There is no mammary tissue involved, as in mammals. Because of this, birds never evolved to produce lactase, the enzyme necessary to help digest lactose. Essentially, birds are highly “lactose-intolerant” species.
Are birds allergic to milk?
Dairy. Although not technically toxic, studies show that birds cannot digest lactose, which is found in milk and other dairy products. As the amount of dairy in the diet increases, birds can develop diarrhea.
Can birds have milk?
Birds can digest fermented dairy products, such as cheese. Mild grated cheese can be a good way of attracting robins, wrens and dunnocks. Warning: never give milk to any bird. A bird's gut is not designed to digest milk and it can give them serious stomach upsets or even kill them.
Can birds drink dairy?
It doesn't contain anything that will directly harm your bird. While lactose may upset your bird's stomach, it usually isn't deadly. However, some birds can develop complications if they have too much diarrhea, which may occur with long-term lactose consumption. On top of containing lactose, milk is also high in fat.
Does bird milk have lactose?
Birds are not mammals and do not possess the enzyme necessary to break down lactose that is in milk and its diary byproducts, such as cheese.
