It’s important to know the foods you give to your parrot and if they are for them to eat as they are like little children and will likely eat whatever you feed to them. A parrots diet should consist of pelleted foods, seed mixes, nuts, fruits and vegetables along with some snacks every once in a while. But what about corn on the cob? Is it safe for them to have? Let’s find out.
Can parrots eat corn on the cob? Yes parrots can eat corn on the cob, it’s a safe snack they can eat whether it’s cooked or not they enjoy all kinds. Corn on the cob actually contains many nutrients your parrot can benefit from like vitamin B1, B9, C, magnesium, potassium and powerful antioxidants that can stop your parrot from disease. Corn isn’t perfect however as it contains a high amount of sugar and carbs so it should be fed to your parrot in moderation.
In this article I’ll further explain the health benefits of corn along with some other things you should be aware of before you feed it to your parrot.
Corn On The Cob Benefits For Parrots
We know corn on the cob is good for our Parrots, but just how good? Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional values.
Per one ear of corn contains :
| Calories | 90 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 5g |
Vitamin B1
Also known as thiamine, there’s vitamin B1 in corn. Thiamine works as a mood enhancer, helps with improved circulation and converts food your parrot eats into energy.
Vitamin B1 also helps with :
- Less harm from sepsis if your parrot gets it
- Lowers the chances of heart disease
- Improved cognitive function
Squash, nuts, beans, fish and rice are all alternatives that provide a good source of vitamin B1
Vitamin B9
Corn contains vitamin B9, a vitamin that helps your parrots body make us of fats and protein they consume. It’s also needed to help the liver, skin and eyes.
Your parrot will also benefit from vitamin B9 due to :
- Ensure proper functioning of the nervous system
- Important for brain function
- Helps with the production of RNA and DNA (genetic makeup)
- Works with iron to create red blood cells
Dark leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, brussels sprouts and broccoli contain some vitamin B9 along with fresh fruits like oranges and mangoes being suitable options to give to your parrot.
Vitamin C
One of the most important vitamins for your parrot is vitamin C, due to the dozens of health benefits it brings to them. The main one being the boosting of their immune system without it they would struggle to fight off infection.
Vitamin C is also responsible for :
- Lowering cholesterol
- It’s an antioxidant – protects the cells from oxidative stress
- The regulation of blood sugar
- Needed for eye health
- Keeping the cardiovascular system health
Cantaloupe, kiwi, peppers, papaya, strawberries and spinach are all healthy options if you need some alternatives to corn on the cob.
Magnesium
Magnesium is needed for brain health, it helps regulate neurotransmitters which sends messages to the brain and the rest of the body.
It’s also beneficial for :
- Helps with the contraction and relaxation of muscles
- Converts food into energy
- Can lower blood pressure
- It’s an anti-inflammatory
Kale, spinach, collard greens, nuts, seeds and legumes all provide a good source of magnesium for your parrot.
Potassium
Corn on the cob also contains potassium, a mineral that plays a role in many functions that go on inside your parrots body. Low levels of potassium have been found to have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system.
Potassium is important for :
- Maintaining a healthy fluid balance
- Helps keep your parrots heartbeat steady
- Muscle contractions
- Keeping a healthy blood pressure
- Aids in the digestive system
Carrots, pineapples, oranges, bananas, potatoes and leafy greens all contain potassium too.
Antioxidants
Corn is found to be high in lutein and zeaxanthin these are two carotenoids than can prevent age related illness are good for your parrots eye health as they can prevent cataracts – grey areas in your parrots eyes prevent them from seeing.
How You Should Feed Corn On The Cob To Your Parrot
Corn on the cob is very versatile, meaning there is many ways to prepare it. Luckily for your parrot the majority of ways are going to be safe for them to eat. Parrots can eat it raw and some might prefer it as it won’t be warm compared to if it was boiled.
If you want to cook it then I recommend boiling it, this is a quick way to cook it for your parrot while still being healthy for them.
To boil : Put water into a pan and bring it to a boil. Add your corn and leave for 5 minutes. The goal should be crispy bright yellow kernels.
Remember not to add any salt or butter for flavor as it’s not healthy for parrots.
Before serving make sure the corn isn’t too hot or it might burn your bird.
Can Parrots Eat Canned Corn?
You should stick to fresh organic corn as it’s going to be the best nutritionally. Canned corn on the cob bought in stores is usually filled with salt, preservatives and additives to make it taste nicer for humans. However if you can find one that’s organic then you could give it to your bird.
What Other Foods Can Your Parrot Eat?
You know corn on the cob is safe for your parrot to eat and full of vitamins and nutrients but if you’re like me then your always looking for new foods to improve your parrots diet to create some variety and and include vital things that aren’t already in your birds diet.
So what other foods can your parrot eat?
- Fruit & Vegetables
Foods like asparagus, broccoli, carrots, peppers, bananas, blueberries and pineapples are all fine and encouraged for your parrot to eat.
- Nuts
Things like almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios and walnuts can be fed to your parrot. Just be wary of the fat content in some of them so they may need to be treated as a snack for your parrot. We don’t want them getting fat!
Corn On The Cob For Parrots – Final Thoughts
Good news corn is a safe and healthy snack you can add into your parrots diet! It’s easy to cook or can be given raw if that’s what your parrot prefers they still get all the health benefits regardless of how it’s cooked.Remember corn is high in sugars and carbs which won’t be beneficial to them in large amounts so stick to feeding it in moderation and give them a well balanced diet.
I hope you found this useful and your parrot enjoys a new addition to their diet!