Cockatiel · Fruit
Can cockatiels eat watermelon?
Yes, in small amounts
Yes, in small amounts. Cockatiels can have watermelon as a juicy treat, but it is mostly sugar and water, so keep it occasional.
- Portion
- Two or three cubes about 1.5 cm (⅝ in) across
- How often
- Once or twice a week
- Sugar
- 6.2 g / 100 g
How to serve it
- Scrub the outside before slicing
- Cut off the rind
- Pick out the seeds
- Take away leftovers after a couple of hours
Why
Risks. Low nutritional value and high water content mean large portions displace better foods and can loosen droppings.
Benefits. It is hydrating and many cockatiels enjoy it in hot weather.
Questions owners ask 1
Is watermelon good for a cockatiel in hot weather?
A small piece is fine, but fresh drinking water and shade matter far more for keeping a cockatiel cool.
Watermelon: nutrition per 100 g
| Water | 91.5 g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 30 kcal |
| Sugars | 6.2 g |
| Fat | 0.2 g |
| Protein | 0.6 g |
| Fibre | 0.4 g |
| Calcium | 7 mg |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg |
| Calcium : phosphorus | 0.64 : 1 |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 28 µg |
| Vitamin C | 8.1 mg |
“Watermelon, raw”, USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy, FDC 167765). Public domain.
Sources & method 3
The sources below discuss watermelon for cockatiels (or for pet birds generally). Confidence: high. Rated on the JOMIZOO Feeding Scale; when good sources disagree we choose the more cautious level.
- Fruits and Vegetables in Birds' Diets — VCA Animal Hospitals
- Feeding Pet Cockatiels — VCA Animal Hospitals
- How to care for your pet bird — University of Florida Small Animal Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine
Other pets
More fruit
Small amounts
Apple
Small amounts
Banana
Small amounts
Blueberry
Small amounts
Strawberry
Small amounts
Raspberry
Small amounts
Grape
Better not
Raisin
Small amounts
Cantaloupe
Small amounts
Orange
Small amounts
Mango
Small amounts
Pineapple
Small amounts
Pear
Small amounts
Cherry
Small amounts
Peach
Small amounts
Kiwi
Never
Avocado
Small amounts
Coconut