21/06/2026
Thank you for this T & A Parrot Rescue and Sanctuary ❤️🦜 sadly, many bird parents are unaware of the dangers of so many things. Not intentionally. I think the thought just doesn't cross their minds - and it should as a responsible caregiver.
Educational posts like this are helpful, not harmful, and I think the more we educate based on our own research and/or experiences, the faster it can be networked so that accidents don't happen.
I have a plant app on my phone, because I cultivate my "w**ds" as hubby used to refer to them as (🙄😂) Vanessa Goodayle Anita Hoosen and the knowledge I gained from the two ladies I've mentioned, and then getting completely hooked on devouring whatever information I could of the treasures growing on our property, the more excited I got to go foraging every day.
And the husband would sternly say "yes, you've been at it for 4 hours (he's prone to exaggeration🤣) don't moan tomorrow of a sore back!" and truly, the more I foraged, the more I learned, and using this app identified plants I thought be great for including in greens, only to establish they're definitely a no-no.
At the time I got so involved with my herbs or" w**ds" I discovered that blackjack, a really irritating w**d, is a source rich in everything great for farm animals, cuddly bunnies, and geese and ducks, so I'd send down a bag of greens to the only other Sanctuary in our neck of the woods, a chicken/duck/goose Sanctuary, with a little horse, and some goats and sheep. And I'd vary the bags every day.
I started growing herbs we battle to find fresh here, and ended up having harvests so plentiful we could share with many folk in this rural farming area. The health benefits for animals, including parrots/birds, of some plants we humans take for granted far outweigh me looking at a section saying 'the fennel patch is overgrown." Mint, spearmint, fenugreek, fennel, chick w**d, sorrel, plantain, lemon grass, and the list goes on.
But I never knew all of that 7/8 years ago. I knew the obvious but the addiction and fascination with learning and sharing this information, saves us thousands each year. And the cost - zero! We have over 650 residents, and yes they really do interact with us daily - and they're always keen to help.
With now, after an unprecedented intake of over 100 parrots and parakeets in the last 5:months, everything saved, every cent, is a win. And variety is great for our mixed flocks ❤️🦜 So I actually cultivate "w**d gardens", and throw in a mixed bunch of my gorgeous aromatic intentionally planted greens and spices, even curry leaves, dhania (coriander) but the jury's still out on that one, and cassia/cinnamon, as some "experts place them in the safe category and others say avoid!!
I grown my own ginger and turmeric, a variety of cherry tomatoes, moong beans and lentils, which we also sprout - and I'm going to end because I feel all animated talking about my w**ds 🤣🦜❤️
I love these posts!
🚫 DO NOT FEED YOUR BIRD: FRUIT PITS & APPLE SEEDS 🍎🍑
Many fruits are healthy treats for parrots, but the pits and seeds of certain fruits can be dangerous.
Apple seeds, as well as the pits from peaches, cherries, apricots, plums, and nectarines, contain compounds that can release cyanide when chewed and digested.
While a small accidental exposure is unlikely to be fatal, these parts of the fruit should always be removed before offering them to your bird.
✅ Safe: The fruit flesh itself
❌ Not Safe: Seeds and pits
Before sharing fruit with your parrot, take a moment to remove any seeds, pits, or cores.
A few extra seconds can help keep your bird safe.
