Toxic Food List - Parrots


  • Alcohol - NEVER under any circumstances allow your bird to ingest, even the smallest amount can be fatal.
  • Apple and Pear Seeds- When chewed or crushed they release cyanide. Consumed in high amounts it can cause death
  • Pits of Peach, Apricot, Nectarine, Cherry, Plum- The pits of fruits such as these should never be given to your birds as if crushed they release cyanide
  • Avocado- The entire plant and fruit can cause cardiac arrest. unripe fruits contain persin which can cause illness or death
  • Dried uncooked soup type beans- kidney beans and other soup beans contain a toxin called Phyohaemagglutinin. Soak and cook an soup type/ tin can beans if you plan to feed. (however they do not provide any significant nutriton)
  • Dairy products, such as butter and milk- birds are lactose intolerant and cannot process lactose 
  • Caffeine- Any drinks such as coffee, pop, or teas that contain caffeine can be extremely dangerous! Caffeine causes cardiac problems the worst being cardiac arrest. Stick with avian safe teas if you want to share your tea   
  • Carbonated beverages- These contain carbon dioxide gas, additives and caffeine
  • Chocolate- Chocolate poisoning causes vomiting, diarrhea, affects nervous system causing seizures and even death
  • Sulfides and Sulfates- A lot of dried (dehydrated) fruit contains one or both of these as a preservative. These can worsen hormonal behavior, worsen or cause plucking. 
  •   Garlic - Can cause anemia
  • Onions - Can cause vomiting, diarrhea and digestive problems. Continuous long term exposure can cause anemia and even death
  • Eggplant - This is not recommended, the leaves and stems are part of the night shade family and are very toxic for birds
  • Mushrooms - These are a type of fungus can cause digestive upset. Caps and stems of some types can cause liver failure
  • Olives - Contain very high levels of sodium 
  • Raw Honey -  has a high chance of botulism
  • Rhubarb - Has very high levels of oxalic acid. The leaves are the most toxic part 
  • Tomato Plant - The stems and leaves are very toxic for birds. the fruit itself can be fed but should be avoided as it can cause ulcers do to acidity
  • Tobacco (Cigarettes) -  Nicotine poisoning occurs if your parrot chews or has ingested tobacco (cigarettes). Nicotine poisoning can cause vomiting, panting, coma, increased heart rate and eventually death. 
  • In shell peanuts - They should be avoided roasting them reduces the risk. The shells have a chance of containing Aspergillus flavus, which releases a toxic substance Aflatoxins. Parrots are said to be 200 more times sensitive than humans