Parrots are amazing pets that can brighten up any home. However, parrots are also very sensitive to toxins and harmful substances. When bringing a parrot into your home, it is extremely important to ensure you only have parrot-safe plants and eliminate any toxic plants that could harm your feathered friend.
Are houseplants bad for parrots?
Many common houseplants can actually be quite dangerous or even deadly to parrots. Parrots love to chew on plants, so ingesting even a small amount of a toxic plant can lead to devastating consequences for your pet. Some of the most common houseplants that should be avoided if you have a parrot at home include:
- Lilies
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Morning glory
- Caladium
- Pothos
- Philodendron
- Dieffenbachia
- Sago palm
- Oleander
All parts of these plants, including the stems, leaves, flowers, and roots can be highly toxic to parrots. Even ingesting a very small amount can lead to serious medical issues or death. It’s critical to keep these harmful houseplants far away from your parrots enclosure and avoid allowing the parrot access to any area where these toxic plants are kept.
What makes certain plants dangerous to parrots?
There are a few key characteristics of plants that make them potentially very harmful to parrots:
- Toxic compounds – Many plants contain chemical compounds that are toxic to birds. Glycosides, alkaloids, oxalates, and cyanides are examples of some naturally occurring toxins found in many common plants.
- Small amounts can be deadly – Parrots only need to ingest a very tiny amount of a toxic plant to potentially receive a lethal dose. A few bites or even brushing up against some plants can be extremely dangerous.
- Difficulty vomiting – Unlike humans who can vomit when they ingest something toxic, parrots have an extremely difficult time vomiting. This makes it nearly impossible for them to naturally eliminate toxic compounds from their system once ingested.
Knowing what natural compounds and characteristics make certain plants harmful to parrots is key to avoiding bringing toxic plants into their environment.
What indoor plants are safe for parrots?
While many common houseplants can be quite dangerous for parrots, there are still plenty of safe options to choose from. Here are some of the top safe indoor plants to have around parrots:
Spider Plant
With long, cascading leaves, the spider plant is an attractive option that is perfectly harmless for parrots. It helps filter indoor air and is very easy to care for.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns have graceful, arching fronds that provide visual interest without posing a threat. This plant does well in humid environments.
Parlor Palm
The parlor palm has tropical appeal and is sturdy enough to withstand some chewing or playing from parrots. It also helps regulate indoor humidity.
Bamboo Palm
Also sometimes called a reed palm, the bamboo palm is a compact choice that thrives indoors. Its stalks and leaves are parrot safe.
Peperomia
With hundreds of species, Peperomia offers plenty of visual variety. Watermelon peperomia, ruby cascade peperomia, and other cultivars make excellent non-toxic choices.
Prayer Plant
The unique folding leaves of prayer plants add great texture and visual appeal. This plant is non-toxic and pet friendly.
Ponytail Palm
Despite its name, the ponytail palm is actually not a true palm. The swollen, bulbous base stores water and the long leaves flowing from the top like a ponytail make this a fun and safe plant for parrots.
Bromeliads
From scarlet star bromeliads to earth star bromeliads, these tropical beauties offer stunning flowers, leaves, and colors while being completely bird friendly.
What types of wood are dangerous for parrots?
In addition to houseplants, the types of wood and tree branches used inside a parrot’s cage or play area can also pose some risks. Here are some varieties of wood that should be avoided:
- Cherry wood – Contains cyanide compounds that are toxic to parrots when chewed or ingested
- Apple tree branches – Seeds and stems contain trace amounts of cyanide
- Apricot tree wood – Contains cyanide in the pits, stems, and leaves
- Peach tree wood – Has similar toxicity risks as apricot wood
- Pear tree wood – Small amounts of cyanide in seeds and stems
- Plum tree wood – Seeds contain cyanide compounds that are dangerous
- Pine and cedar wood – Contains oils that can irritate parrot’s skin and respiratory tract
- Redwood – Can splinter easily and harm a parrot
Instead, choose wood from non-toxic fruit trees like mango wood or dried branches from other safe, non-toxic trees. Always inspect wood pieces carefully for any mold, fungus, or signs of rot before placing them in your parrot’s enclosure.
What types of houseplants should be kept away from parrots when outside their cage?
Whenever your parrot is allowed free time outside of their cage to play and fly around the house, there are some additional precautions needed with houseplants. Even houseplants that are generally safe and non-toxic can potentially pose some risks if your parrot is unsupervised around them. Here are tips for houseplant safety when your parrot is loose in your home:
- Move all houseplants out of reach. Place them on high shelves or in rooms that your parrot does not have access to.
- Don’t allow houseplants on the floor, as fallen leaves, stems or flowers can be ingested.
- Remove hanging plants that your parrot could potentially reach while flying.
- Keep houseplants away from your parrot’s playstands or perches around the home.
- Double check plants for any toxic characteristics before bringing them into your home.
- Supervise your parrot closely whenever new plants are introduced to make sure they don’t try tasting them.
Taking precautions to limit your parrot’s access to houseplants, even if they are labeled “parrot safe”, is important to prevent accidental poisoning while they are out of the cage.
What fruits, vegetables, and greens can parrots eat safely?
In addition to avoiding toxic plants, it’s also important to know what types of produce can be offered to parrots to supplement their regular diet. Here are some healthy, parrot-safe options:
Fruits
- Apple slices
- Pears
- Melons – cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew
- Berries – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- Bananas
- Mango
- Papaya
- Kiwi
Vegetables
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Bell peppers
- Broccoli
- Green beans
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collard greens
Grains and Legumes
- Cook brown or wild rice
- Sprouted seeds
- Cooked lentils
- Cooked beans
- Whole grain pasta
Stick to bite-sized pieces of fresh produce for parrots to nibble on. Avoid avocado, fruit pits, and any produce with preservatives or pesticides. Thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before serving.
What types of flowers and flowering plants are non-toxic for parrots?
Many types of flowers can make lovely, safe additions to an indoor parrot habitat or outdoor aviary. Some good options include:
- Marigolds
- Roses
- Pansies
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Petunias
- Snapdragons
- Nasturtiums
- Geraniums
- Hibiscus
Always inspect flowering plants thoroughly before placing them where parrots can access them to avoid bringing in any toxic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers.
How can you bird proof your home and garden plants?
If you want to keep houseplants or garden plants that could pose a toxicity risk to parrots, there are some ways to bird proof your plants and home:
- Use hanging baskets or high wall shelves parrots can’t reach
- Place toxic houseplants inside glass curio cabinets
- Put up physical barriers around toxic outdoor garden plants
- Hang mesh netting over aviaries and outdoor cages
- Supervise parrots when around any questionable plants
- Avoid drying or storing toxic plant materials like prunings around the home
- Clean up any fallen leaves, flowers or debris from toxic plants right away
- Consider only keeping silk or artificial plants in parrot areas
Being vigilant about keeping toxic areas blocked off and supervising interactions with plants is key to safely bird proofing your home.
Conclusion
Bringing a parrot into your home comes with some unique safety considerations when it comes to indoor and outdoor plants. Many common houseplants can actually be quite toxic and even deadly to parrots if ingested. Doing careful research before selecting plants for your home is critical, as is preventing any access parrots might have to unsafe plants. Fortunately, there are still many beautiful indoor plant and outdoor landscaping options to choose from that are completely bird safe. With some parrot-proofing adjustments and plant research, you can keep your home filled with gorgeous greenery without putting your feathered friends in danger.