Birds are common worldwide and are increasingly becoming a regular sight in many households. Budgies, also known as parakeets, are popular pets in your home. They are easy to take care of and are extremely friendly.
In addition to being intelligent creatures, they are also well-mannered, making them the ideal pet. Now, being educated and knowing what to feed them is necessary. Because birds are different species, whether they are wild or domesticated, it is essential to distinguish between safe and unsafe food. It is common knowledge that most indoor pet birds eat fruits and veggies. But can parakeets eat grapes? Can this food become a part of their regular diet?
Can Parakeets Eat Grapes?
Parakeets can eat grapes. Grapes are safe to feed your bird and are one of the many foods that parakeets love! They are juicy, sweet pieces of fruit that parakeets go crazy over.
Grapes are very healthy for them and are popular among parakeets. They can make up 5-10% of a parakeet’s diet.
People prefer to give fruits and vegetables to them in small qualities as treats. In addition to grapes, you are welcome to feed parakeets bananas, watermelon, mango, apple, blueberries, melon, oranges, and strawberries.
How Often Can Parakeets Eat Grapes?
Parakeets can eat grapes 1-2 times per week. Do not feed grapes to parakeets daily because grapes are a high source of fructose sugar. While this is a nutrition requirement for the bird, excessive sugar can lead to the bird gaining weight and other digestive problems.
A mix of seeds, legumes, pellets, and nuts is a parakeet’s primary diet (70%), and it is what they will eat daily. These include almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and pecans.
Seeds are a huge part of a parakeet’s diet and are a huge source of calories and energy for the bird. Millet, canary, sunflower, and safflower seeds are what they like to eat.
However, be careful not to overfeed your bird seeds and nuts since they are high in fat. Follow a feeding schedule, measure the food portions and stick to a recommended serving size for each meal.
The variety in food is a great way to ensure that your bird gets all the nutrients its body needs. It is crucial to sustaining a balanced diet for your parakeet.
5 Benefits of Grapes for Parakeets
Rich in Nutrients
Grapes are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain magnesium, potassium, and a whole host of minerals. These are essential nutrients that the parakeet must get. Small amounts of protein and carbohydrates will aid in building muscles and giving energy; a lack of these can lead to the parakeet developing a deficiency. So make sure you feed your bird a mixture of different foods daily to provide the nutrition it needs to stay healthy.
Boosts Cardiovascular Health
Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in grapes and a handful of other fruits, and it has many health benefits for parakeets. Resveratrol can improve cardiovascular health and prevent the arteries from getting blocked, and it also enhances the immune system and encourages the production of free radicals. The potassium in grapes regulates blood pressure and ensures a smooth blood flow throughout the body. Grapes contain polyphenols that can increase HDL (High-Density-Lipoprotein), also referred to as good cholesterol.
Reduces the Risk of Cancer
The nutrients in grapes, such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, and stilbenes, help reduce the risk and threat of cancer. Studies have shown a positive correlation that eating foods filled with phytochemicals can actively work with the body to stop and protect against cancer.
Enriches Eyesight
Research has shown that eating grapes can be very favorable. They contain a supplement that can increase the protective proteins found in the retina and reduce inflammatory proteins present in the retinal structure.
It applies to birds as well. Eating grapes can significantly improve their eyesight and prolong the development of bad eyesight as they grow older.
Preserve Fluid Balance
Feeding parakeet grapes is a great way to maintain a healthy balance in electrolytes and water and get rid of any toxic substances that may be present in your pet’s body. It is due to grapes’ low sodium and high potassium levels.
2 Risks of Feeding Grapes to Parakeets
Contains High Amounts of Sugar
As mentioned before, grapes contain a high amount of sugar that can be harmful if the bird eats a lot of grapes. The excess sugar consumed daily can collect and become stored as fat in the body over time. It can cause your parakeet to put on weight, leading to other health issues. Do not feed them grapes more than two times in one week. 3-4 grapes, depending on the size of the bird, should be more than enough.
Toxic Pesticides Used on Grapes
Several pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals are sprayed on the grapes during their cultivation. Even a small intake of these toxins can harm the parakeet and have serious consequences. Ensure to wash the fruit thoroughly and soak it in salt water for 60 minutes. Overnight soaking is good too. Then scrub them with a brush to eliminate the pesticides and wax coating the skin.
How to Prepare Grapes for Your Parakeet?
Clean the Grapes
When buying grapes, ensure they are fresh, ripe, and in season. Remove any rotten or spoiled grapes from the bunch and throw it. You don’t want to feed your parakeet rotten grapes.
Again, remember to soak the grapes in salt water and wash and scrub them well to eliminate the pesticides on the skin entirely. You may also peel the grapes to remove the skin before feeding.
Remove the Seed
You can feed your parakeet grapes with seeds, and it is safe. The parakeet will have an instinct and might eat the grape’s flesh, spitting the seed out. However, it is best to remove the seed yourself or feed them seedless grapes.
Cut the Fruit
Grapes come in various shapes and sizes. Big chunks of food can appear challenging for parakeets, and it is recommended to cut up the grape in half or in smaller bite-size pieces that can be easier for the parakeet to pick up, eat and swallow.
Dispose of the Leftover Food
If your parakeet has not eaten the grapes or has not eaten all of them, remove and discard them. It is because cut fruit attracts flies, and this can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which is not good. Always feed them fresh fruit.
Conclusion
For the question, can parakeets eat grapes? we can conclude that yes, parakeets can eat grapes as they are a great addition to their diet. They are very healthy, nutritious, and a great source of vitamins and minerals. Grapes contain supplements not found in many fruits, so including them in your bird’s diet is a great way to expose them to this. Remember to feed your bird various foods to maintain a balanced diet and bring something new to the plate. Taste matters to birds, also! They don’t want to be stuck eating the same food every day.
Other Preferred Foods for Parakeet
Foods Not Good for Parakeet
FAQs
Do parakeets like grapes?
Yes. Parakeets love grapes and can eat them.
Can parakeets eat dehydrated grapes?
Yes. Parakeets can eat dehydrated grapes; feeding your bird dehydrated grapes is a great alternative if you cannot get fresh grapes.
Can parakeets eat the skin of grapes?
Yes, it is safe for parakeets to eat the skin of grapes. Ensure to wash and scrub them before feeding them to remove the pesticides on the skin.
Are grapes safe for parakeets to eat?
Yes. It is safe to feed parakeets grapes with seeds. Although, it is advised to give them seedless grapes since they are easier to eat.
Can baby parakeets eat grapes?
Yes, they may not like it at first. You have to introduce grapes as it is new food to them slowly. Sometimes parakeets can be picky eaters. Cut it into small pieces to make it easier for the baby parakeet to eat.
Can parakeets eat dried grapes and raisins?
Yes. Parakeets can eat dried grapes and raisins. But because these are dried, they have less water content and are much more concentrated in sugars than a regular fresh grape. Be mindful when feeding them dried grapes and raisins, so they don’t get a very high dose of sugar at one time.
