are firethorn berries safe for lovebirds?

[fischerom]

Hello guys!
I was reading something about parrot food, and it mentioned firethorn berries (Pyracantha coccinea to be specific) being a good thing to give to your parrot.
However I'm still not sure if they are safe for lovebirds because the text didn't mention them. Also if they aren't toxic, how much of them should i give to my parrot? Should I provide them daily?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Allee]

Welcome to the forums! We'd love to hear more about your little Lovie!

I can't answer your question from experience, I've never fed pyracantha berries to my flock. I found conflicting information, apparently the berries are on a couple of toxic lists but others have said they feed the berries to their flock with no ill effects. It could be that other parts of the plant are toxic, but the berries are safe. Hopefully someone can answer with personal knowledge.

If you determine they are safe and your Lovie likes them I would offer the berries in moderation as with anything else.

 

[plumsmum2005]

LOL I have found the plant is OK but the berries are not mentioned. (scrap that it has just been contradicted).

That personal recommendation would be invaluable as Allee says.

Most of the foraged berries (safe ones) can be frozen for later consumption. Some I am reading are quite high in sugars so in moderation is probably best.

Quote: "In Canberra, where hawthorn and Pyracantha bushes are very popular as ornamental hedges, the berries of both are eagerly eaten by Gang Gang Cockatoos. In aviaries, even Budgerigars are known to eat the orange-red berries of Pyracantha coccinea."
Source :http://rosemarylow.co.uk/beneficial_berries_11.html

 

[fischerom]

Welcome to the forums! We'd love to hear more about your little Lovie!

I can't answer your question from experience, I've never fed pyracantha berries to my flock. I found conflicting information, apparently the berries are on a couple of toxic lists but others have said they feed the berries to their flock with no ill effects. It could be that other parts of the plant are toxic, but the berries are safe. Hopefully someone can answer with personal knowledge.

If you determine they are safe and your Lovie likes them I would offer the berries in moderation as with anything else.

Thanks Allee! I also stumbled upon the lists you are talking about :/

 

[fischerom]

LOL I have found the plant is OK but the berries are not mentioned. (scrap that it has just been contradicted).

That personal recommendation would be invaluable as Allee says.

Most of the foraged berries (safe ones) can be frozen for later consumption. Some I am reading are quite high in sugars so in moderation is probably best.

Thank you!
Freezing the berries seems like a good idea; actually I just put a bunch of raspberries in the freezer. I guess the birdie will be munching them in the following months!

 

[fischerom]

LOL I have found the plant is OK but the berries are not mentioned. (scrap that it has just been contradicted).

That personal recommendation would be invaluable as Allee says.

Most of the foraged berries (safe ones) can be frozen for later consumption. Some I am reading are quite high in sugars so in moderation is probably best.

Quote: "In Canberra, where hawthorn and Pyracantha bushes are very popular as ornamental hedges, the berries of both are eagerly eaten by Gang Gang Cockatoos. In aviaries, even Budgerigars are known to eat the orange-red berries of Pyracantha coccinea."
Source :Beneficial Berries

Sounds great! I'll probably call a vet or someone tomorrow just to be 100% sure