Your parrots diet is crucial to it’s life and the quality of it. It’s nutrition should be made up of around 60% pellets, 25% vegetables and the rest being filled by fresh fruits, needs, seeds along with the occasional snack to treat them.
However this doesn’t mean that every fruit and vegetable are going to be safe for your parrot to eat, what about figs?
Can parrots eat figs? Yes parrots can safely eat figs without any harm being done. Not only are figs safe for parrots to eat but they are highly nutritious and your parrot can benefit from them. Figs are rich in antioxidants, help maintain a healthy blood pressure and are great for your parrots digestive system. However they aren’t perfect and due to the fiber content too much may lead to diarrhea and stomach problems so moderation is important.
In this article I’m going to explain the different benefits of eating figs, can our parrots eat the seeds and other bits of information you might need to know before adding them to your feathered friends diet.
What Are The Benefits Of Figs?
One small (40-gram) fresh fig contains :
| Calories | 30 |
| Protein | 0g |
| Carbs | 8g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Fat | 0g |
Fiber
Due to the fiber in figs they play a great role in your parrots digestive system. High fiber in a diet will lead to better bowel movements and less constipation. This is due to fiber making stools heavier and bigger leading to an easier passage.
Fiber is also great for overall gut health as it has prebiotic properties in English this means feeding the gut bacteria and improving the digestive system as a result.
There’s such thing as too much fiber though so try not to feed your feathered friend too much as they might experience diarrhea, bloating, gas and an upset stomach.
Full Of Antioxidants
In figs there are plenty of protective compounds like polyphenols, especially ripe figs. These work by protecting your parrots cells before any damage is caused to then.
Healthy Blood Pressure
If your parrot has a diet particularly high in sodium, figs can counter the harm done by it. This is because diets high in sodium can lead to a potassium deficiency which in turn lead to high blood pressure, however figs naturally increase potassium levels therefore balancing them both and helping your bird keep a healthy blood pressure.
Potassium
Covered briefly above potassium is great for reducing blood pressure, it’s also important for the digestion process, maintain a normal heart rhythm and muscle contractions.
Foods high in potassium include : bananas, leafy green vegetables, beans, lentils and potatoes are all high in potassium and safe for your parrot to enjoy.
Calcium
Calcium plays a very important role in a parrots body, luckily there is some inside figs. It plays a role in muscle contractions, nerve control, blood clotting and mainly the formation of egg shells as they consist of 97% calcium.
Your parrot needs a lot of calcium especially if they are in a breeding parrot.
Are There Any Negatives To Feeding My Parrot Figs?
Figs certainly aren’t going to kill your feathered friend however feeding too many you will start to see negative effects as figs are high in natural sugars and fiber. Too much fiber will cause stomach problems in your parrot.
Like everything in life moderation is key – and figs are no exception.
Can Parrots Eat Dried Figs?
Dried figs tend to be higher in natural sugars and calories so it’s recommended you feed your parrot fresh figs instead. However if you are going to feed your bird dried figs then do so in moderation, dried figs have been known to be better at treating constipation.
Overall fresh figs are going to be tastier for your parrot and especially more nutritious and healthy for them.
Can Parrots Eat Fig Seeds And Skin?
Figs as a whole are safe for your parrot to eat and won’t harm them, infact the seeds and skin contain some of the nutrients your parrot is looking for.
What Other Foods Can Your Parrot Eat?
You know figs are safe for your Parrot to eat 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!
Figs For Parrots – Summary
Figs are an excellent option if you need a new nutritious snack to give your little bird. Every part of the fig is on the menu too as there’s nutrition to be gotten from the flesh, seeds and even the skin. The health advantages figs will give to your parrot make them a great choice to incorporate into your parrots diet with them helping your pet with digestive problems, blood pressure and egg health.
I sincerely hope this post has been useful and that your parrot enjoys a new addition to his diet.