Can Parrots Eat Lemongrass?

As I was sorting out the herb garden, I seem to have an overflowing amount of lemongrass.

It’s beautifully fragrant and brings me the sense of joy to have it around me, but I was perplexed with so much of the stuff what I should do with it.

I decided I would check to see if it was safe for my parrots to eat.

Let’s answer the question, can parrots eat lemongrass?

Yes, lemongrass is a safe, non-toxic herb for parrots. The outer lemongrass layer can be tough and fibrous, although it is entirely safe for your parrot to eat. The bottom third of the herb is the tastest and easiest to eat for your parrot.

Lemongrass is perfectly safe for parrots, but do beware not all herbs are suitable, and you need to use caution before adding them to your parrot’s diet.

Many are shockingly potent and may have side effects that you may not be aware of.

This article will discuss what lemongrass is, the benefits of lemongrass for parrots, how to prepare lemongrass for your parrot, and much more.

Table of Contents show

What is lemongrass?

Lemongrass is a herb with a lemony aroma and is a culinary herb.

It is produced from the stalk of the lemongrass plant and grows in many tropical climates.

The herb has stiff stems which grow in the form of dense clumps.

The plant can reach 2 to 4 feet in height and 3 feet in diameter.

It is most primarily found in Southeast Asia and is a popular ingredient in Thai cooking, but it can also be found in dishes from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India.

Lemongrass gives a lemon flavor with a ginger hint, and fresh lemongrass can have a floral and minty taste.

Is lemongrass safe for my parrot?

Yes, lemongrass is entirely safe for your parrot, and it will give them a flavorsome treat.

Herbs can be potent in taste, so a little goes a long way, and your parrot may only eat a small amount at a time.

Parrots can eat fresh and dried lemongrass.

Your parrots will most likely prefer fresh lemongrass as it has a better mix of vivid and dense flavor.

The lemongrass bulb is the most enjoyable part of the herb as the stem can be tough and fibrous.

Dried lemongrass has much more of a woodsy flavor.

What are the benefits of lemongrass for my parrot?

Lemongrass can help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast.

Lemongrass also contains components thought to relieve pain and swelling, reduce fever, improve sugar and cholesterol levels in the blood, and have antioxidant properties.

Lemongrass contains iron, calcium, and vitamin C.

Let’s see how these things benefit our parrots.

Iron

Iron is required for the production of hemoglobin and enzymes as well as proper feather pigmentation.

Parrots require very little iron.

It carries oxygen from the lungs through to the rest of the body.

Iron is found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, beans, eggs, nuts.

Calcium

Calcium is required for a healthy skeletal system. It is absorbed in the small intestine.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is part of the bone structure, blood vessels, connective tissues, and muscles.

It also aids the absorption of iron, which encourages red blood cell production.

Vitamin C is produced in the liver and or kidneys in seed-eating birds.

Birds under stress require higher amounts of Vitamin C.

Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and is naturally found in citrus fruit, tomatoes, broccoli, green peppers, potatoes, and leafy vegetables.

How do I prepare lemongrass for my parrot?

The whole lemongrass is safe for your parrot; however, they are likely to prefer the bulb part of the herbs as the rest of the plant can be fibrous and stringy.

To use the whole lemongrass, slice off the very bottom of the stalk and peel away any dried outer layers.

Then bash the woody top end with a rolling pin to soften the herb for your parrots.

This will make it easier for them to tackle and release the lemony scent to get them intrigued.

As herbs can be potent in flavor by nature, your parrot may only eat a small amount at a time.

To store lemongrass, keep it wrapped in the fridge.

Fresh lemongrass will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks.

What part of lemongrass can my parrot eat?

The whole lemongrass is safe for your parrot to eat.

They may prefer to eat the herb’s bulb as the stalk-like ends can be woody in texture, and they may dislike it.

You can offer just the bulbs of the herb, but it is worth offering the whole herb as your parrots may like to play with it and throw it around the cage, if nothing else.

Are there any adverse side effects of lemongrass for my parrot?

Lemongrass is considered to be safe for parrots, and the only negative side effects are mild symptoms reported in humans who drink lemongrass tea.

It is rare, but there are reports of allergic reactions from lemongrass and parrots showing itching, breathing difficulties, and an increased heart rate.

The positives of lemongrass for parrots is that it is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties.

Lemongrass can also protect their stomach lining.

How much lemongrass can I give my parrot?

You can frequently offer your parrot lemongrass without concern.

It is a safe herb for parrots and offers them added flavor to their food safely and healthily.

Your parrot may determine how much lemongrass they will eat.

A herb is very potent in flavor; therefore, it can quickly become overwhelming in taste.

If you see your parrot leaving lemongrass, it is likely they have just had enough of the flavor and not that they dislike it.

Is lemongrass toxic for my parrot?

Lemongrass is a safe, non-toxic herb for parrots and is beneficial in their diets.

You can feed your parrot lemongrass without any concern.

You can mix lemongrass with other herbs to give your parrot a flavorsome treat and let them explore new tastes.

We as humans only eat herbs in small quantities, and it is sensible to offer your parrot only a proportionally small amount of any herbs at one time, so they don’t get overwhelmed by the taste.

Conclusion

There you have all the facts about parrots and lemongrass.

You can now confidently offer your parrots the herb to try.

Due to herbs being potent in flavor, your parrot may not like the taste.

This is their personal preference and shouldn’t cause you to worry.

The dry herb will be different in flavor than fresh lemongrass, and your bird may prefer either one.

If you ever have any concerns about your parrot trying new food, always seek professional veterinary advice as they can provide information on your parrot’s individual needs.