FAQ: Treats for birds

Fresh fruit spoils quickly in a cage, especially in a warm room, so uneaten pieces should be removed after a few hours and never left overnight. Spoiled fruit can cause digestive upsets.

Most birds can have a little orange or mandarin segment now and then. Citrus is acidic and can loosen some birds' droppings, so introduce a new fruit gradually.

Yes, a budgie can have a small piece of peeled banana. It is sweet and high in calories, so it is an occasional treat rather than everyday food, and any uneaten piece should be removed before it turns brown.

Grapes are usually fine for birds if they are washed and given in small pieces. As they are very sweet, half or a quarter of a grape now and then is enough for small birds.

Many birds distrust new food at first. Offer it daily at the same time, finely chopped or clipped to the bars, eat the same food in front of the bird and be patient — it can take several weeks.

Thawed berries are as good for a bird as fresh ones, provided they contain no sugar or other additives. Thaw them to room temperature before feeding and remove any uneaten ones after a few hours.

Some fruit purées with no sugar or additives can be an occasional treat, but read the ingredients. Purées with sugar, sweeteners, milk or preservatives are not suitable for birds.

Fruit contains a lot of water, so droppings are often wetter afterwards, which is usually normal. If watery droppings last longer, change colour or the bird seems listless, see a vet.

Some large parrots eat more fruit in the wild, but for them too the bulk of the diet should be the main food and vegetables. The right amount of fruit depends on the species, so it is worth looking into your parrot's particular needs.

Most birds can have carrot, broccoli, bell pepper, courgette, cucumber, peas, sweetcorn and leafy lettuce. Wash the vegetables, cut them into small pieces and serve them raw or lightly steamed, without seasoning.

Onions and garlic contain compounds that can harm a bird's blood and digestion. So do not give them raw, cooked or as an ingredient in human food, such as sauces, soups or seasoned leftovers.

Some wild plants, such as dandelion or chickweed, are fine for birds, but only if picked far from roads in unsprayed places and washed well. Better not to give plants you do not recognise, as some are poisonous.

They are seeds that have been soaked and allowed to sprout, so they are softer and moister than dry seed. Many birds love them, but they must be sprouted hygienically and served fresh, as damp seeds go mouldy quickly.

Some birds are occasionally given small amounts of cooked rice or pasta without salt or fat. It is not necessary, though, and salty or seasoned human food is not suitable for birds.

Spinach and sorrel contain oxalates, which can interfere with calcium absorption, so give them rarely and in small amounts. For everyday greens it is better to choose other leafy vegetables.

You can grate vegetables finely and mix them with the usual food, put them in a clip on the bars or hang a larger piece for the bird to pick at. Some birds prefer wet leaves, so you can sprinkle them with water.

Yes, raw grated or finely chopped carrot suits most budgies and is a popular treat. Clean carrot tops can be given too, as long as they are fresh and have been washed well.

Yes, canaries often happily eat lettuce, dandelion leaves, chickweed or grated carrot. The greens must be clean and fresh, and removed from the cage before they start to wilt.

Cucumber is usually fine for birds, although it is mostly water and low in nutrients. It can be a refreshing treat on a hot day, but should not replace more nutritious vegetables.

Raw or uncooked dried beans must not be given to birds, as they contain harmful substances. If you want to offer pulses, they must be thoroughly cooked without salt, while fresh green peas are usually fine.