Can African Greys Eat Raisins?

African grey parrots are known for being one of the most intelligent birds in existence, but they’re also picky eaters. If you plan to adopt an African grey and want them healthy, it’s important that their previous diet is taken into account when transitioning!

That is why it’s important to read up on the African Grey Diet. A very common question new owners have, is “can African greys eat raisins?”

The answer depends largely upon what your individual bird prefers as well as whether he has any food allergies. However, generally, the answer is YES! African grey parrots can eat raisins, and, in fact, they love those little shriveled up grapes!

When you bring your bird home, one of the first foods you can offer him is a bowl of raisins!

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What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Raisins Your African Grey?

Raisins are a great source of minerals and vitamins for your bird, such as;

• Potassium
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Iron
• “B” Vitamins (Niacin, Thiamine)
• “C” Vitamins (Ascorbic Acid)

So, while they might not particularly look it, raisins contribute to adding balance and variety to your African grey parrot’s diet.

This is just a small list of the benefits an African grey can receive from raisins.

Now, if your bird doesn’t particularly care for raisins, this might mean that he has a food allergy to certain fruits or minerals found within those shriveled little grapes. It is important to have your vet check any symptoms you notice and test him for allergies before introducing the fruit!

How To Feed Raisins To African Greys

You can feed raisins to your bird simply by hand feeding them to him!

Of course, you can always leave a bowl of raisins out for your bird to snack on.

What’s great about providing this healthy treat is that it might help occupy your little guy while also receiving the vitamins and minerals he needs!

This is because snacking on raisins is also a little bit entertaining for your bird.

The best part about feeding your African grey raisins is that they’re available in just about any supermarket for an affordable price. So if you want to feed your bird something healthy and tasty, consider raiding the dried fruit aisle for these sweet little treats.

When Can You Start Feeding Your African Grey Raisins?

Raisins can be fed to them as soon as they’re ready for solid foods!

The recommended ages are around 4-6 months old, but some owners have started at an earlier age and had no issues.

In fact, all you need to do is start with tiny morsels and work your way up to a whole handful!

It’s mainly all about how much he enjoys the taste that will determine whether you should start earlier or later.

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Alternatives To Raisins You Can Feed To Your Bird

The great thing about raisins is, they are always in season and very easy to purchase anywhere. Your local supermarket will likely have some very inexpensive and organic options!

However, if you’re looking for some other tasty foods to give your bird, here are some great alternatives:

• figs (African greys and Macaws LOVE figs!)
• apples
• oranges
• pears
• peaches
• grapes
• watermelon
• strawberries
• blueberries
• raspberries
• nectarines

If you have more range and access to tropical fruit. This will be your bird’s preferred fruit. Your African grey parrot will be delighted to eat tropical fruit such as;

• mangoes
• papaya
• cantaloupes
• fresh peppers
• peanuts
• raspberries
• kiwi
• pineapple
• star fruit

Can I Feed My Sick African Grey Raisins?

If your bird is sick and you want to give him food, offer soft food or puréed vegetables rather than and dry snacks such as raisins.

If you are feeling ambitious and have your heart set on feeding your sick parrot raisins, you can throw them in a food processor and grind them down into a paste. Then mix with some water (or even chamomile tea to soothe him) and offer it to him in a spoon!

This will assure that your bird isn’t choking on chunks of food while also offering him the vitamins and minerals he needs at this time.

However, be cautious if you are doing this, as too much sugar may cause diarrhea or vomiting.

Can You Feed Your African Grey Too Many Raisins?

African greys thrive off of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and pellets. But, can you feed your African grey too many raisins? The answer is yes, but it would take some time.

Although they are natural and organic, you can easily give your bird too many of them and cause an upset stomach. Your bird would likely eat a whole bag if you let him!

Conditions like diarrhea and vomiting are caused by overfeeding or watery droppings, which is a sign he’s not digesting his food properly.

You can give your bird raisins, but just make sure you’re feeding them in moderation and, of course, as part of a balanced diet including pellets, seeds and vegetables.