Comments on: Chocolate is Toxic to Parrots

By: Reia

Reia — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 00:59:27 +0000

90% of all soybeans in the world are genetically modified, which means they are also insessently sprayed with poisons, and in some cases have them genetically spliced into them. As a farmer I have given my birds all sorts of organic beans, with the exception of soy, and they have been fine. Soy is even toxic to humans as it contains high amounts of oxalic acid and hormone disruptors. The only good soy is organic fermented soy which allows for some of the bad things to be broken down in the fermentation process. However, I have noticed that chocolate makes my birds miserable, which causes them to be grumpy and to bite. Who wouldn’t be grumpy with a belly ache!

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:07:35 +0000

I always knew that chocolate was bad for our feathered friends. I never knew the reason why. Thanks for explaining

By: Doodle Bird

Doodle Bird — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 02:47:02 +0000

Yes I agree, to be safe it’s best never to feed chocolate. Too bad that man didn’t take your advice.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 02:01:53 +0000

Thanks for sharing this. Lima Beans clearly should never be served raw, because it contains cyanide compounds thus it should be cooked carefully to deactivate the cyanide compounds. Well talking about soy it's again we get mixed evidence about it, but there are still some data indicated that soy may contain some natural toxin that can have adverse effect in parrots. Furthermore, some parrots can have allergy reaction to soy too. Probably that's one of reason why organic pellet doesn't contain any soy products. I personally do offer Kacy some soy products, but I always ensure it is cooked rather than offering raw as extra precaution. I guess prevention is better than cure. Refer to article titled Dangers of Soy Based Products from The Parrot Society UK.

By: The Zen Parrot

The Zen Parrot — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 00:16:24 +0000

Good advice! However, we think you can take Number 3, uncooked beans, off the toxic list. There is no evidence that uncooked beans, especially if soaked overnight, are toxic. Also, wild parrots are seen eating green soybeans.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 01:33:01 +0000

I guess you must be quite worried when Nani ate some chocolate. Glad that Nani is alright. Anyway I understand your point, but I guess it will be ideal not to take any risk.

In regards to that ringneck parakeet, I’m not sure how much chocolate he has consumed. The old man might have been doing it all the while, we never know. Although the ringneck seems alright, but I believed on the long run it will cause devastating impact on the ringneck’s health! I just hope that this will never happen to that little green bird!

By: Doodle Bird

Doodle Bird — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:33:29 +0000

Just so I’m clear, I would never feed chocolate intentionally. I don’t want to give someone the impression that they can give chocolate to parrots.

By: Doodle Bird

Doodle Bird — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 18:30:37 +0000

One time Nani got into some chocolate that my daughter had dropped. It was under a low table and I didn’t see it. I was SCARED! I called the vet and she said that they haven’t proven that chocolate is toxic to parrots but since it is in other animals like dogs they recommend not giving it to parrots just to be safe. I didn’t notice any ill effects in Nani and needless to say she is still here. I don’t recommend giving chocolate to parrots being you never know but chocolate in tiny amounts probably won’t hurt that bird you saw.