Thank you to Sophie Barnett for writing this blog for us on safe herbs for Parrots to eat.

The Benefits Of Herbs

Herbs are a fantastic addition to your Parrot’s diet, not only for their abundance of health benefits, but also in the variety they provide as part of a balanced diet. They can be presented in a chop, threaded through the cage bars, or even strung together as a shredding toy.

Using herbs in this way often encourages fussy birds to try fresh foods, as they will end up tasting and enjoying the herbs as they shred them.

You can often find herbs in the fresh produce aisle of the supermarket, and they are usually very affordable, especially as you can often find them for a reduced price later in the day. You can also grow your own herbs at home, either in your garden, or in pots on your windowsill.

Some of the most popular herbs with Parrots include:

Basil

This is a very easy herb to grow at home, and a firm favourite with many birds. It has been know to have both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and it can help to aid digestion. Basil is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and manganese.

Coriander

This herb is packed full of vitamins including A, C, E and K, and has been known to have strong antibacterial properties. Coriander has been known to promote healthy digestion and is high in antioxidants which are important for improving your bird’s immune system.

Dill

This herb is often enjoyed most when threaded through the cage bars, and Parrots will often enjoy ripping bits off and tasting as they go. Dill is high in antioxidants, and well as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and manganese.

Mint

This herb is excellent for aiding digestion, and it has been known to possess calming properties which can be beneficial for Parrots who display anxious behaviours (in combination with a behaviour modification action plan). Offering mint to your birds will also make their breath smell great!

Oregano

This is a great herb to add to your fresh chop as some say it possesses antibacterial properties. This can also prevent bacterial growth within the chop and keep it fresher for longer. Oregano is also high in Vitamin A, Vitamin K, iron, manganese and potassium.

Parsley

This should be fed in moderation as it is high in oxalic acid which, when fed excessively, can limit the absorption of calcium. Parsley does however contain high levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin K.

Rosemary

This is another great herb to add to your fresh chop, and your bird will also enjoy shredding the leaves from the stalk. Rosemary is an excellent source of calcium, iron and potassium. Your bird will also benefit from rosemary in their diet as it is sometimes has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and calming properties.

Thyme

This herb is high in Vitamin A, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C. Many Parrots will enjoy holding a sprig of thyme in their foot to shred. Thyme is high in antioxidants which support the immune system and it also aids digestion.

Keep It Varied

As with all foods, variety is key, so it’s important not to just feed only one type of herb to your Parrot. Switch it up each week and see which ones your birds enjoy!

You can find out more about herbs for Parrots in this video by WarGamingParrot:

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