Plums are one of my favorite fruits.
We often have them at home and eat them fresh or make desserts with them.
I did an online food shop this week, and by accident, I received a double order of plums.
I decided to research plums and see if I could feed them to my parrots to prevent wasting them.
Let’s look at the findings and discuss, can parrots eat plums?
The answer is yes, parrots can eat plums. It is a thoroughly enjoyable, safe snack for our parrots, but ensure you remove the plum stone before offering it to your parrots. The plum stone is inedible and is dangerous for parrots.
Plum fruits are on the non-toxic, safe list for parrots to eat.
Full of dietary benefits and a juicy treat for our parrots.
Always choose fresh, organic fruit for your parrot to ensure their tip-top health and thoroughly wash any fruit to remove any pesticides or edible waxes on the skin’s surface.
This article will discuss what a plum is, the dietary benefits of plums for our parrots, how to prepare a plum, and much more.
Let’s discover all the answers about parrots and plums.
What is a plum?
A plum is an oval fleshy fruit, purple, reddish, or yellow in color when ripe, and contains a flattish pointed stone.
Plums are sweet and juicy with a pleasingly tart aftertaste, which is credited to the skin.
Some types may be sweet or more tart; the texture is firm but easy to bite.
Plums are strongly related to peaches and cherries and are commonly eaten fresh as a dessert fruit, cooked as compote or jam, or baked in various pastries.
Plum fruits, when dried, become prunes.
Prunes are not recommended for parrots as dried fruits have an increased sugar content.
Only offer parrots fresh plums to maintain their optimal health.
Are plums safe for parrots?
Yes, plums are safe for your parrots.
The flesh and skin of the plum are entirely safe for your parrots, and they will thoroughly enjoy them.
Plums are on the official safe, non-toxic food lists for parrots and are recommended as part of their diet.
Fresh plums offer many dietary benefits as well as enjoyment for your parrots.
Can I offer my parrot the plum stone?
Ensure you remove the plum stone or sometimes referred to as a pit, it is not edible.
A plum stone is a well-armored seed and is too tough to eat.
A plum stone weighs around 10 grams and contains approximately 9mg of cyanide.
Cyanides are fast-performing poisons that can be lethal.
Cyanide was used as chemical weapons for the first time in World War I.
Naturally found in things like pits, seeds, and fruit stones, it is recommended to remove them before offering fruit to our pet parrots.
It is unlikely your parrot would attempt to eat the plum stone; however.
Always err on the side of caution and remove it before feeding the fruit to your parrot.
How do I prepare a plum for my parrot?
Thoroughly wash the plums before offering them to your parrots to ensure the skin has a clean surface.
Parrots can safely eat the fruit’s skin, and it is optional to leave the skin intact or remove it.
Here is a quick guide on how to prepare plums for your parrot.
An optional step is to remove the fruit’s skin.
You can do this easily by dropping the plums into boiling water for around 15 seconds, then plunge immediately into cold water.
This will not cook the plums, but it should help the skin come away easily and quickly.
Take a knife and cut it into the flesh, and you will feel the knife hit the fruit’s stone.
Move the blade around the stone until you have cut around the diameter of the fruit.
Hold the fruit with both hands on either side of the cut and twist.
The fresh fruit should come away in your hands.
The stone will still be present on one side of the cut fruit.
Retake the knife and slot it into the stone’s heart, twist and it should remove pretty easily.
Please be careful when using sharp knives and ask, if necessary, an appropriate adult for help.
Can parrots eat the plums skin?
Yes, the plum’s skin is entirely safe for your parrots to eat.
It is common for parrots to eat the skin.
The skin has a different flavor to the flesh of the fruit.
The flesh is juicy and sweet, as the skin is more of a tart flavor.
Always thoroughly wash plums before offering them to your parrots, as they may have pesticides or edible waxes from the production process, which can be detrimental to their health.
Can all parrot species eat plums?
All parrot species can eat plums. Some species will require different levels of fruits and vegetables in their diets, depending on their dietary requirements.
Consult with a professional vet who can advise you of dietary portions for your parrots but have the confidence in knowing all parrots can enjoy plums safely.
What are the benefits of my parrot eating plums?
Plums have many benefits, including carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin A, C, K, potassium, copper, and manganese.
Let’s see how these things benefit our parrot’s diets.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an energy source. The amount needed can vary depending on your parrot’s physical activity, environmental conditions, and fat levels.
Fiber
Fiber helps with their digestion. Fiber stimulates the movement through the gut and helps absorb other much-needed vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is part of every system in the body, and it supports growth, testosterone synthesis, and tissue differentiation.
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 K
Vitamin K is needed for the synthesis of prothrombin, which is a protein necessary for blood clotting.
Potassium
Potassium is needed for maintaining membrane tissues. Too much potassium can affect the kidneys and is a reason for it to be given in moderation.
Copper
Copper is used for hemoglobin synthesis, collagen synthesis, and the maintenance of the nervous system. Another thing parrots can suffer a deficiency in if not getting enough levels through their diet.
Manganese
Manganese is a mineral needed for the brain’s normal function, nervous system, and many of the body’s enzyme systems.
Are there any negative side effects of parrots eating plums?
Only feed parrots fresh plums. Do not offer parrots cooked or dried fruit as the sugar and fat levels are too high.
A plum is a great regular treat for our parrots but don’t overdo it.
Plums are prunes when dried, and prunes are regularly used to ease constipation.
If you offer your parrots too many plums, they may experience an upset stomach due to the fiber found in the fruit.
Plums are a great all-around tasty treat for our parrots that can be given to them safely and frequently.
You will be able to watch your parrot’s excitement every time they see plums coming.
There you have all the facts about parrots and plums and know how to prepare them, how to offer the safe edible parts of the fruit, and more.
If you ever have any concerns about offering a new food to your parrot, always check with a professional vet who can advise you further.