What Plants Are Safe for Parakeets?

One of the most common questions I receive as a pet owner is, “What plants are safe for parakeets to eat?” I have a few parrots in my house that are active and playful. To ensure their health, I’ve to give them a well-balanced diet. I also include plants in their diet.

Parakeets can eat different types of food. It’s better to add plants to their diet. I’ve collected a few responses over the years, but I wanted to compile them all into one place so that you can better understand what your budgie should and shouldn’t eat.

Safe Plants for Parakeets

Feeding your parakeet plant-based foods provides several nutritional benefits, including supporting healthy feathers and eyesight while preventing nutrient deficiencies from occurring. Additionally, providing them with various fruits and vegetables will help keep their metabolism working properly and prevent obesity from developing.

Household Plants

Common household plants such as spinach, kale, dandelion greens, and parsley are all safe to consume by parakeets. 

Other vegetables like carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, and squash can also provide essential vitamins and minerals in your bird’s diet. 

Fruits such as apples, bananas, pears, and grapes provide antioxidants that help keep your bird healthy.

Outdoor Plants

Outdoor plants like clover and grasses are also excellent sources of nutrition for parakeets. These plants contain high levels of protein which helps support the growth of healthy feathers. They also contain essential vitamins like vitamin A and C that helps with eye health in birds.

Herbs

Herbs such as parsley, oregano, and basil can give them occasionally as treats. Seaweed is another plant-based food that offers many benefits, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep birds healthy while providing protein. However, it’s best to rely on them sparingly due to their strong flavorings, which could potentially upset a parakeet’s delicate digestive system.

Flowers

When selecting flowers for your parakeet’s diet, look for edible varieties like pansies or nasturtiums that are known to be safe for birds. Avoid toxic flowers such as oleander or lilies, which can cause serious illness in birds if ingested.

Note: It is important to do your own research and ensure that the plants you provide for your parakeets are safe and non-toxic. Some plants may be toxic to parakeets or other pets, so it is important to be cautious when introducing new plants to your parakeet's environment.

Toxic Plants for Parakeets

Knowing which plants are safe and toxic for parakeets is essential, as some plants can be fatal if ingested.

• Many common houseplants found in homes, such as philodendrons, English ivy, oleander, and yew, can also be lethal to parakeets.
• Some plants to avoid include daffodils, foxgloves, philodendrons, lilies, marijuana, mistletoe, tomato leaves, and oleander. These plants contain toxins that can cause severe reactions in parakeets, such as gastrointestinal upset or physical harm if ingested.
• Some of the most dangerous ones include jimson weed, hemlock, and monkhood. You should avoid outdoor plants like foxglove, ragwort, and nightshade.
• Some flowers, like amaryllis and hibiscus, may contain toxins that can cause minor health issues such as skin irritation in birds or difficulty breathing. You should also avoid lilies, daffodils, buttercups, geraniums, and azaleas.
• It is also important to note that avocados are very dangerous for parakeets as they contain a toxin called persin that can be deadly for birds.
• Onions contain compounds that can damage a bird’s red blood cells, so avoid them.

Common Household Plants That Are Safe for Parakeets

Many common household plants are safe for parakeets, such as wheatgrass, kale, parsley, cornflower, dandelion, globe thistle, lavender, nettle, and spinach. These plants all provide essential vitamins and minerals that can help support a healthy parakeet diet.

• Cornflower is an excellent protein and B vitamin source, while dandelion leaves offer valuable amounts of Vitamin A.
• Globe thistle is also rich in Vitamin A and provides some additional benefits, such as helping to build bone density in birds.
• Lavender adds a pleasant smell to the birdcage and provides calcium and magnesium for your parakeet’s bones.
• Nettle contains high levels of iron and magnesium, which can benefit birds with anemia or other nutritional deficiencies.
• Parsley is also a great source of Vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting, and Vitamin C, which helps support the immune system.
• Wheatgrass is one of the most popular types of plant for parakeets. It is rich in vitamins A, B-complex, C, E, and K and minerals, including magnesium and calcium.
• Kale is an excellent source of antioxidants which helps them fight off diseases and maintain good health. Spinach is also a great option as it aids digestion and reduces fatigue.
• Spinach contains iron and Vitamin A, including fiber and antioxidants that can help fight off illnesses in birds.

Finally, always wash any plant before feeding it to your pet. That will help remove any dirt or bacteria that may have accumulated on the plant during the growth or harvesting.

Outdoor Plants That Are Safe for Parakeets to Eat

Many safe outdoor plants can provide beneficial vitamins and minerals. Some of these include:

• Dandelion: A great source of vitamin A, calcium, iron, and phosphorus. It is also known for its medicinal properties and for helping with birds’ digestion.
• Clover: Rich in protein, B vitamins, and essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. It can help improve the immune system of parakeets.
• Chickweed: High in fiber and vitamin C, this plant helps with digestion issues in birds. Plus, it’s a natural wormer too!
• Purslane: It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects on the body. Plus, it provides a good amount of iron, antioxidants, and other vital nutrients.
• Chicory: This plant is high in fiber and helps keep your bird’s digestive system healthy while providing calcium and other trace minerals.
• Thistle: This plant contains proteins essential for building muscle tissue and keeping bones strong. Plus, the seeds are high in fat, providing energy to parakeets during flight or when they need extra fuel to power through their day-to-day activities.
• Some outdoor plants that may be safe for parakeets but should always offer sparingly include millet, sunflower seeds, and hemp seed husks.
• When feeding these plants to your bird, remove any stems or leaves before providing them, as these can be hazardous if ingested by your pet bird.
• Also, always check with an avian veterinarian before introducing new foods into your parakeet’s diet to ensure safety.

What Kind of Flowers Do Parakeets Like?

There are many different kinds of safe garden flowers that parakeets like to eat.

• Some of the flowers that parakeets like to eat include roses, lilies, daisies, and violets. These edible flowers have a sweet taste that helps keep parakeets healthy.
• Other flower food sources parakeets may like are honeysuckle and geraniums. These flowers provide energy to fuel the birds through their day-to-day activities.
• All these flowers offer essential vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A for better eyesight, calcium for strong bones, and fiber which helps with digestion.

What Flowers Are Toxic to Budgies?

Many plants are toxic to parakeets. These plants can cause death to parakeets if ingested in large amounts. Here is a list of some of the most common flowers that are toxic to budgies:

• Orchids
• Nightshades
• Columbines
• Aconitum (Monkshood)
• Daffodils
• Roses
• Poppies
• Poison ivy
• Amaranth

What Kind of Plants Can I Put in My Birdcage?

Before putting a plant in your birdcage for your parakeet, choosing safe species for the bird to consume is important. While you can offer many plants as a treat or snack, some are toxic, and you should not include those in their diet.

Before adding any plants to the cage, research the type of plant and make sure it is not poisonous or harmful to your parakeet. The following list includes some of the safest plants you can add to your parakeet’s cage:

• Alfalfa contains high calcium, protein, vitamins A and B6, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. It helps improve digestion and supports bone health.
• Dandelion contains vitamins A, C, and K, iron, zinc, and magnesium. It is also rich in fiber which helps with digestion.
• Fennel contains vitamin C and potassium, which can help protect against disease while providing essential minerals.
• Nasturtium contains vitamins A and C, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc. It promotes good skin health as well as immunity.
• Parsley contains vitamins A, C, and K, protein, and fiber. It helps aid digestion while providing essential nutrients for overall health.

Are Air Plants Safe for Parakeets?

Air plants are interesting additions to your parakeet’s cage – but only if they’re safe for your feathered friend. Before selecting an air plant for your parakeet’s cage, choose one that is pesticide-free, non-toxic, and free of artificial colors or fragrances.

To ensure the safety of your pet bird, opt for live plants rather than dried ones; the latter may contain toxic chemicals used in the drying process. Also, avoid air plants with sharp edges or spines, as these could cause injury to curious birds looking for something new to explore.

Some varieties, like Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish Moss) and Tillandsia caput-medusae (Medusa’s head), have soft, edible leaves that parakeets love to nibble on.

Other air plant species, such as Lepismium cruciforms (Pincushion Cactus) and Dyckia fosteriana (Orange Spike Plant), may not be directly edible. Still, they will only harm your parakeet if they chew on them.

FAQ

Final Thought

There are a variety of safe plants that parakeets can enjoy. From leafy greens to colorful fruits and vegetables, there’s something for every parakeet.

To ensure your feathered friend stays safe and healthy, read this article thoroughly and make sure you know which plants you can safely offer them.

With the proper knowledge, you can keep your parakeet happy and nourished with safe and nutritious plant-based snacks.