Are you planning to supplement your cockatiel’s diet with some fresh, green broccoli? Make sure you read this article before you do this.
Wild cockatiels often eat fresh food, and that habit should be replicated when they are kept in homes. They should be given fresh fruits, vegetables, and pellets for balanced nutrition.
But what about veggies like broccoli or cauliflower?
Yes, broccoli and cauliflower can be given to cockatiels as they are packed with various vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
A major percentage of broccoli comprises water which is helpful for the pet bird in the summer months.
But only serve a few grams of these foods to your feathered friend to avoid bloating, gas, and other health issues.
Broccoli Nutritional Info: Is It Good For Cockatiels
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable and is safe for birds. It has low calories and is an excellent source of protein which aids in building muscles in cockatiels.
It even comprises higher quantities of fiber which helps your little bird to have good digestion.
100 gram of raw broccoli has the following nutrients.
- Water – 89.3 grams
- Energy – 34 Kcal
- Protein -2.82grams
- Lipid fat -0.37 grams
- Fiber -2.6grams
- Carbohydrate – 6.64grams
- Sugar -1.7grams
- Calcium -47mg
- Magnesium -21 mg
- Iron -0.73mg
- Phosphorous -66mg
- Potassium -316mg
- Copper -0.049mg
- Vitamin C – 89.2mg
- Vitamin B6 – 0.175mg
- Thiamin -0.071 mg
Benefits Of Key Nutrients
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C in broccoli helps in increasing the immune system of the bird. Simultaneously it helps in iron absorption and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Vitamin B6: Helps in increasing the brain health of the bird.
- Potassium: It is vital for the proper function of the cells and tissues of the bird.
- Calcium: Cauliflower has calcium which is vital for the healthy bones and teeth of cockatiels.
How Should Broccoli/Cauliflower Be Given To Cockatiels?
Broccoli may contain pesticides, insecticides, or any harmful chemicals. So, you need to wash broccoli thoroughly in water.
If you have a small bird, you can cut broccoli into small pieces and then serve.
But larger cockatiels have big beaks, and you don’t need to chop in small amounts.
It’s better to start by giving one or two florets of broccoli.
If your bird enjoys it and has no adverse effects, you can increase the broccoli florets intake depending on your bird’s weight.
Can You Give Them Raw Broccoli?
Yes, pet owners can give raw broccoli to cockatiels. Raw broccoli is the best form of giving your bird as it contains all vitamins and minerals.
Your feathered friend will also like the crunchy taste of the vegetable.
Make sure to rinse it in water, cut it into small pieces, and only then serve it to your bird.
You should also keep a bowl of fresh water nearby when feeding.
Can You Give Them Cooked Broccoli?
Cooking broccoli can make it soft, and you can give your pet cockatiel.
But by cooking, it will lose some of the essential vitamins and minerals which are good for the bird’s health.
You can lightly steam and serve your bird if you still want to give cooked broccoli.
But never add spices or oil when you serve food to your birds because spices can be very bad for them.
How Much (And How Often) Should You Give Broccoli To Your Bird?
You can serve 4-10 grams of broccoli to your cockatiel twice a week.
Your bird requires almost 30 calories in one day. Fresh vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens should comprise 25-30 percent of the daily diet, and the rest should include pellets.
So, you can mix broccoli with various other fresh vegetables. I am listing below some of the vegetables which are good for the bird.
- Leafy greens(romaine lettuce, carrot tops)
- Mustard greens
- Collard greens
- Carrots
- Peas
- Bell Peppers
Are There Any Dangers To Giving Broccoli to Cockatiels?
There is no danger in giving broccoli to cockatiels. But giving too much broccoli can cause gas and bloat.
Again, broccoli has oxalic acid like spinach and kale, which hinders calcium absorption and can even cause kidney stones.
However, broccoli does not have a very high percentage of oxalic acid, so it won’t be a very big problem for most birds.
But, it is better to give broccoli in moderate quantities to cockatiels, so they stay healthy and live for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is broccoli OK for cockatiels?
Yes, broccoli is an acceptable vegetable for cockatiels. It can be offered fresh or cooked and should be limited to only once or twice a week.
Broccoli contains beneficial vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K that help maintain feather health, along with Vitamin A, calcium, and iron.
To ensure your bird gets the most out of this cruciferous veggie, feed small amounts in moderation, as too much can cause an upset stomach or digestive tract problems with them.
Offering it raw is healthy, but steamed for just a few minutes can help make it easier for them to digest it.
Can cockatiels eat uncooked broccoli?
Yes, cockatiels can eat uncooked broccoli. Many bird owners serve these vegetables as treats to their feathered friends.
However, if you are feeding your birds uncooked broccoli, ensure that it is fresh and only offer small pieces at a time to avoid digestive problems.
Also, some birds will favor cooked vegetables over raw ones, so you may want to experiment before feeding large quantities of raw broccoli to your cockatiel.
How do I give my cockatiel broccoli?
You can give it both raw or cooked, but make sure you first remove any tough or fibrous stems on the vegetable.
If you want to cook it, steam the broccoli for a few minutes until it is tender, and cut it into small pieces.
Feed the broccoli to your cockatiel in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Additionally, consider adding other vegetables like carrots, green beans, and corn to further diversify their nutrition.
However, be sure not to overload them with any one type of food, as this could lead to digestive issues down the line.
Can cockatiels eat onions?
Cockatiels should not eat onions because of their high sulfur content and the risk of digestive issues.
Ingestion of onions can cause a decrease in red blood cells and/or anemia in birds.
If a bird does accidentally eat an onion, contact a veterinarian for treatment immediately, as it can lead to serious health problems, including death.
Additionally, onions have no nutritional value for cockatiels, so it is better to provide the birds with more nutritious treats like fruits, vegetables, legumes, or commercial bird treats.
Wrap Up
Broccoli is a safe vegetable for cockatiels. It is packed with numerous vitamins and minerals that help keep your little bird healthy.
But you must give in moderate quantities and only two times a week to cockatiels.
Thank you for reading this article!
