Can Parrots Eat Cranberries? (Avian Vet Reviewed Guide)

Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Ali Shahid

Yes, Parrots can eat cranberries. Cranberries are great sources of Vitamin A, C, and K, which are essential for your Parrot’s health.”

In this article, we will talk about cranberries’ advantages and disadvantages on birds’ health and the scientific reasons behind it. We will also talk about how much cranberries can be given to the bird at one time.

What are Cranberries?

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a fruit native to North America and grows on low-lying shrubs during the holiday seasons. It is red with a sweet and tart taste. They are the ultimate source of vitamins for all animals, and today, they are grown all around the world. Blueberries and raspberries also belong to the same family of plants called as Ericaceae Family.

Do Parrots like cranberries?

Yes, Parrots not only eat but like cranberries very much. It is very beneficial when given in moderate amounts. While training, cranberries have proved to be the favorite snack of your bird to get the desired results.

Health Benefits of Cranberries for Parrots

Except from vitamins, there are a lot of other essential nutrients present in cranberries, which are given below.

• Antioxidants: To keep cells healthy. Antioxidants present are Anthocyanins, quercetin, and vitamin C.
• Dietary Fiber: Essential for improving the digestive system of your Parrot.
• Vitamins: Major source of vitamins A, C, and K
• Minerals: Manganese is present in cranberries.
• Natural Sugars: They provide instant energy to your Parrot and are great for your bird.

How to feed cranberries to your Parrot?

Cranberries are usually large in size for your Parrot, but here is a way by which you can feed Cranberries to your Parrot.

1. Choose fresh cranberries of small size and red color.
2. Put the cranberries in cold water for some time.
3. Wash them and then soak them thoroughly with the cotton.
4. If you see any rotten cranberries, remove them immediately.
5. Cranberries are usually large in size as compared to the size of birds. There is always a chance of choking. To avoid it, Cut or Mash the Cranberry with a knife. Make smaller pieces or mash them, then serve them to birds on a plate.
6. Always give cranberries to your bird in moderate amounts only.
7. If you are giving it to your bird for the first time, observe your bird to see that he might not be allergic to the Parrot.

Advantages of Feeding Cranberries to Parrots

1. Antioxidants Rich: Antioxidants are great for developing the immune system of your bird. They destroy any free radicals in Parrot’s body, which may destroy the cells of Parrot’s body. Anthocyanins are present in large numbers in cranberries.
2. High in Fiber: Fiber in diet from any source improves the digestive system, removes constipation, and promotes gut health.
3. Improves Urinary System: Cranberries are known to develop and maintain the urinary system of your bird; the same goes for the bird’s urinary system.
4. Hydration: Naturally, water is present in cranberries in large amounts to the whole size of it. This helps to keep the bird hydrated during the hot days of summer.
5. Best Treat: Birds love to eat cranberries, and thus, they are used by trainers while training Parrots, and it has brought great results.
6. Variation in feed: The same feed is not good for any animal. Variations in feed are necessary to maintain good health and keep your bird engaged. Try to offer different fruits and vegetables every other day.

Disadvantages of Feeding Cranberries to Birds

Everything that has advantages, when given in excess amount, brings disadvantages to health. Some of the disadvantages of giving more than an excessive number of cranberries are given below.

1. Acidity: Cranberries are naturally very acidic in nature which proves to be fatal for birds with stomach issues. It can cause a lot of digestive problems, including ulcers.
2. High Sugar Content: Processed cranberries that come in the form of juice, jam, and dried form always have refined sugar in them, which is not good for the health of your bird.
3. Oxalates: Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds in cranberries that can cause kidney stones when taken in excessive amounts. Always consult a veterinarian before feeding.

In which diseases cranberries can be used as a remedy?

Cranberries, for their exceptional ingredients, are usually used in diseases to help the body.

• Urinary tract infections
• Gastrointestinal Problems
• Immune Problems
• Liver disorders
• Diabetes
• Wounds
• Reduce oxidative stress
• Reduce the risk of chronic diseases
• Prevents tooth decay and gum diseases.

How much quantity of cranberries can be given to Parrot at one time?

• For Small Parrots like Budgies and Lovebirds, only a single blackberry is enough for a day. Cut or Mash it before giving it to the Parrot.
• For medium-sized birds like cockatiels and conures, you can offer 1 to 2 berries, which are enough for a day. Do not exceed the amount.
• For large birds like African Greys and Macaws, you can slightly exceed it to 2 to 3 cranberries per day.

Can Parrots eat dried cranberries?

Dried cranberries are only advised to be given within moderate ranges. They have low water with high Sugar Content, which causes diabetes and weight gain. It leads to various health diseases.