If you think of protein-rich vegan food, peas are at the top of the list, apart from dairy products. You might wonder then, can cockatiels eat peas? Thankfully, the answer is yes, and let me tell you why below
When you think about feeding a bird, different types of grass seeds are the first to come to mind.
Most birds enjoy a diet of seeds, but they do not mind the occasional fresh vegetables and fruits in their bowl.
And one vegetable you may want to consider feeding your bird at home is peas.
In today’s article, let us tell you about cockatiels and whether you can add peas to their diet.
Peas Nutritional Info: Are Peas A Good Food For Cockatiels?
Green peas are one of the most nutritious foods for birds and for human consumption alike. Birds can also benefit from the high nutrient content of peas.
They contain vitamins A, B, C, and K and minerals like iron and calcium. They are low in fat and cholesterol, which makes them good as a treat for pet birds.
Let’s look at some of these benefits in more detail.
Nutrient Profile
A half cup of green peas offers the following nutrients.
- Calories: 62
- Protein: 4 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Carbs: 11 grams
- Vitamin A: 34% DV
- Vitamin C: 13% DV
- Vitamin K: 24% DV
- Folate: 12% DV
- Thiamine: 15% DV
- Phosphorus: 6% DV
- Manganese: 11% DV
- Iron: 7% DV
Vitamins
- Vitamin A: Improves vision, immunity, kidneys, and nervous system. Helps improve the quality of skin and feathers.
- Vitamin C: Helps with immunity and gives digestion a boost.
- Vitamin K: If the bird gets injured, this vitamin helps in clotting blood.
- Vitamin B-Complex: Vitamin B12 and Folate help in making blood, Thiamine improves the functioning of nerves, and Riboflavin enhances the bird’s energy levels
Minerals
- Iron: Necessary for the production of hemoglobin and hence the movement of energy in the body.
- Calcium: Important for bones and egg production, it is also needed for the muscles and blood vessels to function correctly.
- Manganese: helps in both growth and reproduction.
- Phosphorous enhances bone and egg formation.
- Potassium: Improves conduction in the nerves
- Zinc: important for blood glucose and insulin levels. It also helps in molting and creating new feathers.
Other Nutrients
- Fiber: helps in digestion and gut health.
- Carbs: Peas are low on carbs, as mentioned earlier, but they still are a decent source of energy.
- Proteins: Peas are a powerhouse of proteins. Proteins are necessary for the development of young birds.
- Antioxidants: Peas contain flavonoids and saponins, which help reduce the risk of cancer and other diseases
I hope you can see why peas are extremely good for your cockatiels.
Can It Be Given To Cockatiels?
Yes, peas can be included in a cockatiel’s diet as a source of nutrition. Whether fresh or frozen, peas offer the same nutrients as mentioned above.
Let’s understand how you can give peas to your feathered friend.
Raw Form
Fresh peas are one of the best options to feed your birds. Cockatiels enjoy crunchy veggies, and raw peas can give them the right texture.
Make sure you limit the number of peas because excess peas can cause digestive problems in birds.
Cooked Form
Birds can be given peas in a cooked form as a puree. All you need to do is boil the peas in some clean water till they are soft and make them into a mixture.
Your cockatiel will enjoy taking tiny bites of the mixture straight from your finger or their food bowl.
Cooked peas can be a better option to feed baby cockatiels as they may choke on solid foods.
Canned or Frozen
The most convenient way to feed peas to your cockatiel is by buying a pack or can of frozen peas.
It will be easier for you to offer the peas as treats to your bird and maintain the number of peas they are eating.
Make sure that you wash the peas once before giving them to the bird since canned foods have a certain amount of preservatives in them.
If your bird seems sick after having the peas, make sure to throw out the can and then only use fresh peas.
Sprouted Peas
Perhaps the most nutritious form of peas that you can give your birds is sprouted peas.
Sprouting is easy, and it improves the nutritional content of almost any kind of food.
All you need to do is to soak the peas overnight and then cut the tips off to about a quarter of an inch.
How Much (And How Often) Should You Give Your Bird?
One spoonful of peas a day is more than enough for your adult cockatiel. Do not give them more than this.
Peas are nutritious, but they should not be the sole source of nutrition for your bird.
Moreover, it is best to offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to your cockatiel, so remember to keep changing which vegetables and fruits you give to them.
You can add the peas to the seed mixture or offer it separately with a small spoon for them to pick off one by one.
Lastly, make sure to store peas properly to prevent the risk of food poisoning.
Are There Any Dangers To Giving Peas to Cockatiels?
It is important to ensure your bird gets a balanced diet, and excess of anything can be bad. There are a few risks of feeding peas to your cockatiels daily.
Some birds are not able to digest peas properly, which can lead to them having digestive and bowel movement issues.
If they eat too many peas in their diet, it might lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
When you are giving your pet cockatiel frozen peas, you also run the risk of chemicals entering your bird’s body and have to be very careful about feeding them.
Peas contain a tiny amount of cyanide which can be extremely harmful to the health of any animal or bird. So keep that in mind when feeding your cockatiel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What veggies can cockatiels eat?
Cockatiels can eat several fresh vegetables, which can be good for their health and be used as an occasional treat.
Some of these veggies are spinach, corn, kale, sweet potatoes, mustard greens, turnips, and dried tomatoes. Peas are also a good addition to their diets.
Are peas poisonous to birds?
Peas are not poisonous to birds. If you are giving them the right kind of peas, preferably ones that are still in the pod, they will enjoy eating them.
The crunchy texture and flavor of peas are something most birds enjoy a lot. Avoid salted peas because the salt remains in them even after washing them several times.
Can cockatiels eat scrambled eggs?
Yes, cockatiels can eat eggs as a source of protein in their diet. It does not always have to be scrambled eggs, but you can give them the preparation.
You can also give them hard-boiled and fried eggs, but they will likely not eat the whole egg.
What food gives birds diarrhea?
One of the most common food items that can cause diarrhea in birds is chocolate. In fact, chocolate can be toxic for birds and it should not be given to them.
Some birds are also allergic to specific fruits and vegetables that should be avoided.
Try to avoid artificial sweeteners in your bird’s food, which can cause a number of health issues.
Wrap Up
As bird owners, it is natural to want to check up on everything you give to your bird. Peas are a good and nutritious addition to your cockatiel’s diet.
They will enjoy the crunchy treats, and you may find them opening the pods themselves if you offer them one.
Just make sure that they are not overeating peas and maintain their diet.
Thank you for reading!
