Cockatiels can eat cabbage, yes, but there are better options if you’re planning to do so. Cabbages are not precisely on the list of toxic foods. However, it’s also not on the recommended vegetables you can offer as well. Cabbages don’t have enough nutrients to benefit a cockatiel. Moreover, it can even hinder them from taking in nutrients.
While cabbages may be healthy for us, it may not be the same for our pets.
There’s a reason why cabbages aren’t one of the things avian vets recommend for cockatiels.
If you wish to know further, take a look at this.
Contents
Is cabbage safe food for cockatiels?
Cabbage is a safe food for cockatiels to eat. Still, while it is safe, it’s not precisely nutritious for them either.
You won’t find cabbage on a list of vegetables recommended for cockatiels. According to an avian vet, cabbage doesn’t provide nutritional value for cockatiels.
Thus, while cabbages are safe food, it’s also not nutritious either. If you’re planning to feed cabbage and want your pet to get some nutrients, you can try other veggies.
ResearchGate discourages feeding cabbage because it contains oxalic acid. This acid is a substance that prevents calcium absorption.
While such a component isn’t toxic, it nonetheless hinders nutrient absorption. Thus, it’s not good food either.
If you are feeding cabbage, you may want to compensate for that by adding more calcium-rich food.
Still, it doesn’t make cabbages any more nutritious.
You May Also Read – Can cockatiels eat broccoli?
How much cabbage can cockatiels eat?
Cabbages aren’t your healthiest veggie for cockatiels. Thus, if you still want to pursue feeding cabbage, you should limit it to less than 30% of your pet’s daily food intake.
Like all other birds and animals, cockatiels should have a balanced diet of a few things. Cabbages, along with all other vegetables, should only make 30% of their daily food intake.
The most significant percentage should be pellets, making up a total of 60% of their daily diet.
The rest, which is 10%, should be for treats like seeds and berries.
As always, the key to a good diet is balance. For this reason, you should never feed too many cabbages for a day.
Further, it would be best if you didn’t feed cabbages as the only vegetable. Consider getting a variety of options like carrots, kale, celeries, and others.
Having a list of other vegetables gives your bird balanced nutrition.
Risks of feeding your cockatiel cabbage
Cabbages don’t entail too many risks for cockatiels. However, there are some things that you need to be aware of when feeding this vegetable to your pet.
Cabbages reduce calcium absorption.
As I said earlier, cabbages contain oxalic acid. This acid reduces your cockatiel’s capacity to absorb calcium.
For this reason, feeding this vegetable to your pet will need you to give more calcium-rich food. Without extra calcium, feeding cabbage may make your pet receive less calcium.
Too much cabbage can compromise nutrient intake.
The main reason why vegetables are necessary for a cockatiel is the nutrients. Experts recommend a variety of veggies to give some nutrition aside from pellets.
Still, if you feed too much cabbage than the proper amount, you put your pet at risk of nutrient deficiency. The reason is that cabbages aren’t that beneficial for cockatiels.
Do cockatiels like eating cabbage?
Cockatiels love to eat a variety of vegetables. However, they may find it challenging to chew on cabbages,
This vegetable is not an ideal vegetable to offer. Further, the texture of cabbage might be too bland for cockatiels to delight upon as they eat. If you compare cabbages, your cockatiel might enjoy other options.
Of course, the preference may vary for each cockatiel. Still, it would be best not to feed cabbages regularly, as doing so may make them prefer the food.
If you’re testing out the cabbage, you can give it a couple of bites. Afterward, it would be best if you considered other vegetable options.
You May Also Read – Can cockatiels eat peaches?
What other vegetables can cockatiels eat?
Aside from cabbages, there are other vegetables you can give your cockatiel. If you’re in your first days or weeks of caring for your bird, here is a list of vegetables you can offer:
- Romaine
- Leaf Lettuce
- Kale
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes (not the green ones and the green parts)
- Sweet Potato
- Celery & Celery Leaves
- Winter Squash
- String Beans
- Corn on the cob
- Peas
- Carrots
- Zucchinis
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
When feeding vegetables, it’s essential to give bite-sized pieces to make it easier to eat. Further, it would be best to wash everything first.
Cooking, such as steaming or boiling, may also help to soften and moisten the veggies. For cabbages, though, cooking doesn’t lessen the oxalic acid that hinders calcium absorption.
In general, you can feed any vegetable or fruit you can find in the market. Be careful, though, as some may contain seeds and parts that can be harmful.
What plants are toxic to cockatiels?
Although cockatiels aren’t that sensitive, some plants can still cause them harm. To ensure your pet is safe, be sure to prevent them from getting close and even nibbling on the following:
- Avocado
- Lobelia
- Black locust
- Lupine
- Clematis
- Oleander
- Crown vetch
- Philodendron
- Dieffenbachia
- Poinsettia
- Eggplant
- Rhododendron
- Foxglove
- Rhubarb leaves
- HemlockVirginia creeper
- Lily of the valley
- Yew
If you’re keeping one of these plants inside, it would be best to put them somewhere far from cockatiels. Do this, especially if you let your pet roam around and not always in their cage.
Are chocolate and potatoes safe for cockatiels? Check it out!
Summary
Cockatiels can eat cabbages, but it’s not ideal for them to do so. Cabbages are not precisely toxic, so you can feed it to your cockatiel without causing any issues. Still, it’s also not beneficial either, so it would be best if you switch it to some other veggies you can offer.
Cockatiels can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Thus, you won’t find it challenging to find a substitute for your pet’s vegetable menu.
Further, you should incorporate vegetables along with the primary food of cockatiels. This way, you can be confident that your pet gets a balanced diet and nutrition it needs.
Resources
Researchgate.net’s study on oxalic acid found in green leafy vegetables.
Image Credits:
- Photo by Alfonso Cenname on Unsplash
- https://p1.pxfuel.com/preview/178/661/110/cockatiel-bird-yellow-parakeet.jpg
