Eight Foods and Plants Toxic to Pet Birds

If you have a pet bird, you may want to share your human food with him or her. However, there are many human foods that are toxic to birds, which every bird owner should be aware of. Please note that this is not a complete list of foods and plants toxic to birds. It is always best to ask your vet about any human food or plant you want to feed your pet bird and have doubts about.

Chocolate: Just as chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats, it is also toxic to birds. Birds who ingest chocolate will begin to experience digestive problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Later, the bird's central nervous system is affected, which can lead to seizures and even death, according to About.

Avocado: Avocados are another food poisonous to birds. Not only are the rind, leaves, and bark from avocado trees off-limits to pet birds, but the fruit itself is as well. When birds ingest avocado, they can experience heart failure and respiratory issues.

Stone Fruit: Nectarine, plum, apricot, and peach stones should never be given to birds because they contain a tiny amount of cyanide. Given the size of birds, this tiny amount of cyanide is enough to do a lot of damage to their systems. After ingesting fruit stones, birds will experience digestive system problems, which result in vomiting and nausea. Eventually, the bird will lapse into a coma.

Alcohol: Most pet owner wouldn't even think about offering their pet a drink with alcohol in it, but birds who are roaming free may become curious and drink from an unattended alcoholic drink. According to About, alcohol depresses organ systems in a bird's body, and this can lead to death. It is a good idea to make sure your bird is in a safe place whenever you have open, unattended alcohol in your home.

Nutmeg: Nutmeg contains myristicin, which does not typically cause problems in people who eat nutmeg in small quantities. However, when a bird ingests this spice, it can lead to vomiting, dizziness, and nausea, according to Suite 101.

Rhubarb Leaves: Like other animals and humans, birds cannot eat rhubarb leaves. If a bird ingests a large amount of rhubarb leaves, he or she will die.

Tomato, Potato, and Eggplant Leaves: The leaves of potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants are also toxic to birds. When ingested by a pet bird, he or she may experience breathing difficulties, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Onions: According to About, when birds consume a large quantity of onions, they can experience diarrhea and vomiting. Birds who have prolonged exposure to onions may develop hemolytic anemia, a blood condition, which is later followed by respiratory problems and death.

If you have a pet bird, the list of foods and plants discussed here should never be given to him or her. Please remember that this is not a complete list of food and plants toxic to pet birds. It is always best to discuss any food or plant you are unsure about with your bird's veterinarian before feeing it to your feathery friend.

Sources:

About: Top 10 Common Foods That Can Poison Your Bird:
http://birds.about.com/od/feeding/tp/poisonousfoods.htm

Suite 101: Pet Birds and Toxic Foods: A Short List of Poisonous Plants You Should Never Feed Your Pet:
http://birds.suite101.com/article.cfm/pet_birds_and_toxic_foods