Watermelon is one of the most popular fruits, especially in summer. This fruit is very delicious and can be used in many ways. You can eat it raw or you can make a smoothie. Obviously, for us humans, we can eat as much watermelon as we want, and it will be 100% safe for us.
Can parrots eat watermelon?
Yes, parrots can safely and problem-free eat all parts of a watermelon. In fact, watermelon can be very beneficial for parrots and can boost their immune system. Watermelon can hydrate parrots on a hot day and provide them with multiple vitamins and minerals.
In this article, we will look at the benefits that parrots can get from watermelon, the parts they can safely consume, and more.
What are the benefits of watermelon?
Watermelon contains many important nutrients that every living being needs daily. Watermelon is 92% water, and it is safe not only for parrots.
Here are the nutrients your parrot will get from eating watermelon:
| Energy (calories) | 46.2 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 11.6, of which 9.6 g are sugars |
| Fiber (g) | 0.6 |
| Calcium (milligrams [mg]) | 10.8 |
| Phosphorus (mg) | 16.9 |
| Magnesium (mg) | 15.4 |
| Potassium (mg) | 172 |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 12.5 |
| Folate (mcg, DFE) | 4.6 |
| Choline (mg) | 6.3 |
| Vitamin A, EAR (mcg) | 43.1 |
| Beta-carotene (mcg) | 467 |
| Lutein and zeaxanthin (mcg) | 12.3 mcg |
| Lycopene (mcg) | 6,980 |
| Phytosterols (mg) | 3.08 |
These amounts of minerals and vitamins will not cover all the needs of a parrot, especially large parrot species. However, they can compensate for any deficiencies in your parrot’s diet. It is a healthy and delicious treat, so consider adding some pieces of watermelon to your parrot’s diet.
How to give watermelon to your parrot?
It is easy and simple to give watermelon to your parrots, but sometimes with some pet parrots, they will reject any new food they have never seen before. It may seem strange and sometimes scary to them. However, you can present watermelon pieces to them by eating it and allowing the bird to see that you enjoy the fruit.
This way, the bird will understand that watermelon is a food it can consume just like you. Parrots are naturally intelligent and curious animals, especially when it comes to food.
Another idea is to serve watermelon in the usual place where your parrot has its daily meals, such as a bowl, with larger pieces preferred over small slices.
And above all, make sure that the fruit you have obtained is clean. Always try to serve fresh watermelon. Do not serve a watermelon that has been in the refrigerator for more than 2 weeks and 1 week at room temperature.
Can parrots eat watermelon rind?
Yes, parrots can eat watermelon rind, and it is completely safe. However, there are two things to consider before serving it to them. The first is that some parrots may not like what you do to entice them. In fact, the rind might be like paper to some parrots, and they won’t eat it.
In addition to that, the rind doesn’t taste the same as the flesh, so do not force your parrot to eat it.
The second thing is that the rind is largely covered in wax and pesticides that help the plant stay strong and healthy by deterring insects that might feed on it.
So, if you insist, wash the watermelon carefully, and if you can find organic watermelon, that would be even better.
Can parrots eat watermelon seeds?
Yes, watermelon seeds are totally safe for parrots and they can stimulate the bird’s metabolism, allowing it to absorb nutrients from other types of food effectively.
In fact, watermelon seeds and pumpkin seeds are widely used in commercial parrot food formulas due to their high nutrient content, such as folates, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, potassium, amino acids, proteins, and vitamin B.
So, with these benefits, I don’t think it’s a bad idea to serve watermelon seeds to pet parrots.
Dried watermelon seeds are the best, or you can put them in a jar or a bottle filled with water and let them soak for 2-4 days to germinate, then serve them. Don’t serve them fresh.
What amount of watermelon is safe for parrots?
There is no limit to feeding parrots watermelon, and they can consume as much as they want, it won’t harm them. It should be noted that eating a lot or even too much watermelon, the parrot will feel full and may reject or refuse its usual food of seeds and nuts.
And this could lead the bird to suffer from a deficiency of many nutrients that are not found in watermelons. Remember that parrots are very sensitive to any nutrient deficiencies and that this can cause them to suffer both physically and mentally.
As an example, if you see a parrot pulling out its feathers, then there is a serious potential deficiency in one or more nutrients, so be cautious.
So, yes parrots can eat watermelon and in most cases, they will enjoy it. However, do not rely on watermelon as an ingredient in your parrot’s meals, and serve it in moderation so that your parrot can finish its normal meals, as watermelon can give it a feeling of fullness.
And yes, that’s about it. I hope you find this information informative and easy to digest. Thank you for reading…
