Well, it is known to all that monkeys love their bananas and that is kind of their staple food. But in this article today, we will not be discussing the affinity of monkeys with bananas. We are going to talk at length about parakeets and why parakeets eat bananas.
So the question here is; can they eat them? Are they good for the health of parakeets, how to feed them with it, and many other questions? There is a lot of research that has gone into it, and there are some interesting facts regarding this topic. To understand it holistically, keep reading.
Let us first clear the cloud about the title of this article, you answer it, parakeets our little feathered buddies can, by all means, eat bananas, that are not going to cause any sort of harm to them. Not just bananas, there is a lot of food and fruits that they can consume. What needs to be made sure that these should be given to them as fresh as possible.
Like we prefer to choose and eat our food carefully, the same logic applies to parakeets. You can feed them with bananas; however, you need to ascertain the quantity you want to feed.
[ez-toc]
Is Banana Good for Parakeets?
Parakeets are mostly social eaters; they enjoy taking a bite or two of a meal from their human friends. The problem is some of the food we humans eat are may not be good for the health of parakeets and should be not shared. But that is something we are not going to discuss here. Remember you cannot rely on your parakeets’ instincts to guide their food choices.
In the wild, they learn about their food habits from their fellow mates. With that being said the captured birds are deprived of this privilege and hence they depend on their human friends to make their food choices. On that note, bananas are safe for feeding your parakeet. Let us understand the health benefits.
Health Benefits of Bananas
Bananas are safe for your parakeets and in fact the most popular fruit that you can feed your feathered friend with as a part of the balanced diet you want to give the bird along with their normal food. You do not need to take any precautions before you feed your bird with bananas, they are rich in minerals to help keep your bird healthy and happy. The essential nutrients include-
Magnesium
A critical mineral that supports the chemical reactions in the body, most birds do not ingest enough of it in their food, bananas can fulfill that deficiency, one banana has close to 35 milligrams of magnesium in them. They help to keep the parakeet’s bones and beak strong. It also supports healthy feathers as well as the nervous system. It helps to keep the heart healthy and supports the muscles.
Iron
Banana is a rich source of iron, this mineral is responsible for helping in the formation of hemoglobin. Continuous feeding of this fruit will provide your feathered friend with the correct proportion of iron.
Deficiency of iron may lead to anemia, while too much can trigger excess iron storage. Bananas however ensure blood is rich with oxygen.
Vitamin A
Ask any pet doctor you would know that the common prevalent disease is hypovitaminosis A, which is common amongst all seed-eating birds including parakeets. The normal symptoms are lethargy, swollen eyes, lack of appetite, etc. But the good news is bananas are full of Vitamin A, it will help in good vision, a healthy reproductive and immune system, and shiny feathers on top of all.
Vitamin B6
An essential nutrient for the health of your bird, and bananas are full of it. This vitamin better is known as pyridoxine is a water-soluble substance. This boosts growth and any twisted neck symptoms or syndromes.
Prep for Feeding
As Banana Peel
Your colorful friend will enjoy the banana peel if they are grown naturally. Banana peel is rich in catechins, and they have antioxidant as well as antimicrobial nutrients. The peel is highly rich with energy. Refrain from buying banana peels from the store as they are mostly grown using pesticides, so the chemicals can be harmful to them. So opt for organic stuff.
As Banana Chips
While parakeets enjoy eating both sweet as well as the plain and simple banana chips, it is always recommended that you do not give them the chips bought from the stores, this food will contain added sugar which can be harmful to the digestive system, it may also affect the nervous as well as the endocrine system.
You should give them the natural thing to prevent them from cancer, or obesity. Natural food will also help in reducing anxiety or any unnecessary feather picking. You can best dry them in the sun by yourself and let them enjoy the treat.
Banana with Bread
It is always good to feed your bird bananas with bread to give them wholesome food. But be careful not to buy packed food from the market, it is good to make it yourself at home and give it to them in small lumps, so that is easy for them to digest.
Banana Leaves
Well, they don’t necessarily eat that but they love to play with it, it helps them sharpen their beak.
With Plantains
Banana or plantains, they are both rich in butyric acid, which produces hydrochloric acid, which is good for digestion, it helps digest the essential proteins, also it helps in maintaining the pH levels in the digestive system of birds.
Make Parrot’s Meal Interesting
Fruits
- Apples
- Bananas
- Grapes
- Coconut
- Pineapples
- Mangoes
- Apricots
- Cherries
- Berries (both blue and black)
- Melons
- Strawberries
Vegetables
- Carrots
- Corns
- Peas
- Celery
- Zucchini
- Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Cucumber
- Beans (cooked, they have rich in protein and high on fiber)
Nuts
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Peanuts
- Walnuts etc
Foods to Avoid
Any form of toxic food must be avoided, as mentioned under.
- Avocado
- Cassava
- Dairy products
- Chocolates
- Fruit seeds
Conclusion
one key thing to note is that even baby parakeets can also enjoy bananas because of their nutritional values. So if you have a parakeet or plan to buy one. This article is a guide to get you started. Enjoy!
