Can African Greys eat Mango? (Vet’s Guide)

Last Updated on May 17, 2023 by Ali Shahid

Mangoes are delicious fruits that people love worldwide. Mangoes are often fed to pet birds by their owners. If you own African Greys, you may be considering giving them mangoes.

Can African Greys eat mangoes?

Avian vets say African greys can eat mangoes in moderation. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, K, and B6, antioxidants, and minerals that contribute to a variety of health benefits. However, mangoes do not provide enough nutrition for African Greys, so they are best used as treats.

Before preparing mango slices, you should learn what you need to know to keep your bird’s balance when feeding mangos.

Mangos offer many nutrients and benefits to your Grey parrot, but how often can they eat it and can they eat mango sub-products? You will find everything later in this article.

Health Benefits of Mangoes for African Greys
Fiber	Mangoes are a good source of fiber for your African Greys. Mangos contain over 7 grams of dietary fiber, so feel free to give your bird a piece. You should only give them a small amount at a time.
Vitamin C	Mangos contain 36.4 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams. A grey parrot needs vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to boost its immune system, reduce blood pressure, and heal from cuts, wounds, and abrasions.
Vitamin A	The MSD Manual states that vitamin A is essential for a healthy immune system. Those African greys who consume primarily seeds are most likely to suffer from vitamin A deficiency. You can prevent a vitamin A deficiency by feeding your Grey parrot mango, which contains 54 micrograms per 100 grams.
Niacin (B3)	Niacin is found in mangoes as well as other fruits. Mangoes contain 1.1 mg of niacin per cup. The nutrient niacin, or vitamin B3, plays a significant role in many different processes, including fat metabolism, cholesterol synthesis, and DNA synthesis. Additionally, it helps regulate blood sugar (glucose).
Antioxidants	It is estimated that mangoes contain 25 carotenoids. The compound carotenoids are converted to vitamin A by the body, improving Grey parrot immunity.
Vitamin K	Mangoes contain 4.2 μg of vitamin K per 100 grams. The vitamin K content of mango is not quite as high as that of lettuce, but it is still a welcome addition to the diet of parrots. A fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin K reduces the mortality rate of chicks by promoting healthy bones and eggshells.
Potassium	Diets of psittacines should contain trace minerals like potassium. Calcium helps build bones, regulate fluids, control muscle and nerve function, create hormones, and keep your parrot’s heart healthy.
Folate	Folate is found in abundance in mangoes. Grey parrots must obtain folate to produce uric acid, a waste product that is expelled from their bodies as urate.
Calcium and Magnesium	Mango has a 1:1 calcium and magnesium ratio, which allows your bird to absorb this vital nutrient! African Greys need to consume calcium and magnesium to maintain their bones and muscles.

Things to Consider When Feeding Mango to African Greys

There are a few things that you need to pay attention to when feeding mangoes to your parrot. Here I’ll talk about some things to remember when feeding mangoes to your birds.

• Remove the Pit

To begin with, it is necessary to remove the mango pit. It is important to remove the pit from the fruit before giving it to your parrot as it may be poisonous. Luckily, it is fairly easy to remove the pit.

• Remove the Skin

Additionally, mango skins are difficult to digest for Grey parrots, so be sure to remove them before feeding them. Additionally, the skin can be easily removed.

Remove the peel with a sharp knife, being careful not to damage the flesh of the fruit. Following the removal of the skin, you can safely serve the mango to your parrot.

• Limit Intake

It is recommended that you limit the amount of mango your African Greys consume. If your parrot overeats mangoes, he may gain weight and suffer other health problems.

Therefore, you should provide them with a small piece of mango and observe their reactions. 

In case they seem to be doing well, they can be given a little more the next time around. However, if they seem unwell or act strange, stop feeding them mangoes.

How to Prepare Mango for African Greys

Besides being a delicious and refreshing treat, mangoes are also filled with nutrients that are essential to your parrot’s health. The following instructions will guide you through the preparation of mangoes for feeding your parrot.

1.      To begin, wash the mango thoroughly in soapy water. In this way, the surface of the fruit will be free of dirt and bacteria.

2.      I recommend chopping the mango into small pieces so that it can be easily consumed by your Grey parrot. In addition, the pit of the fruit should be removed.

3.      Enjoy the mango pieces with your African Grey.

How Much Mango Is Safe For African Greys?

A mango’s high sugar content may lead to high blood sugar in African greys. However, parrots have no trouble handling high blood sugar and can handle diabetes better than humans.

Yet parrots and African greys are extremely resistant to it because they can handle triple the amount of sugar humans can. But, high blood sugar can lead to aggression, hyperactivity, stress, and poor sleep in African greys. African greys may gain weight over time, which can cause fatty livers.

As a preventative measure, African greys should be fed mango occasionally, in calculated amounts. It is recommended that mangoes should not be served more than 5-10% of their body weight.

Additionally, mangoes should be served early in the day, not before sleeping, since sugar can hurt sleep. Also, give mangos after your gray finishes eating seeds and nuts, since mangos contain fiber that may cause fullness.

Frequently Asked Question

Can African greys eat mango seeds?

Grey parrots should not be given mango pits or seeds. The effects of a parrot

eating a mango seed have not been adequately studied. However, it contains traces of cyanide. So, avoid giving mango seeds to your parrot.

Can African greys eat mango juice?

If you live in a dry climate, mango juice can provide your Grey parrot with extra moisture. However, excessive feeding may result in diarrhea and sugar overload.

Can African Greys Eat Dried Mango?

African Greys can indeed eat dried mangoes! Adding dried mango to your African Grey parrot’s diet is a healthy and delicious treat. Besides being full of

vitamins and minerals, and it encourages your parrot to consume more fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion

According to vets, mangoes are a healthy and safe treat for your Grey parrot. It is recommended that you remove the pit and skin from mangoes before feeding them to your bird. In moderation, mangos can be offered to your feathered friend as a tasty treat.