By Rosemary Low
Are human foods harmful to parrots in the home? This is a bit like asking: are human foods harmful to humans? Many foods and even milk consumed in excess (three or more glasses a day, according to research) are harmful to people. Likewise, food high in salt should be limited. The current medical advice is that humans are healthier and live longer if they avoid too many processed foods.
I think we should be encouraging parrots to eat foods that are not highly processed. If they can be encouraged to do this by eating human foods, even directly from the dinner plate! I think this can be beneficial in improving a parrot’s diet.
We know that some parrots are extremely reluctant to try new foods. This is partly because they were not introduced to a wide variety of foods soon after the weaning stage, and partly because of the natural caution of some individuals that view all strange objects with suspicion. This often applies to Grey Parrots. Just as aviary birds are more interested in trying new foods if they see the parrots in the aviary next door eating them, so will companion birds try new foods if they see them being consumed by their human companions, especially if they are allowed on the table at meal times. The latter practice will be frowned upon by many people, of course, but to actually share their carer’s meal is an extremely enjoyable experience for many parrots. It makes them feel that they are a member of his or her flock. If this really is going too far, let the parrot explore the plates when the meal is over, with some parrot-healthy items purposely left there.