It is important to be sure of what you give your pet because many human foods can be toxic for birds. So if you are wondering can cockatiels eat cantaloupe, you are not alone. The answer is coming right up!
So, you removed your favorite pet bird from the cage to spend a few moments of fun with her, and then she started pecking at your fresh cantaloupes lying on the table.
If you ran to move the plate away, you probably didn’t have to do it.
Yes, cockatiels can eat cantaloupes and other melons, and moreover, they are a good source of numerous vitamins and minerals for them.
Cantaloupes have many benefits for their immune system, reproductive system, heart function, and more.
Let’s understand these benefits, how to feed your bird, and what forms of cantaloupe are the best for her.
Cantaloupe Nutritional Info: Is It Healthy For Cockatiels?
In the wild, cockatiels eat a wide variety of fruits, and most of them are good for their health. Cantaloupes are no exception.
One cup of cantaloupe, or about 156 grams of this fresh fruit, contains the following nutrients.
- Carbs -13 grams
- Protein -1 gram
- Fiber -2 grams
- Vitamin C – 64 percent of the reference daily intake
- Vitamin K -3 percent of RDI
- Thiamine -5 percent of RDI
- Magnesium – 5 percent of RDI
- Vitamin B6 – 7 percent of RDI
- Folate – 8 percent of RDI
- Potassium -9 percent of RDI
- Vitamin A -29 percent of RDI
- Thiamine – 5 percent of RDI
- Niacin – 7 percent of RDI
Let’s break this information down to help you understand why cantaloupe is so good for cockatiels.
- Cantaloupe contains Vitamin A, which is excellent for the bird’s vision and boosts the immune system. Moreover, it helps in producing healthy red blood cells in the body.
- This fruit is a good source of protein, which is required for building healthy muscles in cockatiels.
- It includes a good amount of vitamin C, which is necessary for producing muscles and collagen in bones.
- Vitamin C also protects the bird’s body from many diseases and boosts immunity.
- Potassium helps the bird’s muscle contraction.
- The fiber in the fruit helps maintain gut health and reduces the risk of becoming overweight.
- The folate aids in reducing cancer and other deadly diseases in the bird.
All in all, this fruit has lots of nice vitamins and minerals that can be good for your pet.
How Should You Give Cantaloupes To Your Cockatiels?
You can cut cantaloupe into small pieces and remove all its seeds. You can then serve cantaloupe on a flat plate to your bird.
You can also cook the cantaloupe a little bit or boil it, especially if you are feeding it to very young chicks. Boiling will make the fruit even softer.
You might even consider making a puree for the young ones.
Can Cockatiels Eat Cantaloupe Seeds?
There are some fruit seeds that can be toxic to your bird, such as apple seeds. These contain carcinogens, which can even be fatal for cockatiels.
However, cantaloupe seeds are fine. A cockatiel can eat cantaloupe seeds but in moderate quantities.
Ingesting a lot of them can cause digestive issues in the bird.
It is better to remove the seeds and then serve fresh cantaloupe pieces instead. The seed has a tough outer covering on which younger cockatiels might choke.
How Much (And How Often) Should You Give Your Bird?
Adding cantaloupe to their diet can be a healthy treat for your bird as it has immense benefits.
You can feed one tablespoon of cantaloupe (about four ounces) per ounce of your cockatiels weight.
For an adult cockatiel, that comes to about one cup of cantaloupe in a day.
Some adult birds are more active and energetic and may need more than a cup. If you have a younger bird, you should start with half a cup.
Remember to keep mixing up your fruits every day, and don’t make your cockatiel become a cantaloupe fanatic! It is a good fruit to offer as an occasional treat.
Are There Any Dangers To Giving Cantaloupe to Cockatiels?
No, not really. Cantaloupe is very good for your cockatiel because it has a lot of vitamins and minerals that your bird needs.
It also has almost 90 percent water content. Your bird’s body weight is nearly 75 to 80 percent water. It gains water either by drinking or consuming it from fresh fruits.
Adding cantaloupe to the cockatiel’s diet can supply a good amount of fresh water to her.
Cantaloupe also has sugar, which helps to keep your bird active.
If your bird is not well, avoid giving it cantaloupes because of the high sugar content. Additionally, only give them farm-fresh fruits, and avoid ones that have been sprayed with insecticides and pesticides. Make sure you wash the fruit thoroughly with water before serving.
Moreover, do not give seeds to younger birds because it might cause choking (as mentioned previously).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cantaloupe poisonous to birds?
Cantaloupe is not poisonous to birds. In fact, it is a choc-a-bloc full of vitamins and minerals which make your bird healthy.
The fruit also contains a high percentage of water, enough to keep your bird hydrated.
Make sure to always wash the cantaloupe thoroughly in water, remove the skin and seeds, and cut them into small pieces before serving it to your pet bird.
What fruits can cockatiels not eat?
Most fruits are safe for your cockatiel as they have good nutrients. But you need to feed them in moderate quantities.
Additionally, there are certain fruits for which you need to remove the seeds and then feed your bird.
For instance, apple seeds need to be removed before feeding because the seed contains a toxic substance that can have an adverse effect on your bird.
Similarly, pits of cherries, apricots, and plums need to be removed before feeding your bird.
Can cockatiels have cantaloupe seeds?
Cantaloupe seeds do not have any toxic substances that will harm your pet bird. But I will recommend you remove the seeds and then feed your bird.
This is because the seeds have an outer covering that is a bit tough and may choke the throat while ingesting.
Can cockatiels eat melon skin?
Melon skin is not poisonous for your bird. But it is still best to remove the skin and then feed your cockatiel.
This is because the skin can contain pesticides or insecticides, and if you forget to wash it thoroughly, it can cause a lot of problems for your bird.
What should cockatiels eat?
Cockatiels should have nutritious and fresh food to stay healthy and live longer. A healthy diet for birds should comprise fresh vegetables and a variety of fruits to the bird.
For instance, you can give sweet potato, mustard greens, citrus fruits, fruit seeds, beet greens, and cooked meat.
Several types of fruit, such as apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries, cantaloupes, and so on, can also be offered to these birds.
However, while offering fruits, make sure not to give them pits. They can be toxic for these birds.
Lastly, always keep fresh water in the bird’s cage so that it can have a drink at any time.
Wrap Up
You can give cantaloupe to your cockatiel as it has a lot of vitamins and minerals essential for the body. Try to feed in moderate quantities, about one cup a day.
Additionally, make sure you wash it properly, remove the skin and seeds, and cut it into small pieces before feeding it to your pet bird.
Cantaloupe also has a good amount of water which helps to keep your bird hydrated during the summertime.
Thank you for reading this article!
