Having a bird in your home is almost similar to having a toddler around – they love to check new things out by putting them in their mouths. Birds are also very social creatures that seem to enjoy sharing meal times with their companions, wither other birds or human owners. And while you may not necessarily have what you consider to be poisonous around you, some common foods that are safe for you may be toxic for your winged pets.
- Apple Seeds - Seeds from apples, cherries, peaches, and pears contain elements of cyanide in them which may be harmful to the human digestive system but are very toxic for birds. This residue is in addition to any pesticides that may be present on the fruit's skin. Always make sure you wash any fruits you want to feed them with while keeping them away from the seeds.
- Alcohol - No responsible bird owner would ever attempt to give their birds alcohol. However, birds have been known to take a sip from unattended alcohol drinks. Alcohol intake is fatal for birds as it can cause a loss of functions in their organs.
- Chocolate - Chocolate causes vomiting and diarrhea in birds, as it reacts terribly with their digestive system, leading to seizures of the central nervous system that may often result in death. Always make sure to keep your birds in their cages when opened chocolate bars are available in your home.
- Avocado - The leaves of avocados contain a fatty substance that is very toxic for birds, and when ingested in significant measures, causes heart failure and respiratory damage. However, it is not entirely possible to know what amount is safe enough for consumption and so makes sense that avocados and foods that contain avocados be off-limits for your birds.
- Salt - Salt should be kept far from the reach of your birds as much as possible because it can significantly upset the electrolytes balance in their system and lead to dehydration, excessive thirst, kidney damage and ultimately death. Always avoid feeding your birds chips or pretzels that contain salt and opt for unsalted foods instead.
- Onions and Garlic - While these vegetables may be healthy for humans like you, they are toxic for many animals including birds. Onions and garlic contain deadly compounds that can cause inflammations of the lining of the mouth and esophagus of a bird causing ulcers.
If it's possible your bird may have ingested a substance that may be poisonous for them, then you should seek out a vet as soon as possible.
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