If you’re considering adopting an African grey, it’s important to know about their dietary needs beforehand. If they’ve been on a diet that is not well suited for them in the past then you’ll need to gradually switch their feedings over time until they are fully adjusted to what will be best for them now!
The African grey parrot needs to eat a healthy and balanced diet. Their pellets provide the body with everything it needs to stay in shape, supplemented by freshwater, seeds, cereals, vegetables, fruit & nuts. Naturally, as a new owner, you have some questions about what you can and cannot feed your bird and, ‘can African greys eat apples?’, is a very valid question.
Good news, the answer is YES! African greys can eat apples and, in fact, they love them and thrive off of fresh, juicy apples. When you bring your bird home, one of the first foods you can offer him is some sliced apple.
What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Apples Your African Grey?
Apples are a good source of minerals and vitamins for your bird, such as;
- Vitamin A – which allows your bird to see in low light and aids vision
- Vitamin C – which is especially important to African greys as it aids in the production of hemoglobin which is in red blood cells. Hemoglobin transports oxygen around your bird’s body.
- Vitamin E – this vitamin aids in healthy skin and feathers as well as good vision
- Folate or Folic Acid- This vitamin helps with protein metabolism, proper cell replication and nerve function. It helps fight against anemia by producing healthy red blood cells.
- Fiber – This helps with your bird’s digestion.
- Manganese – Can help fight against scaly face disease and other skin conditions common in African Greys. Manganese also aids in healthy bone structure as well as the immune system’s ability to respond to infection.
It is said that it can give your bird good protection from bacteria, viruses, and parasites that he might come into contact with.
This is just a small list of the benefits an African grey can receive from apples.
How To Feed Apples To African Greys
As African greys are quite large birds with large beaks, you can cut your apple up into wedges rather than diced smaller pieces. This will make it easier for it to hold with its claws.
Serve them whole or in wedges without the seeds! Apple seeds have been known to be quite toxic for many parrots. You can remove the core or seeds with a knife and then cut them into wedges.
Alternatives To Apples You Can Feed To Your Bird
The great thing about apples is, one kind or another is always in season! However, if apples are not in season you can substitute them for any of the following common fruit or vegetables that African greys love.
- pears
- peaches
- oranges
- grapes
- watermelon
- strawberries
- blueberries
- raspberries
- nectarines
- figs
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 Apples?
If your bird is sick or displaying signs of weakness, it will be better if you feed him soft food or purée apples. Additional food sources to feed your sick bird are moist biscuits or egg paste.
To prepare the apple purée, you can use a blender or food processor. For soft food, you will need to chop the apples into smaller pieces; or you can even cook the apple for them and add it to their meal.
In addition to the apple purée, you can mix in some poppy seeds and give him chamomile tea instead of water as these offer a calming and soothing effect after an illness.
Can You Feed Your African Grey Too Many Apples?
African greys thrive off of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and pellets. But, can you feed your African grey too many apples?
The fact is, if your bird is eating a balanced diet of pellets, fresh foods, treats and fruits he will get all the necessary vitamins and minerals he needs and thus, cannot eat too many apples. It is alright to feed your bird a portion of apples every day if you’d like!
