Can budgies eat cabbage?

Yes, in small amounts

Yes, in small amounts. Cabbage is safe for budgies, but it contains goitrogens and budgies are prone to thyroid problems, so offer it now and then as part of a mix.

Portion: A piece of leaf about 2 cm (¾ in) square, finely shredded
How often: Once or twice a week, not on the same days as other cabbage-family vegetables
Sugar: 3.2 g / 100 g

How to serve it

Wash the leaves well
Choose darker outer leaves over the pale inner heart
Shred finely
Remove leftovers within a couple of hours

Why

Risks. Cabbage-family vegetables contain goitrogens that interfere with iodine use. Thyroid enlargement (goiter) is the most common thyroid disease in budgies, and large amounts of these vegetables, especially with an iodine-poor seed diet, add to the risk.

Benefits. Cabbage adds crunch and variety; the darker leaves carry more nutrients than the pale heart.

Questions owners ask 2

Which vegetables are in the cabbage family?

Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and turnip are all brassicas. Rotate them with vegetables such as carrot, bell pepper, zucchini and pumpkin.

What are the signs of goiter in a budgie?

Wheezing, clicking or squeaky breathing, voice changes, regurgitation or difficulty swallowing, because the enlarged thyroid presses on the airway and gullet. In severe cases a swelling may be visible in the neck. See an avian vet promptly.

Cabbage: nutrition per 100 g

Water	92.2 g
Energy	25 kcal
Sugars	3.2 g
Fat	0.1 g
Protein	1.3 g
Fibre	2.5 g
Calcium	40 mg
Phosphorus	26 mg
Calcium : phosphorus	1.54 : 1
Sodium	18 mg
Vitamin A (RAE)	5 µg
Vitamin C	36.6 mg

“Cabbage, raw”, USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy, FDC 169975). Public domain.

Sources & method 4

The sources below discuss cabbage for budgies (or for pet birds generally). Confidence: medium. Rated on the JOMIZOO Feeding Scale; when good sources disagree we choose the more cautious level.