The leaves of the avocado plant contain persin, a fatty acid-like substance that kills fungus in the plant. When ingested by a bird, this substance may cause heart damage, respiratory difficulty, weakness, and even sudden death.
Is avocado toxic to birds?
Avocados (Persea americana) contain a toxin called persin and fed to birds, even a small amount can be fatal. Canaries, parakeets, cockatiels and other parrots are known to be susceptible to the toxin. Other animal species highly susceptible to persin include rabbits, horses and ruminants.
How much avocado is poisonous to birds?
A lethal dose of avocado in budgies is approximately 3.5 grams, cockatiels 20-30 grams and canaries 2 grams. The adverse effects in birds have been as quickly as 15-30 minutes after ingestion. The first signs that owners usually see are weakness and depression, with fluffed plumage and a reluctance to perch.
What should I do if my bird ate avocado?
The first thing you should do if you see your parrot eat this fruit is remove the remaining fruit that your parrot has and examine how much your parrot has eaten. Once you have estimated the amount consumed, throw away the rest of the fruit. Ring you local avian specialist and let them know what has happens.
Do birds like to eat avocado?
Although parrots love various fruits, an avocado's pit and skin are extremely toxic to parrots. Besides the pit and skin of an avocado, even its flesh is extremely dangerous to give to a parrot. Basically, an avocado is exceptionally poisonous to any bird's digestive system.
