Herbs?

[paper_lantern]

Which herbs can parrots eat and not eat?

I recently bought some fresh thyme, mint, and dill for myself. Can I give any of this to Chubby?

[marie83]

I know there are alot of herbs that are ok for parrots but I wouldn't be able to tell you which ones, I have fresh herbs in so rarely that I have to research them every single time we do because I forget...... I have a feeling grey_moon would know most about this but if you run a google search you should be able to find out about the specific herbs, just look for 2-3 answers which are independant sources from one another to be on the safe side.

[Grey_Moon]

Everything *minus* the mint is fine.
I don't know enough and can't find enough evidence to suggest that it is safe---some people say it depends on the species of mint you've got. But to be safe, I wouldn't.

Many things we think of as simply spices have beneficial health properties. For example, I use oregano in Jacko's food to control/treat any yeast/bacteria and to restore gut balance. Coriander and roiboos tea heal her heart and dissolve calcifications.

Plus, our parrots smell amazing after---like little herbal air fresheners.

[paper_lantern]

I wasn't aware I could give Chubby Roobois, thanks for the tip! I've given him Chamomile tea once or twice but he didn't seem too crazy about it.

I did as you said and skipped the mint. I offered him some Thyme and Dill, he loved it.

I sometimes add cayenne and turmeric to his food, I'll look up the health benefits for parrots. You got me interested!

Thank you!

[Grey_Moon]

Its better to skip the chamomile anyway
Although its commonly touted as being calming and having minor health benefits in birds it is actually a member of the ragweed family and can cause a lot of inflammation/allergy issues.

Turmeric I use myself as an anti-inflammatory (I have stiff muscles and bad joints) and I find it helps some. Cayenne works wonders for the circulation (particularly the sinuses).

[GreenWing]

I'm a hobbyist herbalist and I'm interested in this topic, too. There's herbs parrots can have, and there's herbs parrots can't have. Regarding many herbs, I'd leave medicinal dosages to an expert. You don't want the risk. Herbs heal but some, or too much, can be dangerous.

Asparagus and Sweet Basil is safe and very good for parrots; I feed both to Tiki all the time. Give the Sweet Basil fresh from your garden, or buy organic. Lightly steam the Asparagus. Dandelion greens are also excellent. Make sure it's really Dandelion, though, as Dandelion resembles other plants that could be deadly for a bird. There's no central stalk and the leaves aren't fuzzy with Dandelion. I know parrots can have cinnamon and it's good for them but I'd give it in very limited amounts. Cilantro is okay, too. I've given it to Tiki fresh.

Herbs to AVOID for parrots includes but isn't limited to: Comfrey, Licorice, Nutmeg, Poppy, Marijuana

I am not sure about Thyme, Mint, and Dill but I would ask a vet about those first. Personally I would stick to feeding the parrot known healthy bird herbs such as Asparagus. I can't help but wonder if Asparagus makes parrot's urine stinky, too, as it does for humans