African Grey parrots live in the rainforests across a swath of central Africa from near the continent’s western coast to the east. Known for their intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, National Geographic lists the African Grey as the world’s number one pet bird choice.
This intelligent and friendly bird can be a great addition to your family, and it’s important to know what to feed them each day. In that same vein, learning what African Greys can not eat is equally essential.
In the wild, African Greys prefer to eat cola plant berries and oil palm nuts, but birds in captivity don’t typically have access to the offerings of their native lands. Instead, professionals suggest feeding parrots a combination of bird pellets, seeds, and fresh produce.
That said, there are some foods African Greys and other parrots can absolutely not eat. In fact, feeding your bird the wrong thing could lead to sickness or death.
What Can African Greys Not Eat?
Welcoming an African Grey into your home can be an exciting venture, and making sure they stay away from foods that could harm them will help you keep them happy and healthy. Keep reading to discover what foods you must avoid feeding your feathered companion and why.
1. Avocados
Although avocados reportedly have many health benefits for humans, this berry from Mexico and Central America could be deadly if consumed by your African Grey. All parts of the avocado plant contain a substance called persin, which could cause heart issues, respiratory distress, and possibly the death of your pet bird.
Some in the bird community have debated the level of toxicity in avocados and avocado products for parrots. Still, several sources advise pet owners to err on the side of caution and keep the berry and related products away from their avian friends.
2. Fruit pits and seeds
While offering a variety of fruits to your African Grey is important, certain pits and seeds are dangerous for your pet. The pits of green and black plums, apricots, peaches, red cherries, and seeds of apples and pears all contain amygdalin.
This substance converts into cyanide once ingested and can poison your parrot. Be sure to wash all fruit thoroughly to eliminate pesticides, and remove seeds and pits before feeding them to your bird.
3. Chocolate
