Budgie · Greens & herbs
Can budgies eat cilantro?
Yes. Fresh cilantro (coriander leaf) is a safe herb for budgies and a good way to add variety to their greens. Wash it and offer a plain sprig.
- Portion
- A small sprig, or about 1 teaspoon chopped
- How often
- Several times a week, as part of mixed greens
- Sugar
- 0.9 g / 100 g
How to serve it
- Wash well
- Offer leaves and soft stems as a sprig or chopped
- Serve fresh and plain, never from salsa or seasoned dishes
- Remove leftovers after a few hours
Why
Risks. No specific toxicity is known. Wash shop-bought herbs to remove residues, and do not share cilantro from human dishes, which often contain salt, onion or garlic.
Benefits. Cilantro provides beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin K, and a sprig or whole plant makes good foraging enrichment.
Questions owners ask 2
Can budgies eat coriander seeds?
An avian vet notes that the whole fresh plant, including its seed heads and flowers, can be given. Spice blends are best avoided because they may contain salt or other spices.
Is cilantro the same as coriander?
Yes. Cilantro is the leaf of the coriander plant; the name differs between countries.
Cilantro: nutrition per 100 g
| Water | 92.2 g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 23 kcal |
| Sugars | 0.9 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 2.1 g |
| Fibre | 2.8 g |
| Calcium | 67 mg |
| Phosphorus | 48 mg |
| Calcium : phosphorus | 1.4 : 1 |
| Sodium | 46 mg |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 337 µg |
| Vitamin C | 27 mg |
“Coriander (cilantro) leaves, raw”, USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy, FDC 169997). Public domain.
Sources & method 2
The sources below discuss cilantro 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.
- Fresh Foraging Ideas To Try — Lafeber Company (Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP Avian Practice)
- Fruits and Vegetables in Birds' Diets — VCA Animal Hospitals
