcium.

Feeding too much parsley can be harmful.

It would be best to be mindful when feeding and never provide more than the proper amount.

As I said earlier, parsley and other herbs may be rich in nutrients and flavor, but it doesn’t mean you can give as much as you want.

As always, limit parsley and other herbs to a few bites and tastes. Since these herbs have fantastic flavor, it’s enough for your cockatiel to get a couple of bites. Any more than that could be unhealthy for them.

Don’t feed parsley with added seasonings.

Lastly, be mindful of feeding parsley along with other seasonings and food.

While parsley in itself isn’t harmful, adding some seasoning can make it so for your pet.

You May Also Read Can cockatiels eat crackers?

Do cockatiels like to eat parsley?

Cockatiels like eating parsley. They do even love a variety of herbs and spices.

Since parsley is rich in nutrients and flavor, it can be quite an enjoyable snack for your pet.

Still, it doesn’t mean that you can give parsley in significant amounts just because your pet loves it.

As always, limit parsley, along with other herbs, into a minimal amount of servings.

What herbs can cockatiels eat?

Aside from parsley, you can also offer other herbs for your cockatiel. If you don’t know where to start, you can have these herbs for starters:

  • Basil
  • Cayenne
  • Cilantro
  • Chamomile
  • Chicory
  • Celery Leaves
  • Dandelion
  • Dill
  • Ginger Root
  • Fennel
  • Lemon Balm
  • Marjoram
  • Mint (not too much)
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Dry cinnamon

As I said earlier, a variety of snacks can be healthy, but only in small amounts. Further, it would be best to give herbs only once in a while, and not all the time.

Are pine nuts and pecans safe for cockatiels to eat? Check it out!

Summary

Cockatiels can eat parsley, and it is one of the herbs you can give your pet as snacks or treats. It is highly nutritious and has a great flavor that your bird will surely enjoy.

If there’s one thing you need to remember, it’s the oxalic acid and how it binds calcium. Thus, if you are feeding parsley, mix some calcium-rich food into the content. This way, you can avoid calcium deficiency for your pet.

As long as you maintain a balanced diet, you can feed parsley from time to time without worries.

Resources

HealthLine’s nutrition facts on Parsley

Image Credits:

  • Photo by pintando la luz on Unsplash
  • https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/08/26/20/17/cockatiel-3633236_960_720.jpg
Share on: