Fresh potted plants in a parrot cage

[IndySE]

I read somewhere that parrots really enjoy potted plants. For eating I foolishly assumed.

I picked up a hydroponically grown basil plant today at the grocery store, washed the leaves, and wanted to see what Kermit made of it. To my delight she hopped right on over to investigate, proceeded to nibble on it, then to my horror started tearing off leaves to the floor. Just for the fun of it. I think she relished in her destructive power.

All kidding aside, I feel like that basil plant won't last long... I may have to try a rotating system of victims, err plants, to give them a chance to recover before they meet another round with the shredder. Maybe a more robust plant purchased from a nursery would be better.

I was curious on your guys' experience in keeping fresh herbs for parrots to eat. In principle, I do very much like the idea of having fresh greenery that better mimics their natural habitat. In practice, I don't think that basil will last till tomorrow LOL.

 

[Kendar]

I put an hibiscus in the bird room, the poor thing was plucked almost clean. The aloe vera plant didn't last either lol

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[Skyrider]

That sounds like fun.
I love to watch them destroy toys.
You should get a pic of that and enter Photo Of The Month POTM contest!
Seems they couldn't avoid getting some nutrition out of that as well as the stimulation and exercise.....parrot plantercising

 

[IndySE]

By the time I finished writing this post and went downstairs to check on the bird, that poor basil was already SOL haha. I felt bad for the poor thing... I'm hoping it can recover for a few weeks before round 2. I think I'll try getting my next victim from a nursery to see if it has more spunk to withstand a parrot.

I didn't take a a picture, but I did get a pretty good video :]
here

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

One thing I'd suggest is maybe growing your own herb plants (using herbs that are good for birds).

Personally, I wouldn't give them potted plants you buy in a store, given they may be exposed to pesticides. But there are actually some herbal plants that are VERY good for parrots. I'm not sure what their names are, but I know they exist. Maybe someone else will know.

I DO know there are also a LOT of poisonous plants, so best to do your research and not even have them in the house at all. Just in case.

 

[IndySE]

I did a quick search on the basil plant before I bought it. It was hydroponically grown and they claimed pesticide-free, as they used natural methods like ladybugs and stuff. It sounds nice, but who knows how true it is. I take anything given to me by a big company with a grain of salt. Sadly I don't have much patience for growing things... I've always been terribly neglectful of plants. It would probably take me 2 months to grow something to a big enough for my bird to rip apart in a matter of 30 minutes anyways so I'm not super motivated for the challenge.

I have read the toxic list a few times. Most herbs appear safe. I do know basil, parsley, and cilantro for sure. I'm pretty sure on thyme, though I'll double check it before I purchase.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Okey dokey. Just wanted to add my two cents. I do see your points- it would be a lot of effort for something that is torn apart in seconds.

I stopped buying chew toys for Skittles (for the most part). I DO buy him yucca chips as he likes those- but for the most part I give him paper towels, unscented tissues and empty tissue boxes (plastic and glue removed).

I'm neglectful of plants as well. Never manage to keep up with them. I grew chives for cooking a number of years ago only to lose most of them from neglect.