Can birds eat nasturtium? Parrots, budgies, cockatiels and finches
Can birds eat nasturtium? Parrots, budgies, cockatiels and finches. Nasturtium is a fast-growing heirloom annual with slightly succulent stems and distinctive, rounded green leaves that resemble miniature lotus leaves.
I always have nasturtium in my garden for the sole purpose of feeding to my birds.
Yes, birds including parrots, budgies, cockatiels, and finches can eat nasturtium leaves. Nasturtium leaves, as well as the flowers, are safe for birds and can be a healthy addition to their diet. All parts 0f Tropaeolum majus are edible.
Benefits of Nasturtium Leaves for Birds:
- Nutrient-Rich: Nasturtium leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and overall health.
- Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Nasturtium has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit your bird’s health.
- Flavorful: The slightly peppery taste of nasturtium leaves can add variety and interest to your bird’s diet.
Feeding Guidelines:
- Fresh Leaves: Offer fresh, washed nasturtium leaves to your birds. You can place them in their food dish, clip them to the side of the cage, or mix them with other greens.
- Moderation: While nasturtium leaves are healthy, they should be offered in moderation as part of a varied diet. They can be part of a rotation with other safe leafy greens like kale, spinach, and dandelion greens.
- Observe: Introduce new foods gradually and observe your bird for any changes in behavior or droppings to ensure they are tolerating the new addition well.
Conclusion:
Nasturtium leaves are safe and beneficial for parrots, budgies, cockatiels, and finches. Including them in your bird’s diet can provide nutritional benefits and keep their meals interesting. Just remember to feed them as part of a balanced and varied diet.
Can birds eat nasturtium? Case study 1
WINGTIPS ….. Feeding the Flock: By Carolyn Swicegood
Pansies, nasturtiums, roses, hibiscus, and marigolds are relished by many parrots. If you are lucky enough to grow them or to have access to them, be sure that they are unsprayed and that systemic poisons have not been applied to the soil in which they are grown. Many parrots will choose a flower over other favorite foods if given the choice.
After all, this is surely a part of the natural diet of many parrot species. A tea made from chamomile flowers can be substituted for the drinking water of parrots when they need a calming influence. It is a wonderful natural tranquilizer which soothes the nerves and the digestive tract. As an added bonus, it contains calcium in an easily assimilated form. This is an excellent natural alternative to tranquilizers for a parrot that is upset by traveling. Night thrashing in cockatiels can be treated with chamomile tea.
Can birds eat nasturtium? Case study 2
Food as medicine. On todays menu is brown rice with mung bean and chickpea sprouts. Food processor chopped milk thistle, nasturtium leaves/flowers and kale all out of our own garden. Some moringa powder, chilli powder and turmeric with one apple just to moisten the whole chop up a bit. The milk thistle has sharp prickles just on the edge of the leaf, cutting this off makes it safe to use, its an incredibly healthy chop ingredient as it contains the gold standard liver protection and regeneration phytochemical, silymarin, which is why I always have space in the garden for this gorgeous plant.
