Ice.......ok or not?

[laducockatiel]

I was wondering if my cockatiel is allowed to eat ice, I have heard some people say it is ok and some people say they can't digest it and it will make them ill. I'm so confused. Can someone plz help.

[coolhady13]

i think it not ok .because its very cold i dont know if cockatiel can handle it or not i think it will make thim ill . anyway no need to feed him ice . its just freezed water

[liz]

You can try it. It is just frozen water and will melt in his mouth. I just don't know why you would except to offer something different.

[laducockatiel]

Well, i thought that if I put a raspberry in a ice cube tray, poured water over it and let it freeze, that would make a good treat. Do you think my cockatiel would enjoy it?

[Jenny]

I don't see what could be harmful in letting your tiel have ice, although maybe someone with more experience will chime in here. Will your bird actually chip away at a cube? I've heard of birds liking semi-thawed veggies or fruit, or ice-chips, but not a cube.

Love your new avatar!

[Michael]

I don't think there is any benefit to letting them eat ice which is why I would avoid it. There are so many other harmless treats that it isn't worth finding out. The main issues I'd guess could be sour crop and getting cold (remember they run a higher body temp). This would definitely be harmful to a baby, may or may not be on an adult.

I do let my parrots play with ice cubes in their bath but they don't swallow them. Also, on hot days I put ice cubes in their water bottles so the water doesn't get warm/spoil as quickly in the span of the day. They seem to like to have a cold drink of water or cold bath.

But when it comes to actually swallowing frozen things, I've heard the debate go both ways (some say its harmful and others say ok) so I'd just play it safe and not try it.

[laducockatiel]

Ok thanks for your advice everyone! I think you are right Michael, I guess I shouldn't risk it for a biscuit (or an ice cube lol).

[laducockatiel]

Love your new avatar!

thanks

[TheNzJessie]

i give my birds flavored ice as enrichment all the time. my vet said it was fine to use