Can parrots have parsley?

[Valyndris]

So I was doing a veggie run and I like to try offering Jacob different things all the time till I find out what he likes most. I got parsley but wasn't sure if it is toxic to parrots or not. When I googled it I couldn't find any information on it other than 1 site saying it was bad for their health. It being only one source saying that I can't really go by what it says. I've seen so many sites that have wrong info about parrots.

So the question is, can Jacob my blue and gold macaw have parsley?

 

[chris-md]

Yes, it’s safe.

 

[KawaiiTori]

I think I just saw this some website today! Thanks for asking cause I was curious too...and thanks Chris-md for the quick reply!

 

[cnyguy]

Parsley isn't good for some types of chickens and ducks, but is good for parrots. My two both like it and get some regularly.

 

[Valyndris]

So it turns out Jacob hates parsley, the first thing he did when he went to his veggie bowl was toss out the parsley and anything that came with it. He's usually not a fan of anything leafy and usually gets offended by it. He does however like bok choy so I still gotta try everything till I know what he truly likes and what he doesn't like.

 

[noodles123]

There are many sources indicating that parsley is not good for parrots---especially in frequent doses.

 

[WakaWaka]

We've seen mixed recommendations on parsley.
Sometimes it's hard to trust the information published.

Arika did pretty much the same as Jacob. Pulled it out of her dish and ate the other veggies that she liked.

 

[cnyguy]

There are many sources indicating that parsley is not good for parrots---especially in frequent doses.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there and it can be hard to know what to believe. I have it on the authority of two avian-certified veterinarians that parsley is actually good for parrots' digestion. Like most things, it shouldn't be fed too often; my parrots get parsley about once a week. My old YCA George ate parsley often for the 40 years he was with me and never had any ill effects from it.

 

[chris-md]

So, noodles is in part correct. To summarize Wikipedia and draw the conclusion::

some plants in the Apiaceae family (of which parsley belong) contains polyynes, which do show mild toxicity. Parsley has this. However, carrots, celery, and fennel among others has the same thing, and they are fine to serve at will.

So what’s the truth? They do have a toxic substance, but not likely in any concentration we need to be concerned about.

Everything in moderation, and you’re perfectly fine. So long as parsley isn’t the ONLY thing the birds eats, feel free to serve it on occasion. The concern is likely on par with concern about overfeeding oxalates from cruciferous vegetables.