Cockatiels should eat lots of pellets, seeds, fruits, and veggies. But what about eggs – can cockatiels eat eggs? Will they be able to digest it? How should you give eggs to them? Answers coming up.
Feedings eggs to birds can be a controversial topic – it is like feeding them the young of their brethren!
Let me say it right out – it is certainly good for them in moderation, and eggs (along with the meat) are one of the best protein sources for cockatiels.
Let’s take a look at how good or bad eggs can be for your cockatiel.
Egg Nutritional Info: Is It Good For Cockatiels?
Nutritional Info
According to the FDA, eggs are a “nutrient-dense food.”
Nutrient density determines the number of minerals, fatty acids, and vitamins a particular item has, and a higher rating is obviously better.
Eggs contain protein and minerals like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and more.
They also contain vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, folate, choline, vitamin D, vitamin B6, and B-12.
Here is a breakup of what a large, hard-boiled egg (~50g) can offer:
- Calories: 78
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 62mg
- Carbohydrates: 0.6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
Benefits
- B vitamins, especially biotin, can help cockatiels maintain a smooth sheath of feathers. It also allows them to molt in a smoother fashion and regrow feathers quickly. Usually, biotin is available as a supplement, but with a balanced diet, you need not subscribe to these.
- Calcium is important for breeding birds as it helps them in laying strong, well-shaped eggs. A lack of calcium can cause your cockatiel to lay paper-thin eggshells that explode on contact. Eggs are a good source of calcium.
- Protein and amino acids are essential for a healthy cockatiel. These help in the growth and regulation of bodily functions. There are several essential amino acids that cannot be manufactured by our body and can only be sourced from external sources like eggs, yogurt, and fish.
How Should Eggs Be Given To Cockatiels?
To give your feathered friends their weekly dose of protein, you can experiment with chicken eggs in various formats to see what your cockatiel likes.
Generally, you should try to feed your bird every part of an egg, including the shell, albumen, and yolk.
Can you give cockatiels raw eggs?
Wild cockatiels do eat raw eggs once in a while. For your domestic bird, you can try experimenting by offering them a raw egg that is cracked open.
If your bird does not take to eating, you can try some of the other options below. Raw eggs, while best in benefits, can also cause diseases.
Can you give cockatiels boiled eggs?
Soft-boiled eggs are a great way to introduce protein to your birds! Offer them open soft-boiled eggs around once a week.
To encourage your bird to eat it, you can try rolling the egg in its regular feed.
Can you give cockatiels scrambled eggs?
Fully cooked or scrambled eggs (without any added salt, sugar, spices, or pepper) is also a good alternative.
However, your birds might take some time to warm up to eating them. It is a delicacy that other garden birds will also enjoy, in case your cockatiels do not take to it!
Can cockatiels eat eggshells?
Egg shells are the best source of calcium. You can crush them up, powder them and add them to their regular food, or sprinkle it on the boiled or scrambled egg.
Save eggshells from every preparation to give to your birds.
You can also give them an eggshell cracked into 3-4 pieces and allow them to break and munch on the rest.
How Much (And How Often) Should You Give Eggs To Your Bird?
- For cockatiels, you should feed them raw or boiled eggs only once a week if they are consuming processed bird food.
- If your bird has a diet of leafy greens and other raw, nutritious food – you can give them two eggs a week.
- Do not cook the eggs in oil or add any additives and spices.
- You can give them a single chicken egg. Once your bird is done (they will not eat the entire egg), they will stop eating, and you can take out the egg from their cage.
Are There Any Dangers To Giving Eggs to Cockatiels?
Yes. Here are some things you need to watch out for, if you are planning to give your bird eggs.
- Raw eggs can cause salmonella. Make sure you buy refrigerated eggs and check the shells for cracks.
- Too much yolk can result in an obese bird because of its high-fat content.
- Egg has high calcium content, which can push older birds to start laying eggs as well – which you might not want.
- Egg shells can cause choking; monitor your birds when feeding them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you feed cockatiel eggs?
Cockatiels generally like eggs as it forms a part of their diet in the wild.
For pet birds, you can try experimenting with different formats, such as cracked raw eggs and boiled or scrambled eggs, to see what your bird likes.
You can mix the egg with pellets to encourage them to explore it a bit.
How many eggs can cockatiels have?
Cockatiels should not have more than two eggs a week, and that too only if their other foods lack calcium.
More than this can cause weight gain due to high-fat content in the yolk.
It’s best to feed them eggshells and albumen, as that is where most of the nutrition lies.
Can cockatiels eat cheese?
In general, cockatiels are not allergic to low-lactose cheese and other dairy products that are low in lactose and sodium, such as yogurt.
You can safely feed them very, very small quantities of it. However, regular dairy products such as milk and ice cream are harmful to your bird’s digestion.
Is cooked rice good for cockatiels?
Since rice is high in carbohydrates, you should give your cockatiel only small quantities of it.
Both cooked and uncooked rice (either white or brown) is good for cockatiels. You can save it as an occasional treat if your bird likes it.
White rice generally does not have much nutrition to offer, so I would advise against it.
Wrap Up
Eggs are full of protein and calcium and definitely a good choice for cockatiels in moderation.
However, it might take time for your cockatiel to start eating a new food item.
Offer eggs in a shallow dish with plenty of fresh water. If they still don’t eat it, you might have to resort to feeding them supplements.
Thank you for reading!
