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Can Cockatiels Eat Oranges?

By Marian Haaz · · Updated

Can Cockatiels Eat Oranges?
Contents

Cockatiels are small Australian parrots known for their crests, orange cheek patches and whistling. In the wild, the diet of these birds is mostly grass seeds, plus some fruits, berries and plants.

Pet cockatiels need a more balanced diet than seeds alone, and fresh produce is part of that. So, can cockatiels eat oranges?

Yes. Cockatiels can eat small amounts of fresh, washed orange flesh as an occasional treat. Oranges are not toxic to cockatiels. Fruit should stay a small part of the diet, with pellets as the base.

Are Oranges Toxic To Cockatiels?

No. Oranges are on the list of fruits commonly fed to pet birds in VCA Animal Hospitals' guide to fruits and vegetables for birds.

Foods that are dangerous for birds include avocado, which can cause fatal toxicity, plus onions and garlic. Oranges are not in that group.

Do Cockatiels Eat Oranges?

Many cockatiels enjoy oranges, but some ignore them at first. Birds often need to see a new food several times before they try it.

Oranges are mostly water and natural sugar, with some fiber. That makes them a refreshing treat but not a nutritious staple.

Healthy Benefits Of Feeding Oranges To Cockatiels

Oranges add variety and some nutrients to a pelleted diet. They should not be used to treat or prevent any illness.

1. Vitamin C

Oranges are well known for vitamin C. It is a nutrient people need from food, and oranges are one of the richest common sources.

2. Potassium

Oranges contain some potassium, a mineral involved in normal muscle and nerve function.

3. Folate

Oranges provide folate, a B vitamin involved in making new cells.

4. Vitamin B1

Oranges contain a little thiamine (vitamin B1), which helps the body turn carbohydrates into energy.

5. Vitamin A

Oranges contain only small amounts of vitamin A precursors. VCA notes that bright yellow, red and orange produce such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, mango, papaya and cantaloupe are much richer in vitamin A, a critical nutrient for pet birds.

6. Calcium

Oranges contain a small amount of calcium. They are not a meaningful calcium source for a bird, so don't rely on them for it.

Nutritional Statistics Of Oranges

An orange is mostly water. The rest is mainly natural sugar and fiber, with very little fat or protein and a good amount of vitamin C.

Because of the sugar, oranges work best as a small treat rather than a daily staple.

How To Feed Orange To A Cockatiel?

VCA's cockatiel feeding guide recommends pellets as about 75% to 80% of the diet. Fruits, vegetables and greens together should be no more than 20% to 25% of the daily diet.

VCA adds that fruits are high in water and natural sugar, so they should be fed in limited quantities. Wash the orange well, peel it, and offer a small segment or a few bite-size pieces.

Serve it in a separate dish and remove leftovers within a couple of hours so it doesn't spoil in the cage.

Can Cockatiels Eat Orange Peels?

It's simplest to skip the peel. Citrus peel is tough and bitter, and it can carry pesticide residues. VCA notes that birds are very sensitive to pesticides and other sprays.

Can Cockatiels Eat Orange Seeds?

Remove the seeds before serving. They are a choking risk for a small bird and add nothing useful.

Can Cockatiels Have Orange Juice?

Skip the juice. It is concentrated sugar without the fiber of the whole fruit. Fresh, clean water should always be your cockatiel's only drink.

Can I Give Dried Oranges To Cockatiels?

Fresh orange is a better choice. Dried fruit is far higher in sugar by weight, and some dried fruit is preserved with sulfites. If you offer dried fruit, choose unsweetened, sulfite-free products and give only a tiny amount.

What Will Happen If Cockatiel Eats Too Many Oranges?

Too much fruit can cause watery droppings, and a sugary diet can contribute to weight gain. It can also fill your bird up so it eats less of its balanced pellets.

If your cockatiel has ongoing diarrhea, seems lethargic or stops eating, call an avian vet.

Other Fruits Parrots And Cockatiels Can Eat

  • Pineapple
  • Dates (pitted, in small amounts)
  • Apples (without seeds)
  • Bananas
  • Berries
  • Watermelon

Final Thoughts

Cockatiels can eat oranges as an occasional treat. Offer small, peeled, seedless pieces and keep all fruit to a small part of a pellet-based diet.

If you are unsure about a new food or your bird's diet, ask an avian veterinarian.

Sources

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