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Can you feel that? That little nagging feeling on your heart on whether cockatiels eat strawberries?
Well, you are not sure about how suitable this fruit will be to your cockatiel, and you are not alone.
There is no denying that you will always want the best for your pet, and feeding it right will be invaluable.
For this reason, we take a look at some of the most critical insights into whether they can eat strawberries.
Do cockatiels eat strawberry fruits?
From year-round fruits and tropicals to seasonal fruits, cockatiels will always find fruits to be favorable at all times.
Strawberries are no exception. Strawberries are not only an excellent source of nutrients but also safe for the cockatiels to eat.
The only catch is that you should not overfeed your bird with these berries. In most cases, it will be best for you to give them as treats.
Did you know that cockatiels can eat strawberry seeds too? Thanks to their non-toxic nature, you will have no reason to worry about these seeds.
As if that is not enough, strawberry seeds come with various nutrients that suffice for cockatiels.
When and How to Feed Your Cockatiel With Strawberries
Cockatiels should only eat strawberries as treats, meaning you need to feed them relatively infrequently.
Most experts would suggest that you provide them with this fruit between once and thrice a week.
While at it, aim at minimizing how many strawberries you give the bird per sitting.
The recommended ratio is between one and two berries per session. These fruits need to be fresh, as they will stay in the bird’s crop for a relatively long time.
Take the time to chop the berries into relatively small and easy-to-chew pieces.
Small pieces will be much easier for the cockatiel to pick. Besides, they will assure you of a much lesser mess in the long run.
While at it, you could also feed the cockatiel with strawberry juice. In most cases, you will serve them this juice mixed with other fruits or vegetables.
Keeping the number of berries fed to the cockatiel is vital for the healthy growth of the bird.
It will be fair to mention that strawberries feature significant amounts of natural sugars, which could pose various health issues.
For instance, too much sugar often results in weight issues.
However, you need to ensure the berries are hardly contaminated, as this is the biggest threat to cockatiels’ safety.
That means you have to pay attention to the pesticides on the fruits.
The presence of these chemicals could readily compromise the health of your cockatiel.
On the other hand, you will have no reason to worry if the strawberries are organic.
Can Cockatiels Eat Dried Strawberries?
The simple answer to this is yes. Dried strawberries have proven to be as potent and rich in nutrients as fresh ones.
Whether you need fiber, antioxidants, or vitamins, you will be sure of a similar quantity at all times.
These dried strawberries come in handy as snacks or treats for your feathered pet.
Besides, this option poses no safety issue to the bird, as there are no pits or toxic seeds in them.
However, it will be best for you not to replace fresh strawberries with dried ones.
Why Strawberries Are Ideal for Cockatiels
You can hardly overlook how rich strawberries are in nutrition.
From improving the immune system to protecting your bird from pathogens, this fruit is worth lauding.
Further, they boast of being excellent antioxidants and sources of minerals and vitamins.
This fruit comes with vitamins C and B9, which boost the immune system and enhance tissue development, respectively.
You will also be sure of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. That this fruit is rich in fiber is no secret.
This fiber comes in handy in enhancing healthy bowel movement in the bird. Manganese is present in the fruit too.
What Other Fruits Can Cockatiels Eat?
Various fruits come at your disposal whenever you want to boost the health of your cockatiel.
While different birds will prefer different fruits, you need to be sure which option suits you best.
Usually, year-round fruits like grapes, apples, and bananas will suffice at this time.
You could also consider tropicals, including mangos, papayas, kiwi fruits, and guavas.
Cherries and melons will also be suitable for your cockatiel. Other seasonal fruits you might want to consider include peaches, pears, and apricots.
Whichever fruit you choose, the rules remain the same. Always ensure that the amount given to the cockatiel is relatively small.
This way, it will be much easier to keep the bird away from weight and health issues in the long run.
Remember, these fruits contain natural sugars, which could pose a problem when taken in excess.
Well, one fruit you should not give to your pet is the avocado. This fruit comes with toxins that can adversely affect the digestive system of various birds.
When taken, whether in excess or small quantities, it could result in fatalities.
How About Vegetables For Cockatiels?
There is no denying that veges need to form the most significant part of any cockatiel’s diet.
From broccoli and cauliflower to Brussel sprouts, including veges in the cockatiel’s diet will always be a wise move.
Take the time to chop them into smaller pieces, as it allows the bird to feed much more effortlessly.
Cockatiels can take both fresh and cooked vegetables. As long as you cool these cooked pieces, you will be sure of the bird comfortably taking the dish.
Vegetables are rich in minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. That they will pose no safety issues to the bird is no secret.
For this reason, you will find it necessary to make them part of the daily meal.
However, it will be right to understand which veges not to give to your pet.
In most cases, eggplants, raw potatoes, eggplants, and rhubarb will not be suitable for cockatiels.
They come with toxins that could be unbearable for these birds.
Tips When Feeding Cockatiels Strawberries
You can barely overlook the fact that feeding your cockatiel with strawberries can be relatively messy.
Whether you are giving them dry fruits or juice, the effects are likely to be the same.
Here are a few insights into how to make this process much friendlier for the bird and you.
- Carefully clean the fruit
Take the time to wash and ensure that the strawberry is clean.
This process comes in handy in eliminating any pesticide and dirt on the surface.
Unless you carefully remove these elements, you will be exposing your pet to significant health issues in the long run.
- Check whether they are fresh
There is no denying that fresh foods will always be a priority for most people. The same happens when feeding your feathered pet.
Usually, it will be best to give your cockatiel fresh fruits.
That is because they tend to store their food in their crops for a relatively long time.
The fresher the food, the better it will be for you. While at it, ensure that you do not include any leftovers there.
- Chop the berries into smaller pieces
Imagine if someone gave you a big chunk of fruit that barely fits your mouth.
Devastating, right? Cockatiels are no exception, and cutting their fruits into smaller pieces will be necessary.
Usually, this move ensures that they have an easier time ingesting the berries. It will also come in handy in reducing the mess they are likely to leave behind.
- Include vegetables
Experts suggest that you serve fruits alongside green vegetables.
You could also consider including green strawberries.
Having green elements in the diet is vital for the cockatiel to overcome its fear.
- Keep the serving in check
Ensure that you manage the serving offered to cockatiels.
Usually, one or two servings per session will be enough for them.
This way, you will no longer need to worry about weight issues at the end of the day.
In conclusion
strawberries will always be a favorite for most cockatiels.
Thanks to their high nutritional value, these berries will assure your bird of boosted immunity and health.
The only catch would be to understand the right amount to feed them.
It is only through this that you will avoid weight issues in the long run.
Let today be the first day of serving your cockatiel the right number of strawberries!
