Do Budgies Eat Fruit?
Pet birds that have grown accustomed to eating fresh foods and are always eager to get some fruits incorporated into their diet. Fruits add a source of vitamins and minerals for the birds and are therefore appropriate for your pet budgie. Budgies can eat an assortment of fruits ranging from berries to tropical fruits. However, it is advisable to avoid fruits with too much citric acid like lemons, kumquats, and passion fruits. The following is a list of safe fruit for budgies:
- Watermelons
Like most humans, budgies enjoy a delicious watermelon treat, primarily due to its soft flesh and plenty of water. The soft flesh makes it easier for the budgies to consume the fruit, and the water can be an additional source of hydration for the birds, especially during a hot day. Watermelons also carry various health benefits for the birds, including plenty of vitamins, A, B, and C, and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. While feeding budgies watermelon, ensure that you remove the seeds since they are toxic to the birds and be a choking hazard. It is also preferable to give the birds watermelon without the rind and cut it up into smaller pieces for easier consumption.
- Apples
Budgies love apples. Any apple is eagerly welcome, and apples offer the birds a source of vitamin C and several antioxidants. Apples need special care to prepare for the budgies and give them freshly cut apples without the seeds. Wash thoroughly and remove the stem before feeding the birds. Also, ensure that the apple slices do not remain exposed to air for long as they will turn brown and are not as appealing to the birds. A solution would be buying dehydrated apples, which will last longer but offer similar nutrients.
- Strawberries
Strawberries serve as a great occasional treat for budgies offering a great source of vitamins C and K and the minerals manganese and potassium. Strawberries are also a great source of folic acid, fiber, and phytonutrients, strengthening the budgie’s immune system. Strawberries, full of sugar and salicylic acid, are not recommended for frequent consumption and are only occasionally given. Luckily, strawberries are soft and thus don’t pose any problems during consumption, and their seeds are safe to consume since they are small. The only precaution to take before giving strawberries is to ensure they get thoroughly cleaned to remove any traces of pesticides. An alternative would be to buy organic strawberries.
- Bananas
Budgies also love eating bananas. Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B, antioxidants, and fiber, and these all ought to benefit the birds. Bananas can be given to budgies with or without the peels, although it may be much easier to take the peel off. However, some budgies love to peck at the peel, so it is safe to observe the bird’s behavior first. Give the bananas in small pieces, preferably in a fruit dish, and ensure that the fruit is ripe enough and fresh to be enjoyable. Avoid hard, unripe bananas as they will be challenging to consume and overripe bananas since they are a choking hazard.
Leave a comment