Keeping your bird healthy and happy is the most important aspect of being a pet owner. That’s why it’s crucial to understand how to optimize nutrition for your little friend.
Cockatiels eat a variety of food. But can cockatiels eat strawberries? Yes, cockatiels can eat strawberries. The nutrients present in the strawberries help your pet have a stronger immune system and optimum health.
Have you ever wondered how much strawberries cockatiels can eat? How do you prepare strawberries for them? This article will answer all the questions about feeding your bird strawberry.
Can You Feed Strawberries To Cockatiels?
Cockatiels are omnivores which means they eat anything edible. Generally, they eat nuts, vegetables, wheat, sunflower seeds, and plants. They have a wide variety of items in their diet, including berries.
However, you can feed your cockatiels strawberries without any hesitation because they are safe foods and rich in nutrition.
Many birds expert also recommended strawberries. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, “You can feed strawberries to cockatiels. They are a good source of antioxidants which help your cockatiels to fight diseases and keep their body healthy.”
A cockatiel’s diet should have vitamins, protein, fat, and carbohydrates. All of these nutrients are available in strawberries. A 100 gm of strawberry contains –
| Nutrients | Quantity |
| Energy | 33 Kcal |
| Dietary fiber | 2 gm |
| Natural sugar | 4.89 gm |
| Protein | .67 gm |
| Fat | .3 gm |
| Carbohydrate | 7.86 gm (8%) |
| Vitamin A | 17.28 IU |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.024 gm |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.022 gm |
| Vitamin B3 | .386 gm |
| Vitamin B5 | 0.125 gm |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.047 gm |
| Vitamin B9 | 24 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 58.8 gm |
| Vitamin K | 2.2 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 0.29 mg |
| Potassium | 53 gm |
| Water | 91% |
| Phosphorous | 24 mg |
| Iron | 0.41mg |
| Zinc | 0.14 mg |
Strawberries are beneficial for cockatiels, but you should not feed excess berries. Because they are rich in sugar which can cause weight gain, make sure they aren’t the only part of their diet.
Do Cockatiels Like Strawberries?
Yes, they like strawberries. Cockatiels might like strawberries because they’re sweet. They like to eat every portion of its seeds, leaves, and flesh.
The seeds of strawberries are not poisonous, unlike those of apples and apricots. They like nibbling at the seeds. The meat is succulent, and the birds love feasting on it since it tastes good.
Health Benefits For Cockatiels Eating Strawberries
The benefits that strawberries offer to your cockatiel include a reduced risk for coronary artery disease and increased energy and vitality. They also improve digestion and immune system function.
Strawberries not only have a positive effect on your cockatiel’s diet, but they also improve its vitamin and mineral content as well.
Strawberry contains chemical agents such as Omega 3 fatty acids, butyric acid, lycopene, α-farnesene, etc.
Some of the amazing benefits of strawberries are:
- Potassium regulates the blood pressure of cockatiels
- Calcium and Vitamin C reduce the risk of osteoporosis
- Vitamin E improves the egg-laying ability
- Omega 3 fatty acids can enhance the growth of your cockatiels feathers
- Natural fiber helps promote digestive health and prevent constipation
- Folates increase the production of red and white blood cells
- Lycopene is essential for eye and cardiovascular health
How much Strawberries should Cockatiels eat?
Strawberry is not the only food cockatiels eat. Most (80%) of the diet is taken from seeds, pellets, etc. You should feed two strawberries for an average size (80-100 gm) cockatiels.
Too many strawberries may increase the carbohydrate and sugar levels in the blood.
You should serve them as a special treat. Feed your bird strawberries in moderation, 1-3 times per week is preferable.
How Do You Prepare Strawberries For Cockatiels?
Cockatiels love strawberries. But you need to be careful about how you feed them. Many people think cockatiels can eat frozen strawberries, but this is not true. Always try to give them fresh fruits.
Here are some tips for preparing strawberries for cockatiels –
Cleanup properly.
Wash the fruits to remove dirt and debris. Because diarrhea can be a problem for cockatiels. Make sure there are no traces of pesticides or chemicals on the fruit.
Cut into small pieces
Cockatiels have tiny beaks. So, cut the fruit into small pieces and put them in a bowl. Add some fresh water. Cockatiels love to drink from bowls of fresh water, which will give them extra enjoyment.
Soaked into water
For the first few weeks, soak the fruits in water for 10-15 min before serving. After that time, you don’t need to soak strawberries because they have become more accustomed to them.
Mix with other fruits
Most birds consider red a predatory color. So, mix them with different colors of fruits or vegetables like orange, cucumber, lettuce, or cabbage to make it less intimidating.
Can You Feed Strawberries To Baby Cockatiels? If So, How?
Baby cockatiels can also eat strawberries. They should not be fed fresh strawberries as they contain a high level of vitamin C that can cause diarrhea. Feed small amounts of dried or dehydrated strawberries.
Grind the strawberries into a fine powder with a blender or food processor. Your cockatiel will love the powder. Stir it into its favorite seed mix, or sprinkle over fresh vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or red peppers. Be sure to give your baby bird lots of water when feeding strawberries.
Can Cockatiels Eat Strawberry Seeds?
Yes, they can eat berries seeds. Strawberry seeds are high in calcium and other minerals like phosphorus, copper, zinc, and vitamin C. However, if your bird eats too many seeds at once, this may cause diarrhea or constipation.
Can Cockatiels Eat Dried Strawberries?
Yes, cockatiels eat dry berries. It’s safe and contains vitamins and minerals. Dried strawberries are a good treat for cockatiels during winter when fresh food isn’t available.
FAQs
Yes, you can feed your bird berries every day as long as you stick to moderation. That means you can give just one piece of berries per day.
Cockatiels can eat strawberry leaves because they are non-toxic and loaded with minerals. But overeating leaves causes constipation.
Strawberry contains sugar. But only berries cannot cause diabetes. Combination with other foods and drinks (which contain high sugar) can lead to a heightened risk.
Conclusion
Like other birds, cockatiel eat different fruits like apples, oranges, avocado, strawberries, etc. Some of them are toxic, while others are highly nutritious.
However, can cockatiel eat strawberries? Is it safe for them? Strawberry is a safe food for birds without any doubt. They are full of beneficial nutrients. Strawberries promote a healthy bowel system and give protection from germs.
However, excess feeding causes health issues like diarrhea, constipation, etc. So you need to feed them in moderation.
Do you know if your cockatiels can eat mealworms or rice? Read our articles about it to learn more.
