Benifits of Plants for Parrots

Benefits of Plants for Parrots
A Phoenix Landing Presentation
By Laura Ford

Disclaimer:
Although I have researched the information in this presentation, and
believe all information is accurate, and would personally offer any of
the mentioned plants or materials to my own birds, you are
responsible for the correct identification of, and the assurance of the
absences of pesticides, chemical fertilizers or herbicides on any
plants, or branches you give your parrot.
The information in this presentation has not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration, nor any
veterinarian. All information, including any product or technique
mentioned, is for educational purposes
only. None of the information is intended to diagnose, treat, or
prescribe for any disease.
Always supervise your parrot when giving her any new item.
Always trust your own judgment, if I present information that you
feel uncomfortable with, by all means don’t do it!
With that said let’s get on with the fun!

The Parrot / Plant Connection
Parrots have evolved to have a life
intimately intertwined with plants.
Imagine for a moment the life of a wild
parrot. They hatch in a nest cavity inside a
tree lined with soft leaves, herbs or
mosses or grasses. Or perhaps in a nest
made of intertwined twigs and
leaves, herbs and grasses. The parents
may have chosen plants to line the nest
that repel insects or parasites, or that kill
mold, fungus, bacteria or viruses, taking
advantage of the many medicinal
qualities of plants. Or maybe they choose
highly aromatic plants to disguise the
aroma of their young from ever present
predators.

Wild Parrot parents feed their young a variety of plants, and plant parts, not just
fruit, nuts and seeds, but leaves, flowers, and even tree bark!
Research by Dr Brightsmith of scarlet macaw chicks crop samples, “…it was
determined that they contained seeds, wood or bark, fruit pulp, insect larvae…”
http://macawproject.org/scientific-publications

As a young parrot grows it learns from its parents what plants are safe to
eat, perhaps even what plants can medically treat illness or discomfort.
But parrots not only eat plants, they perch on them, play in them, hide in
them, sleep in them, and mate in them.

For all that plants give to parrots, the parrots give back to the plants too. Wild
parrots not only carry and distribute the seeds of plants from one area to
another, but they provide fertilizer in the form of uneaten dropped plant
materials, their fecal dropping, and finally when their lives end, their own bodies.

Parrot / Plant Connection Severed
We have brought still biologically wild
parrots into our homes to live with
us, placed them in a metal cage with
concrete and plastic perches, give them
toys made of plastic and other synthetic
materials, feed them serialized pellets
made from ingredients they would
rarely if ever have encountered in the
wild, or worse yet, dead nutrient
depleted seeds.
The fact they survive at all is a
testament to their amazing adaptability.
But it should be considered that the lost
connection with the plant world may, in
part, be one of the reasons for
behavioral and physical problems with
many captive parrots today.

Parrot / Plant Connection Rebuilt
Although we can never replicate the relationship free parrots have to the
plants they live with in the jungle, forest, or savanna, it is our obligation, to
our companion parrots to find ways to provide them with as many natural
plants materials and foods as possible, to enhance both their physical and
mental health.

Nutritional and Medicinal Benefits
Plants provide vitamins, minerals, protein, micro nutrients, trace
elements, and live enzymes. There is more to the nutritional benefits of whole
live plants, that is not yet fully understood, and can not be replicated in a
pellet.
Many plants have the ability to support the immune system, fight
infection, cleanse the body of toxins, relieve pain and depression, often
without the dangerous side effects of synthetic medicines.

Astragalus powerful immune booster especially for diseases of intestinal tract or
respiratory system
Cayenne Power stops bleeding and relieves pain
Cherries & Celery Seed reduce uric acid, which can lead to painful gout
Comfrey sooths inflamed mucous membrane and can improve respiratory
function, speeds healing of bone fractures
Elderberry is anti-inflammatory and anti-viral, especially good for birds with sinus
infections
Garlic is a powerful antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-parasite, flushes lead and zinc from
the body (also is a powerful anti-coagulant)
Goldenseal Root has antiseptic properties that treats and prevents skin
infections, helps heal the liver, fights the growth of tumors, kills
salmonella, chlamydia, and giardia
Hawthorn Berry is excellent for treating heart issues, especially in older or
overweight birds, it lowers blood pressure and strengthens heartbeat
Milk Thistle Seed helps support and repair the liver, including fatty liver disease
and damage due to lead and zinc poisoning

Olive Leaf is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic an anti-viral, fights yeast
infections
Passion Flower and Valerian Root are both calming and relaxing
Slippery Elm Bark heals mucus membrane of the crop and digestive
system, relieves both diarrhea and constipation
Thyme lowers cholesterol and relieves sinus congestion
Turmeric protects the liver and reduces inflammation
White Willow Bark is anti-inflammatory and reduces pain
This is just a sampling of plants medicinal qualities that can be used with
parrots, for any aliment there are natural treatments that can help.
Plant based medicines come in many forms, dried
herbs, teas, tinctures, extracts, oils, essences, and homeopathic remedies.
Remember that most modern pharmaceutical medicines were originally derived
from plants.

Climbing, chewing and shredding plants provide both physical and mental
stimulation, that can help alleviate undesirable behaviors such as screaming or
feather picking.
Physical and Emotional Benefits

Plants are natural air filters, removing pollutants from the environment and
converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, and helping to maintain humidity levels.
Both in the home and in the landscape, plants absorb and buffer sound.
Environmental Benefits

Why Grow Your Own?
Freshness -Vitamins and nutrient values found in fresh
vegetables and other produce steadily decline as soon as
they are harvested. In some vegetables their vitamin
content may be depleted as much as half, only minutes after
being cut (harvested) and up to 70% or more by the time
you see them at your grocery store.
Organic -You have choice over type of soil
used, fertilizers, weed & pest control.
Variety -There are far more varieties of a given plant available
in a nursery or garden center that are available in a grocery
store or even most farmer’s markets.
There are even more varieties of a given plant available to
grow from seed than can be found as plants in a nursery or
garden center.

Garden in a Pot
If you don’t have the time
or the space for a big
garden, consider creating a
container garden. By
choosing and a variety of
textures and shades of
healthy greens, mixing in a
few
vegetables, berries, herbs
and some edible
flowers, you can have a
container garden that is
delicious, nutritious and
beautiful.

Choose A Container
As large as possible.
Bird safe finish, if the bird is going to have access to
the container. Plastics or unglazed terracotta.
Powder coated steel frames, with coco fiber lining
are becoming very popular and are an attractive
and safe choice.
Avoid glazed terracotta, as many glazes contain
heavy metals and other toxic substances.

Soil Selection
Organic
Made specifically for containers (NOT garden soil)

Fertilizer selection
Organic
Granular, time released
Liquid, fish, seaweed

The Plants
Whenever possible choose Organically grown
seeds or plants.
Gently remove the soil from the roots of non
organic plants, and replant in organic soil, wait at
least 30 days before offering to your parrot.
Avoid plants that have been treated with
pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
(Pesticides and chemical fertilizers do dissipate
over time, somewhere between 90 days and 1
year. So you don’t necessarily need to rule out
conventionally grown plants)

Greens & Veggies
Kale – leaves, stems, flowers and seed pods
Lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, and
cataracts, anticancer compounds, immune
system stimulant. Vitamins C and E, beta
carotene, calcium, potassium, manganese, iro
n. Among highest sources of chlorophyll.

Mustard Greens – leaves, stems, flowers and seed
pods
Vitamin A,C,E,K and calcium, magnesium, folic
acid, beta carotene, anti-inflammatory, good for
heart health, reduces cholesterol
Cabbages (all varieties including Chinese)-
leaves, stems, flowers and seed pods
Vitamin A, high in calcium, good for the digestive
system.

Broccoli, Broccoli Rabb, Rapinni–
leaves, stem, crowns, flowers
Antioxidant, antibacterial. Vitamins A and C.
The leaves are actually the most nutritious
part of the plant.

Arugula – leaves, stems, flowers, seed
pods
Vitamins A and C,
foliate, calcium, and
magnesium.
Swiss Chard – leaves and stems
Vitamins A and calcium.

Celery – stalks, leaves, flowers, seeds
Supports kidneys, helpful in treatment of
gout, rheumatism, and arthritis, is
tranquilizing, aids in treatment of depression.
Celery detoxifies the body, stimulates the
nervous system and mineralizes the body.
Vitamins A, C, and B-complex, Carotenes, folic
acid, potassium, calcium, iron.

Peas – stems, leaves, flowers, pods
Vitamin A & C, phosphorus, thiamin, niacin
Sweet Potato - leaves and roots (tubers)
Beta catotene, Vitamins A, C, B6, helps to stabilize blood sugar
levels and to lower insulin resistance
Sweet potatoes are among the best sources of beta carotene, which
can assist with the regeneration of feathers, but ironically some
birds have an allergic reaction, which can actually contribute to
feather plucking behavior.
(NOT regular potato, which is toxic!)

Beets – leaves and root
Cleansing to kidneys, regeneration of liver
cells, increase oxygen in the blood, support
formation of new blood cells, normalize
body’s pH. Vitamins A and
C, niacin, biotin, calcium, iron, magnesium, ma
nganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, bet
aine, betacynin, beta
carotene, leucine, tyrosine.

Carrots – greens, roots, flowers & seeds
Beta carotene vitamin A, B,C,D,E
calcium, potassium, thiamine, folic
acid, and magnesium. Cholesterol-
lowering, rematerializing and sedative
properties.
Purple carrots (usually orange inside)
have even more beta carotene than their
orange cousins, full of powerful
antioxidants that help prevent heart
disease by slowing blood clotting and are
good anti inflammatory agents. Black
Carrots contain antioxidant properties, as
well as inhibitors of LDL (the bad)
cholesterol, anti-bacterial and fungicidal
properties.

Carrot tops are rich in
protein, potassium , high in
vitamin K, which is lacking in the
carrot itself, outstanding source of
chlorophyll, the green pigment
that studies have. Chlorophyll
contains cleansing properties that
purify the blood, lymph
nodes, and adrenal glands, shown
to combat the growth of tumors.
They have antiseptic qualities, and
are also diuretic and can help
treat kidney disease and edema.
Oil made from seed can help
control scalp itchiness and
provides essential nutrients for
hair(feather?) growth.

Radishes – Greens, roots, flowers, seed
pods
Vitamin C, beneficial for symptoms of
colds, flu, fever, cough, respiratory
problems, and digestive disorders.
Turnips – Greens and roots,
Vitamin A, Beta-carotene, vitamin
C, vitamin E, vitamin
B6, folate, copper, calcium. Assist with
treatment of arthritis and
atherosclerosis, lowers cholesterol.
Parsnips – Greens and roots,
Vitamin B, folic acid, potassium, lowers
cholesterol

Herbs & Weeds
Basil – leaves and flowers
Mosquito repellant.
Antimicrobial, antibacteri
al, fungicidal. Soothes
itchy skin. Liver
decongestant. Balances
blood sugar.

Chickweed -leaves, flowers
and seeds
Chickweed contains high amounts of Vitamins A,C, B
complex, beta
carotene, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, coum
arins (soothes the vascular system),and genistein
(cancer fighting compound)
Chickweed is known for its anti-inflammatory
properties and used to treat arthritis, is a fat & protein
metabolizer, boosts the immune system, promotes
cardio vascular health, and relieves bronchitis. A tea
made with the stems and leaves can be used as an
astringent, to relieve itching, and promote wound

One of the nicest things
about chickweed is that it
grows in cold weather, so it
will be abundant in your
garden when little else is
growing, and the birds are
craving fresh picked greens.

Cilantro – leaves, stems, flowers and
seeds
Removes heavy metals, lead and
aluminum from the body.
Antiviral, antibacterial.
Seeds are also known as the spice
Coriander
Parsley – leaves and stems
Increases resistance to infections
and diseases. Anti-cancer
compounds. Blood builder. Vitamins
A and C, iron and chlorophyll.

Dandelions are exceptionally high in calcium, have more beta
carotene than carrots, more iron than spinach, are very high in
potassium, contain abundant amounts of Vit. A, C, D, K, B-
complex, as well as
biotin, inositol, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and 15% protein.
The Latin name, Taraxacum officinale, literally means “disorder
remedy”. Today, in India, dandelions are grown commercially for
their medicinal value. Dandelions leaves and roots are one of
the most effective detoxifying herbs, especially for supporting the
liver. The flowers contain luteolin, an antioxidant. The leaves are
a good diuretic that does not deplete the body of
potassium, helps relieve joint pain, reduces uric acid, reduces
cholesterol, benefit the treatment of high blood pressure and
congestive heart failure, flushes bacteria from the bladder, and
assists in treatment of yeast infections. The roots reduce
inflammation and help balance enzymes for better digestion. The
dandelion seeds contain an antibiotic that is a great treatment for
lung infections.
Dandelion tea soothes skin irritation
Dandelion – leaves, flowers, seeds, root

Fennel – leaves, stems, flowers, and
seeds
Digestive aid, cold and flu remedy.
Peppermint – leaves, stems and
flowers
Stimulates nerves. Oxygen to
blood stream. Digestive aid.
Vitamins A and
C, magnesium, potassium, niacin,
copper, iodine, iron.

The roots, leaves and seeds of the plantain plant contain powerful anti-
toxins. The leaves and seeds reduce LDL cholesterol &
triglycerides, supports the kidneys, sooth the mucous membrane of the
respiratory tract, reduce inflammation, promote wound healing, speed up
cell regeneration, and are
antibacterial, antimicrobial, antihemorrhagic, astringent, antiseptic, and
decongestive. A tea made with the leaves can help treat and prevent crop
infections, and relieve sinus congestion. Juice from the leaves is used
externally to promote healing of wound and smooth skin irritation (good
for feather pluckers).
Plantain – leaves, flowers & seeds
Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihemorrhagic, antitoxic.
Promotes healing and cell regeneration. Soothes and softens
skin, reducing feather plucking. Soothes respiratory tract.
Helps prevent crop infections. Beta carotene, vitamins C and
K, calcium. Plantain is very high in beta carotene, Vit
C, K, calcium and assorted minerals, and is a good source of
linoleic acid,Omega3.

Purslane – leaves, stems, flowers and seed pods
Purslane is one of the richest sources of alpha-linolenic
acid, Omega3. It also contains high amounts of Vitamin C, beta
carotene, magnesium and potassium.
Purslane supports heart and liver health, has been used as a
remedy for arthritis & inflammation, lowers bold pressure,
cholesterol and blood “stickiness”, helps support the respiratory
system, and is good for diabetics because it helps regulate blood
sugar.
(Use in moderation though, as purslane in high in oxalic acids.)

Stimulates circulatory system, strengthening
nerves and heart.
Anti-cancer compounds. Antibacterial.
Soothing to the lungs.
Rosemary – leaves, stems and
flowers
Red Clover – leaves and flowers
anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antispasmodic
properties and is also well known as a cleansing
herb for skin complaints, including eczema and
psoriasis. Its ability to improve lymph
functioning and reduce lymphatic swellings
helps to purify and detox the system.

Flowers
Calendula - flowers
Soothing and regenerative to the skin. Anti-
inflammatory, astringent, antimicrobial, antifu
ngal, antiviral. Heals
wounds, cuts, scrapes, rashes, bee
stings, burns, and bruises by stimulating white
blood cells. Carotene, iodine, and manganese.

Chamomile –
flowers, leaves, stems
Soothing to the digestive
system. Rejuvenates skin.
Decreases feather plucking.
Relaxing for nervous birds.
Decreases night thrashing.
Marigolds – flowers, seeds
Repels insects.
Carotene, Vitamin A. (Lemon
Gem and Tangerine Gem
have the best
flavor, although all varieties
are edible.)

Nasturtiums – leaves and
flowers
Supports respiratory system
Pansies, Violas, Violets – leaves and flowers
Soothes itchy skin. Supports and strengthens
capillary heath. Helps treat and prevent glaucoma.

Roses – leaves, flowers and hips
The aroma of the rose is know to
relieve depression and anxiety.
Rose Hips are
high in Vitamin C
and B complex.

Purple Cone Flower / Echinacea
Leaves, flowers, roots, seeds
Famous for it’s immune boosting
power, the roots are the most
medicinal part of the plant.
Rose of Sharon – leaves,
branches, flowers

Butterfly Bush
Leaves, flowers, branches
Chicory
Leaves, stems, flowers

Some other SAFE flowers are;
African Daisy, Baby’s
Breath, Bachelor
Buttons, Begonia, Carnations, Da
hlia, Daylily, Gardenia, Honeysuc
kle, Impatiens, Lilac, Passion
Flower, Petunia
Some TOXIC flowers are;
Buttercup, Calla
Lily, Clematis, Daffodil, Foxglove,
Heliotrope, Hyacinth, Hydrangea
, Iris, Lantana, Larkspur, Lily-of-
the-Valley, Lupine, Morning
Glory, Peony, Primrose, Sweet
Pea
NEVER give flowers from a Florist
to your Parrot!!!!

Berries & Fruit
Many berries are a good (and yummy) source of alpha-
linolenic acid, Omega 3, as well a Vitamins
Commercially available berries are high on the
pesticide list, so growing your own is the safest choice.
Strawberries can easily be tucked into a mixed plant
container garden, or grown alone in a hanging basket
or strawberry jar.
Shrub type fruits, like blueberries, and dwarf variety
fruit trees, can be grown in containers too. (Some fruits
require more than one plant for proper pollination. Be
sure to research your variety.)

Neem Tree
Leaves, Twigs& Bark
Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-
Inflammatory, Antiviral, Antioxidant, Anti-
Cancer, boosts the immune system, supports liver
health, vitamins A, C and E
In tropical regions, can grow to 40 ft., but can be grown
as a house plant in more temperate areas.

All of the plants we’ve discussed so far
grow best outdoors in full sunlight, so
how to we get the plants and the parrots
together?

Bring the plants to the parrots.

Bring the container garden into the
house for brief foraging sessions.

Harvest some plants and add to food bowl, stainless foraging basket, use in your
“Chop” mix, or as packaging for other food.

Weave whole greens
through cage bars.

Use whole or
large chunks
of veggies
and hang on
skewers.

Gather an assortment of
greens, veggies, herbs and flowers to
form a “bouquet”. Ziptie together and
attach to cage.

Larger bouquets can
be made with tree and
shrub branches, for
the more eager
chewers.

Add branches to existing playstands or build playstands out of
tree or shrub branches.

Use branches to make natural
perches. Customize perches
for parrots with special needs.
Drill holes in perches to add
extra leaves.

Remember that parrots enjoy
stripping the bark from branches.

Some SAFE varieties of trees and shrubs
Ash, Apple, Aspen, Bamboo, Beech, Birch, Butt
erfly
Bush, Cottonwood, Crabapple, Dogwood, Grap
evine, Lilac, Magnolia, Mulberry, Pear, Poplar,
Sassafras, Sweet
Gum, Sycamore, Viburnum, Willow
Some TOXIC Varieties of trees and shrubs
Apricot, Azalea, Black Locust, Box
Elder, Cedar, Cherry, Hemlock, Holly, Hydrange
a, Juniper, Laurel, Mountain
Laurel, Nectarine, Oak, Peach, Privet, Rhodode

Bring the parrots to the plants.
If you’re lucky enough to have the money and the space to buy or build an aviary, the plants can
be kept inside the aviary and available when the birds come outside. And provide shelter and
shade from weather.

Bring the parrots to the plants.
Bring you parrot outside in a travel cage, or better yet, make your own Cageoller, which can
be easily move around the yard for a variety of plant chewing experiences.

In the Landscape
As you make changes to the landscape in your
yard, trees, shrubs,
flower beds and
window boxes,
consider choosing
parrot safe plants,
and incorporate more
edible plants.
You will be amazed
at the abundance,
variety and beauty of these plants.

Houseplants
Safety First! Please make sure that all plants in
your house are safe. If you find that you have
plants that are on the toxic list, or that you are
unsure of, give them to a friend or neighbor
without inquisitive parrots in their home.
Always use organic potting soil.
Use parrot safe containers.
Never use pesticides, or chemical fertilizers.
Keep soil covered with plastic mesh or river
rock, if your bird has a tendency to dig in the soil.
Mix some GSE into watering solution to inhibit
the growth of fungus in the soil.

Scarlet & Dracaena
Conure with Jade

Some common SAFE houseplants;
ALOE, African Violet, Asparagus Fern, Boston
Fern, Bromeliads, Coleus, Norfolk Island Pine,
Prayer Plant, Schefflera, Spider Plant, Staghorn
fern, Swedish Ivy, Wandering Jew.
Some common TOXIC houseplants;
Amaryllis, Dieffenbachia, Philodendron,
Poinsettia

ALOE is a houseplant that every parrot owner
should have a least one of.
Aloe contains powerful pain relievers, anti-
inflammatory compounds, relieves
itchiness, soothes the digestive tract, heals
abscesses, cysts, kills
E.Coli, fungus, mycobacterium, strep and staph
infections, salmonella, treats respiratory
infections, yeast infections, and parasites.

A Note On Mixed Toxicity
As you start to research and offer more plants to your
parrots, please be aware of the issue of mixed toxicity.
That is, some part of a plant is safe, even beneficial &
nutritious, other parts are toxic.
Some examples of this are tomatoes and
potatoes, members of the nightshade family, whose
foliage is deadly.
Elderberries flowers and fruit are safe and help
stimulate the immune system, but the branches and
leaves are poisonous.
Honeysuckle branches, leaves and flowers are very
safe, the dark colored berries, however, are toxic.

Resources
Books
Holistic Care For Birds, A Manual of Wellness an Healing, by David
McCluggage DVM, and Pamela Higdon
A Guide to a Naturally Healthy Bird, by Alicia McWatters PhD
“What Happened to My Peanuts?” a Holistic Approach to Parrot Nutrition by
Gundrun Maybaum
Toxic & Safe Plant list
http://www.mdvaden.com/bird_page.shtml
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1912&aid=2236
http://www.birdsnways.com/articles/plntsafe.htm
http://www.petbirdbreeder.com/safeplants.htm
http://www.liparrotsociety.org/toxic.htm
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/index.html
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/poisonousplants.html
http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/plantsthatpoison.htm
http://www.plannedparrothood.com/plants.html

Resources
Sites with Info on Aviaries
http://naturalbird.com/
http://naturalbird.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54-
carport-aviary-toms&catid=36-resources&Itemid=63
http://cockatoorescue.org/index.htm
http://clover.forest.net/kwcages/index.html
http://www.cagesbydesign.com/c-63-suncatcher-outdoor-bird-aviaries.aspx
http://cornerslimited.com/out_aviaries.html
http://expandablehabitats.com/custom.htm
Sources for Seeds Plants
http://neemtreefarms.com/
http://www.territorialseed.com/
http://www.cooksgarden.com/
http://www.seedsofchange.com/
http://www.sustainableseedco.com/
http://www.victoryseeds.com/catalog/index.html

Resources
Sites and Groups to learn more about plants and their benefits to parrots
http://www.landofvos.com
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/EssentialBird/
http://www.essentialbird.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ExoticPetsGardening/
http://www.henriettesherbal.com/
Instructions on how to build a cageoller, In the files sections of Facebook Group The
Parrot’s Workshop
Ihttp://www.facebook.com/groups/206228222832350/#!/groups/206228222832350
/207657642689408/
Or at http://abirdsbestlife.wordpress.com/2012/06/13/go-outside/
Visit http://abirdsbestlife.wordpress.com for more great ideas
Contact Laura at abirdsbestlife@verizon.net or laura@phoenixlanding.org

Benifits of Plants for Parrots

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