Can budgies eat chili peppers?

Yes, in small amounts

Yes, in small amounts. Birds do not feel the burn of capsaicin, and vet sources list hot peppers as suitable, but keep portions small and wash your hands after cutting them.

Portion: A thin ring or small piece about 5 mm (¼ in) across
How often: Once or twice a week
Sugar: 5.3 g / 100 g

How to serve it

Wash the chili well
Remove the stalk and cut into small pieces; seeds can stay
Wash your hands and knife afterwards so you do not get capsaicin in your own eyes
Remove leftovers within a couple of hours

Why

Risks. Research on the capsaicin receptor shows birds are indifferent to capsaicin's pain-producing effect. There is little published data on large amounts in small parrots, so moderation is a precaution rather than a response to known harm.

Benefits. Chili peppers are rich in carotenoids; the Merck Veterinary Manual lists them among foods that supply vitamin A.

Questions owners ask 2

Don't hot chilies burn a budgie's mouth?

No. Birds' capsaicin receptor does not respond to capsaicin, which is why wild birds eat chili fruits and spread the seeds.

Can budgies have chili flakes or hot sauce?

No. Stick to fresh chili. Sauces and seasonings usually contain salt, garlic, onion or vinegar.

Chili peppers: nutrition per 100 g

Water	88 g
Energy	40 kcal
Sugars	5.3 g
Fat	0.4 g
Protein	1.9 g
Fibre	1.5 g
Calcium	14 mg
Phosphorus	43 mg
Calcium : phosphorus	0.33 : 1
Sodium	9 mg
Vitamin A (RAE)	48 µg
Vitamin C	144 mg

“Peppers, hot chili, red, raw”, USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy, FDC 170106). Public domain.

Sources & method 3

The sources below discuss chili peppers 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.