I love to put things into my birds food that adds a special oomph to a meal that might be just a little too familiar variety being the spice of life and all. It is a real plus when it brings something else to the table like extra nutrition or acts as a natural remedy to common problems or symptoms.
Here is a list of common herbs and spices that can safely be used as needed medicinally with parrots:
Ginger is often used as a preventative for motion sickness. You might be surprised how many birds suffer from this affliction, but transporting our birds by car is sometimes necessary. You can offer your bird fresh ginger root or make a tea out of it by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water (allow to cool thoroughly before serving). Replace your birds drinking water with this a couple of hours before your trip.
Dill is very useful in both settling digestive disorders and has calming properties. It can be offered fresh, dried (added to wet foods) or steeped in a tea.
Mint is used for a number of digestive discomforts from nausea to indigestion, but it has stimulant properties and it is best that it not be used right before bedtime. The leaves can be serves fresh or steeped to make a tea. Dilute full strength tea with plain water (1/4 tea with 1 cup water). If you have a bird that takes a special interest in your chewing gum or toothpaste, he will enjoy mints leaves.
Chamomile is great for a restless or nervous parrot. If you are traveling with, or boarding, a bird that is uncomfortable with new surroundings, or have a cockatiel that has frequent night frights, chamomile tea might help. I offer it warm to my birds in a mug just before bed time. Dilute ¼ cup of your tea with about 1 cup of warm water for your bird. Just the act of having a warm cup of tea with your bird is calming.
Sage is used for digestive disorders, but it is also supportive of the liver and is used to boost its functionality. I sometimes add a sprinkle of dried sage over my birds food and I occasionally add fresh sage to batches of the BirdTricks Seasonal Feeding System.
Have you ever considered growing your own herb garden? Basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon and thyme all do well when grown on a sunny window sill. These are all safe for our parrots and will add flavor, variety and nutrition to their meals. Here are some tips to help you grow a great indoor herb garden:
NOTE: Not all herbs and spices are suitable for parrots and you should use caution before adding them to the diet. Many are surprisingly potent and may have side effects that you may not be aware of.
Author Patty Jourgensen specializes in avian health, behavior and nutrition and has been working with and caring for rescue birds since 1987.
My spouse and I have a multi-tiered waterfall/pond, and we have long appreciated the numerous birds that visit it daily to drink and bathe. We observed a plethora of birds, including orioles, buntings, grosbeaks, cardinals, and robins. Just recently, the birds have completely disappear. Now, you can sit there for hours on end and not see a single bird. Before, there were constantly several birds present at any given time. Since the fish are unaffected, I know the water is still safe. The only explanation I can think of is that we have an aggressively overgrown water mint plant. Are you aware if mint naturally discourages birds? Continue reading
Cookies and related technologies are used by Houzz to customize my experience, show me content that is relevant to me, and enhance Houzz’s offerings. I accept this by clicking “Accept,” as further outlined in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking Manage Preferences.
Mint is used for a variety of digestive issues, such as indigestion and nausea, but because it contains stimulants, it’s best to avoid using it right before bed. The leaves can be steeped to make tea or served raw. Use 1/4 tea to 1 cup water to dilute full strength tea. Your bird will love mint leaves if he has a particular interest in your toothpaste or chewing gum.
NOTE: You should exercise caution when introducing new herbs and spices to your parrot’s diet because not all of them are good for them. Many have unexpectedly strong side effects that you might not be aware of.
Chamomile is great for a restless or nervous parrot. Chamomile tea may be helpful if you are taking a bird that is apprehensive about new environments on a journey or if you have a cockatiel that gets frightened at night. Just before bed, I offer it warm in a mug to my birds. For your bird, dilute ¼ cup of your tea with approximately 1 cup of warm water. It’s soothing just to enjoy a warm cup of tea with your bird.
Ginger is often used as a preventative for motion sickness. You might be surprised how many birds suffer from this affliction, but transporting our birds by car is sometimes necessary. You can offer your bird fresh ginger root or make a tea out of it by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water (allow to cool thoroughly before serving). Replace your birds drinking water with this a couple of hours before your trip.
Growing herbs on a sunny window sill is a great way to grow herbs like basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, and thyme. Have you ever thought of doing this? These are all safe for our parrots and will enhance their meals with taste, diversity, and nutrition. The following advice will help you create a fantastic indoor herb garden:
FAQ
What herbs are safe for birds?
Do wild birds like mint?
Is peppermint safe around birds?
Do budgies eat mint leaves?