Can Cockatiels Eat Popcorn? Beneficial or Risky?

Hey bird owners! Looking for quick answers to whether you can share that packet of popcorn with your cockatiels? We have your back.

So, can cockatiels eat popcorn? Yes! You can feed your pet bird popcorn. But it is of concern what kind of popcorn you can feed your birds and what amount. Remember there is a list of nutritious snacks that you should follow for your birds and that list does not include popcorn. So these special treats should be kept at a minimum but if your bird likes that treat, you can give them a piece or two on a special occasion if it makes your bird happy.

To ensure the good health of your companion bird, popcorn intake should be low and only air-popped popcorn can be munched on by your bird.

Can you feed popcorn to cockatiels? Yes, you can!

It is perfectly safe to give your cockatiel popcorn but there are certain factors you need to ensure to avoid health risks. First and foremost, you cannot let your pet bird anywhere near microwave popcorn. This is so because of the abundance of oil in microwave popcorn that can make cockatiels ill. The oil makes the popcorn a salty and fatty snack which is a cockatiel viand. You can, however, feed them air-popped popcorn keeping moderation in mind. What about animal crackers?

Can you give your bird corn wafer biscuits?

Keep in mind that they cannot have any salty snacks. If the corn wafer biscuits are not salty, then please by all means let your bird enjoy this fantastic treat. Make sure to give popcorn only as an occasional treat and not make it part of a regular diet.

Do cockatiels like popcorn?

Among other snacks, giving your cockatiel popcorn adds variety and yes, your bird will love munching on this beak pleasure.

Why you can never feed cockatiels microwaved popcorn

Popcorn is kernels with a bit of water that break the shell and make the kernel expand when heat is applied. Besides this, microwaved popcorn contains oil that can potentially poison your companion bird.

Microwave popcorn can also contain artificial butter flavoring that can damage the lungs and have detrimental effects on the airways of animals including beloved pet cockatiels. Packaged popcorn can also have a high sugar content that can lead to cardiac arrest in birds if given over a prolonged period.

Why you can never feed cockatiels microwaved popcorn

This excess sugar disrupts the balanced diet and can also lead to obesity and high blood pressure which can affect heart rate. Microwave popcorn is also rich in butter which contains a lot of fat and cholesterol. Butter in popcorn can also contribute to obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Since popcorn is a beak pleaser and is an excellent snack, make sure to give your birds only air-popped popcorn with as few added preservatives as possible and absolutely no toppings. Fresh corn can also be fed after they are thoroughly washed in clean water. Make sure to not give your cockatiels corn chips though since salty snacks are not good for them.

Nutritional Benefits of Popcorn

It may come as a pleasant surprise but this extra treat is an excellent source of protein. 400 grams of popcorn will contain about 30-40 grams of protein. Popcorn is also a good source of fiber. 100 grams will contain about 13 grams of fiber. Since popcorn is rich in protein, you can slip a few of these excellent treats into the feeding bowls of baby cockatiels since protein is required to make new tissues and muscles.

The number of beneficial nutrients from corn wafer biscuits will surely keep them healthy. So popcorn besides that cooked meat and fruit seeds will enhance the growth of baby cockatiels. The dietary fiber ensures smooth bowel movement and avoids any possible digestive issues. Popcorn also contains beneficial carbohydrates.

Typical food for birds

If you leave grains and fruit seeds on your windowsill, you will find that almost all your backyard birds will happily peck into them. This is the same for cockatiels. A typical diet also can contain a wide range of fresh food such as kiwi fruit and papaya. Veggies that can be fed to your pet cockatiel include bean plants, bean sprouts, and mustard greens.

Bird owners are advised not to give their birds iceberg lettuce since it lacks nutrients and contains mostly water. Milk should not be provided to birds since milk contains lactose. Cockatiels do not have the enzymes for lactose and drinking any dairy products can result in digestive issues.

So it is not safe to give your bird milk. You can give your bird oats. Oats are a fantastic treat for cockatiels. You can feed your bird grapes too among other fruits. Don’t hesitate to give your bird seeds either. Some seeds need to be removed like apple seeds.

Bread can be part of an ideal diet since it has high fiber content that also promotes healthy bowel movements. Types of bread that can be fed to your bird include white bread, wheat bread, and brown bread. 100 percent whole wheat bread is preferable since it provides whole grain and energy-enhancing carbohydrates.

Animal proteins can also be included in daily meals in the form of cooked meat. Make sure not to use fatty meats. No greasy food should be given either. Lastly, make sure your birds get plenty of drinking water for balanced meals.

Obesity and cardiovascular disease

Even though those corn wafer biscuits are awesome treats you should keep them in strict moderation. Unlike wild birds, your pet cockatiel cannot burn all these calories since it does not fly around much. Not maintaining a balanced diet can often lead to obesity and cardiovascular disease. So, take care of your feathered friends.