Besides being refreshing and tasty, mint has been a valuable home remedy since the middle ages. But have you ever wondered whether cockatiels eat mint? If yes, Is it safe for them?
It is a question that boggles a lot of cockatiel owners. So, I decided to do some research, and here is what I found out!
Cockatiels can surely eat mint without any worries. The leaves, flowers, and stems are edible for our birds. However, avoid feeding them with the roots. However, overfeeding can cause severe health problems. Therefore, serving in moderation is the key.
It is recommended to buy only organic mint for your cockatiels. Mint bought from the local pet store may have added pesticides and chemicals that can be toxic for your birds.
Stick to this article to learn more about cockatiels and mints.
Is Mint Good For My Cockatiels?
Although mint has many medicinal properties, however, feeding in excess can be harmful to our cockatiels.
Mint contains an epic measure of Vitamin C, A, D, and B-6.
In addition, fibers present in mint leaves are an essential component of your bird’s diet.
Mint is rich in fiber and thus hеlр wіth bоwеl mоvеmеntѕ аnd аѕ а rеmеdу fоr соnѕtіраtіоn. If your body lacks fiber, you might suffer from diseases like diarrhea.
Mint helps strengthen the immune system, boost overall health, and prevent cancer, tumors, etc.
Can Cockatiels Eat Mint Leaves?
Cockatiels can surely chew on mint leaves. Mint leaves are the tastiest portion of the entire mint plant.
Mint leaves are low on calories and have medical benefits for our cockatiels.
Mint leaves help to strengthen the immune system of our birds.
Besides, it also has Vitamin C and A, which is essential for the growth and development of our cockatiels.
Mint leaves are the most flavourful and aromatic in the entire mint plant.
Can Cockatiels Eat Mint Stems?
Mint stems can indeed be given to our cockatiels. Moreover, mint stems are as delicious as mint leaves.
The stems close to the mint leaves are the softest and can be given to the birds without any doubt.
However, you should avoid giving them stems close to the roots.
Before giving them, stems, make sure you cut out all the sharp edges, or else your cockatiels may hurt themselves.
Can Cockatiels Eat Mint Flowers?
Cockatiels can eat mint flowers. However, they have fruitier tastes than the leaves or the stems.
The flowers are available in different colors, such as purple, pink, white, and yellow, depending upon the variety.
Remember to feed them in moderation. Overfeeding can lead to health complications in our cockatiels.
Can Cockatiels Eat Mint Roots?
We should never feed mint roots to our cockatiels.
Mint roots are toxic to cockatiels. Also, it does not have many nutritional benefits for our birds. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid feeding it to your cockatiels and stick to only mint leaves and stems.
Correct Way To Feed Mint To Our Cockatiels!
Follow the steps below to make a perfect mint meal for your bird.
Always buy fresh mint for your cockatiels. Wash the mint leaves thoroughly before giving them to your birds. You can also soak the leaves in the water for 1-2 hours before serving. This will ensure that the plant is free from dirt and bacteria.
Chop the plant part you want to feed to your cockatiel into tiny pieces and remove all the damaged or bruised portions of the plant.
You may now mix these with other veggies and fruits. A small bowl of mixed veggies and fruits is ideal for cockatiels as feeding raw mint can be too strong in taste for the birds.
Now, you are ready to serve the prepared bowl to your cockatiel. Observe them silently, and you will notice them enjoying it to the fullest.
How Often To Feed Mint To Your Cockatiels?
Anything in excess can be fatal for cockatiels. Thus, mint should be given only as a treat.
Give them 8-10 small leaves or five big leaves. You can give it to your cockatiel a maximum of once a week.
After a few hours, we must ensure that all the uneaten food is removed from the cage.
Also, check if your cockatiel is hiding even the most minor portion of the food.
Uneaten food can generate a foul smell. This can often stress our birds.
My Cockatiel Overate Mint
It would be best if you always looked out for how much mint you feed your cockatiel. Excess amounts of mint can cause health complications in cockatiels.
If you have fed your cockatiel with excess mint, look for the following reactions:
- Discolored and foul-smelling poop.
- Loss of appetite.
- Allergic reactions.
In case your cockatiels have any of the above symptoms, it is advised to take them to the vet as soon as possible.
What Should A Healthy Cockatiel Diet Consist Of?
It is essential to serve our cockatiels a well-balanced diet. Therefore, they must be fed a well-balanced diet of pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
- Pellets and seed mix: Commercially made pellets are filled with nutrients and are formulated to provide our cockatiels with all the essential nutrients required to lead a healthy life. Therefore, it is vital to ensure they get their daily dose of nutrients before serving them with other kinds of food. This will help the owners ensure that their little ones do not miss out on essential nutrients.
- Vegetables: You can add up to 10% of vegetables to the diet of your cockatiels. Some of the vegetables are better as compared to others. This is because there are more nutrients in the leafy greens.
- Fruits: Fruits contain a sufficient amount of minerals and vitamins. However, it also includes a high sugar level, which can make your cockatiel obese. Thus, the owner needs to provide the fruits in minimal quantities. You can give fruits as a treat only once in a while, which is sufficient. Also, make sure you feed it in limited quantities only.
- Occasional treats: It is essential to serve your cockatiels their favorite treats once in a while. Helping them with treats once or twice a week is ideal. Some of the favorite treats of my bird include honey sticks, boiled eggs, and nuts.
Besides this, we must serve our cockatiels with fresh water every 24 hours. Water is essential for the survival of all living beings. You can help them water in a bowl.
