by Lauren Von Lehe

Created on: October 24, 2008

Pet owners love to feed their pets, especially when it comes to sneaking them extra tidbits from the table. Bird owners are no different as their bird dances with joy in anticipation of a tasty morsel. While birds can safely enjoy a long list of fresh fruits and vegetables, there are some foods that must be avoided completely. Knowing what these are is key to keeping your feathered friend out of danger.

LIQUIDS

It might seem funny to offer a parrot a taste of beer to judge his reaction, but consuming any type of alcoholic beverage is putting his life at risk. Birds are not made with the ability to properly digest such a substance and it can lead to brain damage and death.

Caffeinated beverages don't fare much better. Coffee, tea, and substances that contain traces of either one are a potential threat to the well-being of your bird. Consumption of caffeine leads to a quick onset of hyperactivity followed by diarrhea, vomiting, a irregular heartbeat, and possible seizures with symptoms leading to death. If you suspect your pet has ingested coffee or tea, administer 1 cc of pepto bismol before hurrying to the closest avian vet.

FATTY FOODS

A wild bird's diet is naturally low-fat. This is how their body was created to aid in flight. A pampered pet may readily accept fatty foods not normally part of its diet, but beware of the consequences. Just because it tastes good to you, and even may seem nuturitious, it may not be the right treat.

Avocados are one such food. Although they fall into the category of a fruit, this seeminly healthy choice is a nutritionally dense, yet highly fatty food. Birds have been known to die just hours after nibbling on avocado.

Problems from fat consumption do not present themselves the same way as problems with most foods. Instead of immediate signs of danger, the accumulation happens over time and leads to other health problems. These include excess oil on the feathers, fatty liver disease, diarrhea, and problems utilizing calcium- which is very important for birds.

SALTY FODOS

What did we think parrots loved when we were children? Crackers! But beware, many snack foods, including crackers, contain too much salt for such a small body to handle. Other culprits include potato chips, salted pretzels, salted popcorn, and salted nuts. Even one potato chip seems like nothing to a human, but for a bird the sodium is multiplied 50 times over!

Signs of distress include dehydration, tremors, depression, and excessive urination. The body reacts to salt by

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