James Harris, DVM
Bits of meat are good for parrots
 How dangerous is it to include cooked meat in a bird's diet? My 10-month-old African grey loves to share a meal with me every night. While he typically likes and eats rice, pasta and potatoes, he has also tried cooked beef and chicken (with bones) and seems to love it. Is there any harm in that?
-- Liana, Houston, Texas
 Small amounts of cooked meats, including fish, will not hurt your bird. In fact, unless he is on a formulated (pelleted) diet, he needs the protein. Seeds alone don't offer enough. Cooked beans, eggs and cheese are also good sources of protein. Bones are fine; they give larger psittacines something to chew on and play with. There are only a few people foods birds should never be given, including alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, salt, chocolate and avocado.
James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.
ParrotChronicles.com. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Return to current Ask a Vet column
|
