TOXIC FOODS - Foods to keep away from your bird

TOXIC FOODS - Foods to keep away from your bird - ********************IMPORTANT*******************************

*** FOODS THAT YOUR BIRD SHOULD NEVER EAT ***

Avocados, chocolate in any form, caffeine in any form, raw or green potatoes, alcohol in any form, rhubarb, plums, salted chips, pretzels, crackers (these are made with super iodized salt), any greasy foods (such as fried chicken and chips), dried fruit that has been treated with sulfur dioxide, peanut shells (unsalted peanuts are fine), salt, butter, any of the cabbage family, grapefruit, lemons or lemon juice, onions, mushrooms, seeds from apples, pears, cherry pits, nectarine pits, etc.(they contain cyanide). These are all very toxic and indigestible for birds.

Your bird will survive on an all seed diet, but seeds lack the necessary vitamins and minerals that your bird requires for a long and happy life. Seeds are also high in fat, which is very hard on your bird's liver and kidneys. Seeds also can cause your bird to get sores in its mouth making it difficult, if not impossible for him/her to eat. Seeds, however, can be used as a reward or a treat, providing that you do not give your bird too much.

While a pelleted diet is recommended, an ALL pelleted diet is not good for your bird either. When feeding your bird pellets, be sure to read the label. Most pellets on the market contain traces of arsenic and other natural toxins. Although the levels are very low, they do build up in your bird's body which can eventually poison your bird. Fresh food and water needs to be given every day, sometimes several times a day.

It's best not to leave fresh food or water in a cage more then a few hours. It will develop bacteria which will harm your bird. Never let your bird eat foods that you would not eat yourself. If that fresh, cut up fruit were sitting on the counter for 7 hours, would you eat it? Then why would you let your bird have it?

Be sure to give your bird a lot of variety in his/her diet daily. Your bird should be offered different human foods each day and sometimes several times a day.