Cockatiel · Greens & herbs
Can cockatiels eat parsley?
Yes, in small amounts. Parsley is considered safe for cockatiels by an avian vet, but large amounts caused sunlight sensitivity in other birds, so offer a sprig or two as part of mixed greens.
- Portion
- One or two sprigs
- How often
- Two or three times a week
- Sugar
- 0.9 g / 100 g
How to serve it
- Rinse thoroughly
- Offer plain sprigs or chop them into a vegetable mix
- Avoid serving large bunches on their own
- Take away leftovers after a few hours
Why
Risks. Parsley contains compounds that can cause photosensitivity. This was documented in ostriches and ducks that ate large amounts; it has not been reported in cockatiels, so moderation is the safeguard.
Benefits. Parsley adds beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin K, and whole sprigs are good for foraging.
Questions owners ask 1
Can cockatiels eat parsley every day?
It is safer as one of several rotating greens a few times a week rather than a daily staple, because of reports of sun sensitivity in other birds that ate large amounts.
Parsley: nutrition per 100 g
| Water | 87.7 g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 36 kcal |
| Sugars | 0.9 g |
| Fat | 0.8 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fibre | 3.3 g |
| Calcium | 138 mg |
| Phosphorus | 58 mg |
| Calcium : phosphorus | 2.38 : 1 |
| Sodium | 56 mg |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 421 µg |
| Vitamin C | 133 mg |
“Parsley, fresh”, USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy, FDC 170416). Public domain.
Sources & method 2
The sources below discuss parsley 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)
- Parsley-induced photosensitivity in ostriches and ducks (Perelman B, Kuttin ES. Avian Pathol. 1988;17(1):183-192) — Avian Pathology (PubMed record)
