Can Cockatiels Eat Cheerios?
Cockatiels are beautiful, active birds that make wonderful pets. But not all human food is safe for them to eat. You may be wondering if cheerios are a good snack for your pet cockatiel. The short answer is no – it’s best to avoid feeding your bird any type of ready-to-eat cereal or oat product, including cheerios.
Why Can’t Cockatiels Eat Cereals Like Cheerios?
Ready-to-eat cereals and other oat products contain ingredients that can be harmful to cockatiels. Many of these products have added sugars and flavorings which can lead to obesity and other health problems in birds. Some cereals also contain salt, which should never be given to any pet bird as it can cause serious health issues like dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Furthermore, the small pieces of cereal pose a choking hazard due to their size and shape – they are too small for a bird’s bill but large enough that they could get stuck in the windpipe or digestive tract if swallowed whole.
What Should I Feed My Cockatiel Instead?
The best diet for a healthy cockatiel consists of both seeds/grains (like millet) and fresh fruits/vegetables (like apples or carrots). If you want something special as an occasional treat, there are some human foods that you can give safely – things like boiled eggs, cooked legumes such as chickpeas or lentils mixed with grains; plain jello; applesauce; bananas; berries; unsalted nuts, etc, providing they don’t form more than 10% of your bird’s daily diet overall. It’s always important to check with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods into your cockatiel’s diet though – just in case!
