You Should Never Feed Birds Avocado. Here’s Why
Shutterstock By Felix Behr/July 24, 2021 12:18 pm EST
Owners of Polly and Tweety beware: Although you may be tempted to offer your birdie a bite of your avocado, small amounts will easily poison your feathered friend. The Northern Suburbs Veterinary Hospital in Greensborough, Australia explains that avocado toxicosis is due to infestation of persin, a fungicidal toxin that is harmless to humans when consumed in avocado amounts. In birds, however, the same substance inspires weakness, depression, and a disclination to perch. Then, usually death. The amount that proves fatal varies with the species of bird. The clinic lists the doses as 3.5 grams for parakeets, somewhere between 20 and 30 grams for cockatiels, and two grams for canaries.
Cuteness notes that if your bird is showing signs of avocado toxicosis, then it is already too late. There is no known cure, although your vet may be able to provide some level of effective treatment, such as injecting intravenous fluids to dilute the toxins.
You Should Never Feed Birds Avocado. Here’s Why
Shutterstock
By Felix Behr/July 24, 2021 12:18 pm EST
Owners of Polly and Tweety beware: Although you may be tempted to offer your birdie a bite of your avocado, small amounts will easily poison your feathered friend. The Northern Suburbs Veterinary Hospital in Greensborough, Australia explains that avocado toxicosis is due to infestation of persin, a fungicidal toxin that is harmless to humans when consumed in avocado amounts. In birds, however, the same substance inspires weakness, depression, and a disclination to perch. Then, usually death. The amount that proves fatal varies with the species of bird. The clinic lists the doses as 3.5 grams for parakeets, somewhere between 20 and 30 grams for cockatiels, and two grams for canaries.
Cuteness notes that if your bird is showing signs of avocado toxicosis, then it is already too late. There is no known cure, although your vet may be able to provide some level of effective treatment, such as injecting intravenous fluids to dilute the toxins.
The Northern Suburbs Veterinary Hospital in Greensborough, Australia explains that avocado toxicosis is due to infestation of persin, a fungicidal toxin that is harmless to humans when consumed in avocado amounts. In birds, however, the same substance inspires weakness, depression, and a disclination to perch. Then, usually death. The amount that proves fatal varies with the species of bird. The clinic lists the doses as 3.5 grams for parakeets, somewhere between 20 and 30 grams for cockatiels, and two grams for canaries.
Cuteness notes that if your bird is showing signs of avocado toxicosis, then it is already too late. There is no known cure, although your vet may be able to provide some level of effective treatment, such as injecting intravenous fluids to dilute the toxins.
You still shouldn’t eat avocado pits
Bloomberg/Getty Images
However, that does not mean you have to throw the pit out. Ruth Singer, for example, suggests using the seed as the base for a pink clothing dye. So, until we know whether the seeds are ultimately healthy or unhealthy, there is still use for them.
