Cockatiel · Greens & herbs
Can cockatiels eat cilantro?
Yes. Cilantro is a safe fresh herb for cockatiels, and many enjoy picking through a whole sprig. Wash it and serve it plain.
- Portion
- One or two sprigs, or about 2 teaspoons chopped
- How often
- Several times a week, as part of mixed greens
- Sugar
- 0.9 g / 100 g
How to serve it
- Rinse well
- Offer sprigs whole for foraging or chop into a vegetable mix
- Use plain herb only, not leftovers from seasoned food
- Take away wilted leftovers after a few hours
Why
Risks. No known toxicity. The risks are pesticide residues on unwashed herbs and seasonings such as salt, onion and garlic in human dishes.
Benefits. Cilantro contains beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin K and is a useful foraging item.
Questions owners ask 1
Can I grow cilantro for my cockatiel?
Yes. An avian vet recommends home-grown cilantro as a safe foraging plant, including the flowers and seed heads, as long as it is not sprayed.
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 cockatiels (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
