My son has been working on a new project at school, learning all about fruits and vegetables. He’s been learning about a fruit called a pomelo and now wants to grow some in the garden. Adding to the Dad duties list, I’ve agreed to give it ago. With the excess amount of pomelo we are about to have, I thought can I feed them to our parrots? Let’s answer the question, can parrots eat pomelo?
The answer is yes. Pomelo is safe for your parrots but should only be offered to your pet in moderation. The fruit has a high acidity level and is safe in small quantities. Pomelo should not be a staple food in your parrot’s diet.
The pomelo fruit is on the non-toxic, safe list of foods for parrots, but moderation is highly advised.
This article will look into what a pomelo is, the benefits of feeding parrots pomelo, how to prepare a pomelo, and much more.
Let’s dive into all things about parrots and pomelos.
What is a pomelo?
A pomelo is a citrus fruit and closely related to a grapefruit. It is a large teardrop shape with a green or yellow flesh and a thick rind. The taste is similar to a grapefruit but sweeter and originates from Asian countries.
It is one of the largest citrus fruits and is sometimes known as citrus maxima or citrus grandis.
Is a pomelo safe for my parrot to eat?
Pomelo is safe for your parrot to eat and is on the official non-toxic, safe list of foods for your parrot. Due to it being a citrus fruit and having high acidity levels, it is advisable to only offer pomelo as a rare treat for your parrot and not as a primary food source for your pet.
If you offer pomelo or any citrus fruit to your parrots regularly, it can cause them to suffer from a major upset stomach due to the acidity and citric acid found in the fruit.
The acidity levels and citric acid can affect smaller parrots like parakeets more significantly than larger parrots species; however, always err on the side of caution and only offer as a rare treat.
Can my parrot eat the skin of a pomelo?
A pomelo’s skin is a thick rind and then a layer of membrane before you get to the fruit’s flesh. The rind and membranes are inedible. It is exceedingly bitter, and even if you or a parrot were able to get through the skin’s tough texture, it would be very unpleasant.
Can my parrot eat pomelo seeds?
Pomelos can be filled with seeds or have few to none at all. You will never know until you open the fruit the number of seeds it beholds.
Err on the side of caution and do not offer your parrots the seeds. You will find the seeds for sale to sow trees or to produce fruit, but the well-being of parrots eating seeds is unclear. Remove the seeds if offering the fruit to your parrot to ensure their safety.
What is the benefit of pomelo for my parrot?
A pomelo fruit includes protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, copper, and potassium. Let’s see why these things are important in our parrot’s diet.
Protein
Protein is needed for the body and is necessary for muscles and all other body tissues. This also involves the parrot’s feathers. If your parrot is a chick, producing eggs or recovering from illness, or molting, extra protein is needed in their diets.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide an energy source. The amount needed is depending on your parrot’s physical activity, environment, and levels of fat. Wild parrots will need up to double the energy intake in the winter months than a caged indoor bird.
Fiber
Fiber is essential for their digestion. Fiber accelerates the movement through the gut and helps absorb other much-needed vitamins and minerals.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is required for bones, blood vessels, and muscles. It also helps aid the absorption of iron which aids red blood cell production. Parrots can suffer from vitamin C deficiency which is why they need a mixed and balanced diet.
Copper
Copper is essential for hemoglobin and collagen production and the upkeep of the nervous system. Another thing parrots can suffer a deficiency in if not getting enough through their diet.
Potassium
Potassium helps with retaining membrane tissues. Disproportionate amounts of potassium can damage the kidneys, and this is why pomelo should be given to parrots in moderation.
How do I prepare pomelo fruit for my parrot?
It can look pretty daunting looking at a pomelo and not knowing how to prepare it for your parrot. Here is a step-by-step guide to making it look easy.
Cut off the top of the pomelo with a sharp knife and cut away the fruit’s bottom side.
Sit the fruit on its cut base and score the rind from top to bottom, cutting through the rind and membranes but leaving the fruit’s flesh. This will be roughly an inch into the fruit’s skin.
Repeat this in inch sections around the fruit.
With your thumb and forefinger, pinch the inside skin and outer skin of a cut section and peel it away. Repeat this until all you have is a white ball which will be the fruit with its membranes still attached.
You will be left with a fruit covered in membranes. Cutaway the white membranes until you see the flesh of the fruit. This can be yellow, pink, or green, depending on the variety of the pomelo.
You will be left with something that looks like segments of an orange. Pull the segments away and remove any seeds in the middle with a knife or spoon.
Dispose of the rind and membranes as these are not edible.
The seeds can be used to grow your own pomelo; otherwise, dispose of them also.
Can pomelo fruit be dangerous for my parrot?
Pomelo fruit is only dangerous for parrots when eaten regularly due to the acidity, citric acid, and potassium levels found in the fruit.
If used as a treat for your parrot and given in a mixed and varied diet, the fruit is perfectly safe for your parrot.
Many citrus fruits are recommended as an infrequent treat for parrots as they all contain similar compounds such as grapefruit, oranges, and pineapples, to name a few.
Pomelos are a sweet tasty treat for your parrots, and as long as they are offered in moderation, perfectly safe for your pet to eat.
Here we have discussed all things to do with parrots and pomelos. We have learned how to prepare the fruit for your parrot. What parts of the fruit are edible, and why the fruit should be enjoyed in moderation.
If you ever have any concerns about your parrot trying new foods, please contact your vet for professional advice.