Common Foods That Can Poison Your Bird

Common Foods That Will Poison Your Bird

Birds, with their plumage of vibrant colors and sweet songs, can bring joy into many a home. The decision to keep a bird as a pet, however, brings with it the responsibility of keeping them safe from harm while also ensuring that their welfare is looked after, especially where their diet is concerned. Birds have special dietary requirements and very sensitive digestive systems that are easily affected by foods considered safe for human consumption. The following article will throw some light on ten such common foods that can poison your bird, along with valid scientific evidence and statistics.

 Avocado

Toxic Component: Persin

Avocados contain a fungicidal toxin called persin, which is lethal to birds. It may lead to symptoms like heart damage, respiratory distress, or even death.

Scientific Evidence:

A study published in the "Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery" pointed out that avocado has toxic effects on several bird species. Birds that ingested avocados developed respiratory distress within 12 hours and died from the toxin within one to two days.

 Statistics

According to the ASPCA, a huge percentage of the cases of poisoning in birds are due to the toxicity of avocados. About 10 percent of all cases of bird poisoning reported are attributed to avocado ingestion.

Chocolate

Toxic Elements: X and Y

It contains theobromine and caffeine, which are two compounds that are toxic to birds. These elements contribute to the causation of hyperactivity, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and eventually death in birds.

Scientific Evidence

It is evidenced by studies published in the "Veterinary and Human Toxicology" journal that this goes to show birds are very sensitive to theobromine and caffeine. Even small doses bring serious symptoms and fatalities among pet birds.

Statistics

In fact, chocolate is one of the top ten toxins for pets, including birds according to the National Animal Poison Control Center. Based on case studies available, chocolate poisoning in birds results either in severe complications or death.

Caffeine

Toxic Component: Caffeine

Caffeine is the major component of coffee, tea, and most soft drinks. It is highly toxic to birds. It can cause symptoms such as hyperactivity, an increased heart rate, tremors, and seizures.

Scientific Evidence

A journal article in "The Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery" showed that the ingestion of caffeine leads to severe physiological stress in birds with clinical signs developing in a short period after exposure.

 Statistics

The Pet Poison Helpline reports caffeine toxicity has been a common issue in pet birds, trending upward yearly as most cases result from accidental exposure.

 Alcohol

Toxic Principle: Ethanol

Even small amounts of alcohol are very poisonous to birds. It is a central nervous system depressant, resulting in disorientation, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, death.

Scientific Evidence

One article in the "Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association"  presented cases of alcohol intoxication in birds. As stated, the onset of clinical signs proved to be very rapid, while mortality was very high.

Statistics

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has mentioned that alcohol poisoning in birds is almost always fatal; a bird's survival rate reaches less than 50% once symptoms have set in.

Salt

Toxic Element: Sodium

Excessive salt intake can produce sodium poisoning in birds, with the common symptoms being increased thirst, dehydration, malfunctioning of kidneys, and neurological problems.

Medical Evidence

A study published in the "Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery" showed that it only takes a small amount of extra salt in their diet to create an imbalance of sodium in a bird's body.

 Statistics

The Pet Poison Helpline, however, reports that poisoning by sodium is one of the top causes of accidental poisoning in birds, with a majority of the cases coming from households where birds were given human snacks or table scraps. 

 Onions and Garlic

Toxic Component: Thiosulfate

Onions and garlic contain thiosulfate, which can cause red blood cells to incur oxidative damage and lead to hemolytic anemia in birds.

Scientific Evidence

In the study reported in the "Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine," it was concluded that Allium species, of which onions and garlic are members, are toxic to birds; the poisoning caused prominent hematological changes and anemia.

Stats

According to the Animal Poison Control Center, onion and garlic toxicity in birds is relatively common, especially in situations where birds have been fed human foods containing these products.

Apple Seeds

Toxic Component: Cyanogenic Glycosides

Apple seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in their metabolism. Cyanide itself is a powerful toxin that interferes with cellular respiration.

Scientific Evidence

A study in the "Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery" noted that cyanide toxicity can be fatal to birds, with even small doses known to cause sudden respiratory paralysis and death.

Statistics

The Pet Poison Helpline stated that cases of cyanide poisoning caused by apple seeds are rare but almost invariably fatal when they happen.

 Xylitol

Toxic Constituent: Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener common in many sugar-free products and highly toxic to birds. It can increase the release of insulin from the pancreas, which can lead to hypoglycemia, acute hepatic necrosis, and death.

Scientific Evidence

In the "Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association," it had been previously determined that xylitol is highly toxic to a lot of animal species, including birds, by its action on glucose and liver functions.

Statistics

Also on the rise are cases of xylitol poisoning, mimicking the popularity of sugar-free products, according to the National Animal Poison Control Center.

Dairy Products

Toxic Component: Lactose

Birds are lactose intolerant because they do not have the enzyme lactase to digest the lactose in milk. Ingestion of dairy products can result in diarrhea, digestive upset, and dehydration.

Scientific Evidence

A paper in "Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice" pointed out the adverse effects of lactose on birds, emphasizing the need for a lactose-free diet to deter gastrointestinal diseases.

Statistics

The ASPCA points out that issues about dairy digestion are rather common amongst bird owners who are not aware of the lurking fact that their pets are lactose intolerant.

Pits and Seeds of Fruits

Toxic Principle: Cyanogenic Glycosides

Pits and seeds of fruits, like cherries, peaches, and apricots, contain cyanogenic glycosides that can be transformed into the gastrointestinal system to produce cyanide, a load that includes a huge risk of intoxication in birds.

Scientific Evidence

A study published in "The Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery" supports the presence of cyanogenic glycosides in several fruit pits and seeds, underlining that this may pose the risk of cyanide intoxication in birds.

Statistics

The Pet Poison Helpline warns that fruit pit poisoning, while less common, can be fatal and should be treated as an emergency if suspected.

Conclusion

It's a responsible bird owner's business to know which foods can poison your feathered friend. The avian digestive system is rather sensitive and has requirements quite different from ours, which puts them at potential risk of certain foods in everyday human diets. Knowing the toxic ingredients of food and their likely health risks can help one take precautionary measures to safeguard his feathered friends. Always consult an avian veterinarian if you think your bird has ingested something toxic, and never stop learning if you want to ensure a safe and healthy pet.