FAQ: Treats for birds

No, crisps, crackers and other salty snacks have far too much salt and fat for a bird's small body. Excess salt can be dangerous for birds, so keep such snacks out of their reach.

Birds digest lactose poorly, so milk is not suitable for them. Some owners occasionally give a tiny amount of plain yoghurt, but it is not necessary, and salty cheeses are best avoided.

No, caffeine is poisonous to birds and can cause heart rhythm problems. Do not let your bird drink from cups, and cover drinks on the table while it is flying around the room.

Avocado, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, onions, garlic, fruit stones and apple seeds are considered poisonous to birds. Salty, sugary, fatty and spiced food should be avoided too.

Letting a bird eat from your plate is not advisable — human food often contains salt, spices, fat and ingredients dangerous to birds, and bacteria can be passed on. If you want to share, set aside a separate suitable piece for the bird.

Contact a vet straight away and, if you can, tell them what and how much the bird ate. Do not try to treat the bird yourself or make it vomit, as that can do harm.

No, xylitol and other artificial sweeteners are not suitable for birds and can be harmful. Avoid giving sugar-free products, chewing gum and sweets made for people.

Mushrooms are not recommended for birds, as some contain substances that irritate digestion or are toxic. Raw or wild-picked mushrooms must never be given.

Most parrots and seed-eating birds do not need meat, and fatty or seasoned meat is not suitable for them. Some species get animal protein from egg food or insects instead.

Plain oat or corn flakes without sugar or salt can be an occasional treat for some birds. Sweetened, frosted or chocolate cereals are not suitable for birds.

Keep treats in their original pack or an airtight container in a dry, cool, dark place. Do not keep them near the cooker, a radiator or in a damp bathroom, as heat and moisture speed up spoilage.

Dry treats usually do not need the fridge, and a pack moved from cold to warm can gather condensation. The fridge is only worth using for prepared fresh foods such as sprouted seeds or chopped vegetables, which should be used within a day or two.

Some keepers freeze their seed or millet stock for a few days to kill any pest eggs. Afterwards, let the pack warm up unopened so no moisture forms inside.

Spoiled treats show mould spots or a mouldy smell, clumped or damp seeds, a rancid fat smell, webbing or live insects. Such treats must not be given to a bird, even if the best-before date has not passed.

The date shows until when the manufacturer guarantees the product's quality if it is stored correctly. Once opened, treats spoil faster, so also keep to any stated period for using the product after opening.

The fats in oily seeds and nuts oxidise over time, especially in warmth and light, giving treats a bitter smell and taste. Rancid treats should not be given to a bird.

Yes, moulds can produce toxins that harm birds even in small amounts. Throw the whole mouldy treat away, not just the affected part, and clean the spot in the cage where it hung.

A large pack only pays off if you will use the treats while they are still fresh, as they lose quality over time once opened. For one or two small birds, smaller packs are often more practical.

First check which species the treat is for, then read the ingredients: which seeds or fruit, what binder, and whether there is added sugar, colouring or preservatives. Also note the recommended amount and storage conditions.

Permitted colourings are used within safety rules, but they do nothing for the bird. If you want a simpler product, choose treats without artificial colourings.