Do parakeets eat oranges? It's a question that many people ask as oranges are such a popular fruit in the household. You think about oranges and then you think about the vitamin C boost you could give to your bird, right? But first, you need to know if it is safe for parakeets to eat oranges and if they actually like them!
To answer the question, yes, parakeets eat oranges and all variations of oranges such as;
- clementines,
- mandarins,
- tangerines,
- nectarines
- satsumas,
- carrot oranges,
- blood oranges,
- green oranges,
- and the list goes on!
Just as humans do with fruits, they enjoy oranges for their sweet taste and healthy vitamins too. But you need to know how much of an orange should be given to your bird so he or she can reap all the benefits while still only consuming a safe amount.
Why ‘Do Parakeets Eat Oranges?' Is Not A Silly Question
And why you should always ask these questions when unsure…
Parakeets have a long list of things to avoid due to the fact that they may be extremely harmful to them. In our New Parakeet Owner's Guide we list these things.
Parakeets have a sensitive digestive system so it is important to research foods that are safe for them. Do not assume all fruits and vegetables, branches, or chemicals will be okay because some of those things can make birds sick or even kill them!
One resource actually suggests avoiding citrus fruits and berries because they contain small seeds in them which could become lodged inside the bird's digestive tract. It also warns against eating onion or garlic due to their strong flavorings; these substances may not agree with your stomach either!
There is no silly question when it comes to the wellbeing of your cherished pet!
Orange Health And Nutrition Benefits For Parakeets
The main health benefits of oranges for parakeets are that it provides a high dose of Vitamin C, potassium and is full of antioxidants.
Vitamin C boosts immune system function which will help your bird stay healthy all year long. Potassium also aids in maintaining blood pressure as well as regulating water levels. Antioxidants do their job by helping the body fight off infections.
How Can You Feed Your Parakeet Oranges?
It's as easy as cutting up the orange and placing it in their food dish, using a hanging skewer or, adding to their seed mix.
If using a hanging skewer, the orange should be about the size of your parakeet's head. You can cut and slide it onto the skewer with other foods such as cucumber or lettuce.
The first time you feed your parakeet oranges (or any fruit for that matter) is with supervision and caution as it could cause loose stools in some birds while others enjoy them just fine!
So watch your bird after you give him any new foods to make sure he is still feeling okay and not showing any adverse reactions.
If your bird has a loose stool, do not give it oranges or other citrus fruits again until the problem clears up as too much vitamin C can lead to diarrhea in parakeets.
The Dangers Of Feeding Your Parakeet Oranges
Oranges are a treat for parakeets and as such, do not feed your bird too many oranges. Giving them a quarter of an orange at most once or twice a week is the perfect amount to share with your feathered friend while still giving him a variety of other foods as well!
Too much orange can lead to the following health risks:
- diarrhea
- ulcers on their stomach
- other intestinal inflammation.
Better Alternatives To Oranges
If you discover that your parakeet is not a fan of oranges, some alternatives packed with vitamin C are:
- kiwis,
- strawberries or,
- grapefruits.
You can cut these fruit up and mix with their usual seed and pellet diet so they do not get bored of the same old stuff.
