benifits of plants for parrots
DESCRIPTION
A Phoenix Landing presentation Visit http://phoenixlanding.org/ for a list of up coming eventsTRANSCRIPT
Benefits of Plants for Parrots
A Phoenix Landing Presentation By Laura Ford
Disclaimer:Although I have researched the information in this presentation, and believe all information is accurate, and would personally offer any of
the mentioned plants or materials to my own birds, you are responsible for the correct identification of, and the assurance of the absences of
pesticides, chemical fertilizers or herbicides on any plants, or branches you give your parrot.
The information in this presentation has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, nor any
veterinarian. All information, including any product or technique mentioned, is for educational purposes
only. None of the information is intended to diagnose, treat, or prescribe for any disease.
Always supervise your parrot when giving her any new item. Always trust your own judgment, if I present information that you feel
uncomfortable with, by all means don’t do it! With that said let’s get on with the fun!
The Parrot / Plant ConnectionParrots have evolved to have a life intimately intertwined with plants. Imagine for a moment the life of a wild parrot. They hatch in a nest cavity inside a tree lined with soft leaves, herbs or mosses or grasses. Or perhaps in a nest made of intertwined twigs and leaves, herbs and grasses. The parents may have chosen plants to line the nest that repel insects or parasites, or that kill mold, fungus, bacteria or viruses, taking advantage of the many medicinal qualities of plants. Or maybe they choose highly aromatic plants to disguise the aroma of their young from ever present predators.
The Parrot / Plant ConnectionWild Parrot parents feed their young a variety of plants, and plant parts, not just fruit, nuts and seeds, but leaves, flowers, and even tree bark!
Research by Dr Brightsmith of scarlet macaw chicks crop samples, “…it was determined that they contained seeds, wood or bark, fruit pulp, insect larvae…”http://macawproject.org/scientific-publications
The Parrot / Plant ConnectionAs a young parrot grows it learns from its parents what plants are safe to eat, perhaps even what plants can medically treat illness or discomfort. But parrots not only eat plants, they perch on them, play in them, hide in them, sleep in them, and mate in them.
The Parrot / Plant ConnectionFor all that plants give to parrots, the parrots give back to the plants too. Wild parrots not only carry and distribute the seeds of plants from one area to another, but they provide fertilizer in the form of uneaten dropped plant materials, their fecal dropping, and finally when their lives end, their own bodies.
Parrot / Plant Connection SeveredWe have brought still biologically wild parrots into our homes to live with us, placed them in a metal cage with concrete and plastic perches, give them toys made of plastic and other synthetic materials, feed them serialized pellets made from ingredients they would rarely if ever have encountered in the wild, or worse yet, dead nutrient depleted seeds. The fact they survive at all is a testament to their amazing adaptability. But it should be considered that the lost connection with the plant world may, in part, be one of the reasons for behavioral and physical problems with many captive parrots today.
Parrot / Plant Connection RebuiltAlthough we can never replicate the relationship free parrots have to the plants they live with in the jungle, forest, or savanna, it is our obligation, to our companion parrots to find ways to provide them with as many natural plants materials and foods as possible, to enhance both their physical and mental health.
Nutritional and Medicinal BenefitsPlants provide vitamins, minerals, protein, micro nutrients, trace elements, and live enzymes. There is more to the nutritional benefits of whole live plants, that is not yet fully understood, and can not be replicated in a pellet.Many plants have the ability to support the immune system, fight infection, cleanse the body of toxins, relieve pain and depression, often without the dangerous side effects of synthetic medicines.
Nutritional and Medicinal BenefitsAstragalus powerful immune booster especially for diseases of intestinal tract or respiratory systemCayenne Power stops bleeding and relieves painCherries & Celery Seed reduce uric acid, which can lead to painful goutComfrey sooths inflamed mucous membrane and can improve respiratory function, speeds healing of bone fracturesElderberry is anti-inflammatory and anti-viral, especially good for birds with sinus infectionsGarlic is a powerful antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-parasite, flushes lead and zinc from the body (also is a powerful anti-coagulant)Goldenseal Root has antiseptic properties that treats and prevents skin infections, helps heal the liver, fights the growth of tumors, kills salmonella, chlamydia, and giardiaHawthorn Berry is excellent for treating heart issues, especially in older or overweight birds, it lowers blood pressure and strengthens heartbeat Milk Thistle Seed helps support and repair the liver, including fatty liver disease and damage due to lead and zinc poisoning
Nutritional and Medicinal BenefitsOlive Leaf is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic an anti-viral, fights yeast infectionsPassion Flower and Valerian Root are both calming and relaxingSlippery Elm Bark heals mucus membrane of the crop and digestive system, relieves both diarrhea and constipationThyme lowers cholesterol and relieves sinus congestionTurmeric protects the liver and reduces inflammationWhite Willow Bark is anti-inflammatory and reduces pain
This is just a sampling of plants medicinal qualities that can be used with parrots, for any aliment there are natural treatments that can help. Plant based medicines come in many forms, dried herbs, teas, tinctures, extracts, oils, essences, and homeopathic remedies.Remember that most modern pharmaceutical medicines were originally derived from plants.
Climbing, chewing and shredding plants provide both physical and mental stimulation, that can help alleviate undesirable behaviors such as screaming or feather picking.
Physical and Emotional Benefits
Plants are natural air filters, removing pollutants from the environment and converting carbon dioxide into oxygen, and helping to maintain humidity levels.Both in the home and in the landscape, plants absorb and buffer sound.
Environmental Benefits
Why Grow Your Own?Freshness -Vitamins and nutrient values found in fresh vegetables
and other produce steadily decline as soon as they are harvested. In some vegetables their vitamin content may be depleted as much as half, only minutes after being cut (harvested) and up to 70% or more by the time you see them at your grocery store.
Organic -You have choice over type of soil used, fertilizers, weed & pest control.
Variety -There are far more varieties of a given plant available in a nursery or garden center that are available in a grocery store or even most farmer’s markets.
There are even more varieties of a given plant available to grow from seed than can be found as plants in a nursery or garden center.
Garden in a Pot If you don’t have the time or
the space for a big garden, consider creating a container garden. By choosing and a variety of textures and shades of healthy greens, mixing in a few vegetables, berries, herbs and some edible flowers, you can have a container garden that is delicious, nutritious and beautiful.
Choose A ContainerAs large as possible.Bird safe finish, if the bird is going to have access to the
container. Plastics or unglazed terracotta. Powder coated steel frames, with coco fiber lining are becoming very popular and are an attractive and safe choice.
Avoid glazed terracotta, as many glazes contain heavy metals and other toxic substances.
Soil Selection
OrganicMade specifically for containers (NOT garden soil)
Fertilizer selection
OrganicGranular, time releasedLiquid, fish, seaweed
The Plants
Whenever possible choose Organically grown seeds or plants. Gently remove the soil from the roots of non organic plants, and replant in organic soil, wait at least 30 days before offering to your parrot.Avoid plants that have been treated with pesticides or chemical fertilizers.
(Pesticides and chemical fertilizers do dissipate over time, somewhere between 90 days and 1 year. So you don’t necessarily need to rule out conventionally grown plants)
Greens & Veggies
Kale – leaves, stems, flowers and seed podsLowers risk of heart disease, stroke, and cataracts, anticancer compounds, immune system stimulant. Vitamins C and E, beta carotene, calcium, potassium, manganese, iron. Among highest sources of chlorophyll.
Mustard Greens – leaves, stems, flowers and seed pods
Vitamin A,C,E,K and calcium, magnesium, folic acid, beta carotene, anti-inflammatory, good for heart health, reduces cholesterol
Cabbages (all varieties including Chinese)- leaves, stems, flowers and seed pods
Vitamin A, high in calcium, good for the digestive system.
Broccoli, Broccoli Rabb, Rapinni– leaves, stem, crowns, flowers
Antioxidant, antibacterial. Vitamins A and C.The leaves are actually the most nutritious part of the plant.
Arugula – leaves, stems, flowers, seed podsVitamins A and C, foliate, calcium, and magnesium.
Swiss Chard – leaves and stems Vitamins A and calcium.
Celery – stalks, leaves, flowers, seeds Supports kidneys, helpful in treatment of gout,
rheumatism, and arthritis, is tranquilizing, aids in treatment of depression. Celery detoxifies the body, stimulates the nervous system and mineralizes the body. Vitamins A, C, and B-complex, Carotenes, folic acid, potassium, calcium, iron.
Peas – stems, leaves, flowers, pods Vitamin A & C, phosphorus, thiamin, niacin
Sweet Potato - leaves and roots (tubers) Beta catotene, Vitamins A, C, B6, helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and to lower insulin resistance Sweet potatoes are among the best sources of beta carotene, which can assist with the regeneration of feathers, but ironically some birds have an allergic reaction, which can actually contribute to feather plucking behavior.
(NOT regular potato, which is toxic!)
Beets – leaves and rootCleansing to kidneys, regeneration of liver cells, increase oxygen in the blood, support formation of new blood cells, normalize body’s pH. Vitamins A and C, niacin, biotin, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, betaine, betacynin, beta carotene, leucine, tyrosine.
Carrots – greens, roots, flowers & seedsBeta carotene vitamin A, B,C,D,E calcium, potassium, thiamine, folic acid, and magnesium. Cholesterol-lowering, rematerializing and sedative properties.
Purple carrots (usually orange inside) have even more beta carotene than their orange cousins, full of powerful antioxidants that help prevent heart disease by slowing blood clotting and are good anti inflammatory agents. Black Carrots contain antioxidant properties, as well as inhibitors of LDL (the bad) cholesterol, anti-bacterial and fungicidal properties.
Carrot tops are rich in protein, potassium , high in vitamin K, which is lacking in the carrot itself, outstanding source of chlorophyll, the green pigment that studies have. Chlorophyll contains cleansing properties that purify the blood, lymph nodes, and adrenal glands, shown to combat the growth of tumors. They have antiseptic qualities, and are also diuretic and can help treat kidney disease and edema.
Oil made from seed can help control scalp itchiness and provides essential nutrients for hair(feather?) growth.
Radishes – Greens, roots, flowers, seed pods
Vitamin C, beneficial for symptoms of colds, flu, fever, cough, respiratory problems, and digestive disorders. Turnips – Greens and roots,Vitamin A, Beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, copper, calcium. Assist with treatment of arthritis and atherosclerosis, lowers cholesterol.Parsnips – Greens and roots, Vitamin B, folic acid, potassium, lowers cholesterol
Herbs & WeedsBasil – leaves and flowers
Mosquito repellant. Antimicrobial, antibacterial, fungicidal. Soothes itchy skin. Liver decongestant. Balances blood sugar.
Chickweed -leaves, flowers and seeds
Chickweed contains high amounts of Vitamins A,C, B complex, beta carotene, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, zinc, coumarins (soothes the vascular system),and genistein (cancer fighting compound)Chickweed is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and used to treat arthritis, is a fat & protein metabolizer, boosts the immune system, promotes cardio vascular health, and relieves bronchitis. A tea made with the stems and leaves can be used as an astringent, to relieve itching, and promote wound healing (good for feather pluckers).
One of the nicest things about chickweed is that it grows in cold weather, so it will be abundant in your garden when little else is growing, and the birds are craving fresh picked greens.
Cilantro – leaves, stems, flowers and seeds
Removes heavy metals, lead and aluminum from the body. Antiviral, antibacterial.Seeds are also known as the spice CorianderParsley – leaves and stems
Increases resistance to infections and diseases. Anti-cancer compounds. Blood builder. Vitamins A and C, iron and chlorophyll.
Dandelions are exceptionally high in calcium, have more beta carotene than carrots, more iron than spinach, are very high in potassium, contain abundant amounts of Vit. A, C, D, K, B-complex, as well as biotin, inositol, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and 15% protein. The Latin name, Taraxacum officinale, literally means “disorder remedy”. Today, in India, dandelions are grown commercially for their medicinal value. Dandelions leaves and roots are one of the most effective detoxifying herbs, especially for supporting the liver. The flowers contain luteolin, an antioxidant. The leaves are a good diuretic that does not deplete the body of potassium, helps relieve joint pain, reduces uric acid, reduces cholesterol, benefit the treatment of high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, flushes bacteria from the bladder, and assists in treatment of yeast infections. The roots reduce inflammation and help balance enzymes for better digestion. The dandelion seeds contain an antibiotic that is a great treatment for lung infections.
Dandelion tea soothes skin irritation
Dandelion – leaves, flowers, seeds, root
Fennel – leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds
Digestive aid, cold and flu remedy.
Peppermint – leaves, stems and flowersStimulates nerves. Oxygen to blood stream. Digestive aid. Vitamins A and C, magnesium, potassium, niacin, copper, iodine, iron.
The roots, leaves and seeds of the plantain plant contain powerful anti-toxins. The leaves and seeds reduce LDL cholesterol & triglycerides, supports the kidneys, sooth the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, reduce inflammation, promote wound healing, speed up cell regeneration, and are antibacterial, antimicrobial, antihemorrhagic, astringent, antiseptic, and decongestive. A tea made with the leaves can help treat and prevent crop infections, and relieve sinus congestion. Juice from the leaves is used externally to promote healing of wound and smooth skin irritation (good for feather pluckers).
Plantain – leaves, flowers & seedsAntimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihemorrhagic, antitoxic. Promotes healing and cell regeneration. Soothes and softens skin, reducing feather plucking. Soothes respiratory tract. Helps prevent crop infections. Beta carotene, vitamins C and K, calcium. Plantain is very high in beta carotene, Vit C, K, calcium and assorted minerals, and is a good source of linoleic acid,Omega3.
Purslane – leaves, stems, flowers and seed pods
Purslane is one of the richest sources of alpha-linolenic acid, Omega3. It also contains high amounts of Vitamin C, beta carotene, magnesium and potassium.Purslane supports heart and liver health, has been used as a remedy for arthritis & inflammation, lowers bold pressure, cholesterol and blood “stickiness”, helps support the respiratory system, and is good for diabetics because it helps regulate blood sugar. (Use in moderation though, as purslane in high in oxalic acids.)
Stimulates circulatory system, strengthening nerves and heart. Anti-cancer compounds. Antibacterial.Soothing to the lungs.
Rosemary – leaves, stems and flowers
Red Clover – leaves and flowers anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antispasmodic properties and is also well known as a cleansing herb for skin complaints, including eczema and psoriasis. Its ability to improve lymph functioning and reduce lymphatic swellings helps to purify and detox the system.
FlowersCalendula - flowers
Soothing and regenerative to the skin. Anti-inflammatory, astringent, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral. Heals wounds, cuts, scrapes, rashes, bee stings, burns, and bruises by stimulating white blood cells. Carotene, iodine, and manganese.
Chamomile – flowers, leaves, stems
Soothing to the digestive system. Rejuvenates skin. Decreases feather plucking. Relaxing for nervous birds. Decreases night thrashing.Marigolds – flowers, seeds
Repels insects. Carotene, Vitamin A. (Lemon Gem and Tangerine Gem have the best flavor, although all varieties are edible.)
Nasturtiums – leaves and flowers
Supports respiratory system
Pansies, Violas, Violets – leaves and flowers Soothes itchy skin. Supports and strengthens
capillary heath. Helps treat and prevent glaucoma.
Roses – leaves, flowers and hips
The aroma of the rose is know to relieve depression and anxiety.
Rose Hips are high in Vitamin
C and B complex.
Purple Cone Flower / EchinaceaLeaves, flowers, roots, seedsFamous for it’s immune boosting power, the roots are the most medicinal part of the plant.
Rose of Sharon – leaves, branches, flowers
Butterfly BushLeaves, flowers, branches
Chicory Leaves, stems, flowers
Some other SAFE flowers are;African Daisy, Baby’s Breath, Bachelor Buttons, Begonia, Carnations, Dahlia, Daylily, Gardenia, Honeysuckle, Impatiens, Lilac, Passion Flower, Petunia
Some TOXIC flowers are;Buttercup, Calla Lily, Clematis, Daffodil, Foxglove, Heliotrope, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Iris, Lantana, Larkspur, Lily-of-the-Valley, Lupine, Morning Glory, Peony, Primrose, Sweet Pea
NEVER give flowers from a Florist to your Parrot!!!!
Berries & Fruit
Many berries are a good (and yummy) source of alpha-linolenic acid, Omega 3, as well a VitaminsCommercially available berries are high on the pesticide list, so growing your own is the safest choice.Strawberries can easily be tucked into a mixed plant container garden, or grown alone in a hanging basket or strawberry jar.Shrub type fruits, like blueberries, and dwarf variety fruit trees, can be grown in containers too. (Some fruits require more than one plant for proper pollination. Be sure to research your variety.)
Neem TreeLeaves, Twigs& BarkAntibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-Inflammatory, Antiviral, Antioxidant, Anti-Cancer, boosts the immune system, supports liver health, vitamins A, C and EIn tropical regions, can grow to 40 ft., but can be grown as a house plant in more temperate areas.
All of the plants we’ve discussed so far grow best outdoors in full sunlight, so how to we get the plants and the parrots together?
Bring the plants to the parrots.
Bring the plants to the parrots.
Bring the container garden into the house for brief foraging sessions.
Bring the plants to the parrots.Harvest some plants and add to food bowl, stainless foraging basket, use in your
“Chop” mix, or as packaging for other food.
Bring the plants to the parrots.
Weave whole greens through cage bars.
Bring the plants to the parrots.
Use whole or large chunks of veggies and hang on skewers.
Bring the plants to the parrots.
Gather an assortment of greens, veggies, herbs and flowers to form a “bouquet”. Ziptie together and attach to cage.
Bring the plants to the parrots.
Larger bouquets can be made with tree and shrub branches, for the more eager chewers.
Bring the plants to the parrots.Add branches to existing playstands or build playstands out of tree or shrub branches.
Bring the plants to the parrots.
Bring the plants to the parrots.Use branches to make natural perches. Customize perches for parrots with special needs. Drill holes in perches to add extra leaves.
Remember that parrots enjoy stripping the bark from branches.
Bring the plants to the parrots.
Some SAFE varieties of trees and shrubs Ash, Apple, Aspen, Bamboo, Beech, Birch, Butterfly Bush, Cottonwood, Crabapple, Dogwood, Grapevine, Lilac, Magnolia, Mulberry, Pear, Poplar, Sassafras, Sweet Gum, Sycamore, Viburnum, Willow
Some TOXIC Varieties of trees and shrubs Apricot, Azalea, Black Locust, Box Elder, Cedar, Cherry, Hemlock, Holly, Hydrangea, Juniper, Laurel, Mountain Laurel, Nectarine, Oak, Peach, Privet, Rhododendron, Walnut, Witch Hazel, Wisteria
Bring the parrots to the plants.If you’re lucky enough to have the money and the space to buy or build an aviary, the plants can be kept inside
the aviary and available when the birds come outside. And provide shelter and shade from weather.
Bring the parrots to the plants.Bring you parrot outside in a travel cage, or better yet, make your own Cageoller, which
can be easily move around the yard for a variety of plant chewing experiences.
Bring the parrots to the plants.Bring you parrot outside in a travel cage, or better yet, make your own Cageoller, which
can be easily move around the yard for a variety of plant chewing experiences.
Bring the parrots to the plants.Bring you parrot outside in a travel cage, or better yet, make your own Cageoller, which
can be easily move around the yard for a variety of plant chewing experiences.
In the Landscape As you make changes to the landscape in your yard, trees, shrubs, flower beds and window boxes, consider choosing parrot safe plants, and incorporate more edible plants. You will be amazed at the abundance, variety and beauty of these plants.
HouseplantsSafety First! Please make sure that all plants in your house are safe. If you find that you have plants that are on the toxic list, or that you are unsure of, give them to a friend or neighbor without inquisitive parrots in their home.Always use organic potting soil.Use parrot safe containers.Never use pesticides, or chemical fertilizers.Keep soil covered with plastic mesh or river rock, if your bird has a tendency to dig in the soil. Mix some GSE into watering solution to inhibit the growth of fungus in the soil.
Scarlet & Dracaena
Conure with Jade
Some common SAFE houseplants;ALOE, African Violet, Asparagus Fern, Boston Fern, Bromeliads, Coleus, Norfolk Island Pine, Prayer Plant, Schefflera, Spider Plant, Staghorn fern, Swedish Ivy, Wandering Jew.
Some common TOXIC houseplants;Amaryllis, Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, Poinsettia
ALOE is a houseplant that every parrot owner should have a least one of.Aloe contains powerful pain relievers, anti-inflammatory compounds, relieves itchiness, soothes the digestive tract, heals abscesses, cysts, kills E.Coli, fungus, mycobacterium, strep and staph infections, salmonella, treats respiratory infections, yeast infections, and parasites.
A Note On Mixed Toxicity
As you start to research and offer more plants to your parrots, please be aware of the issue of mixed toxicity. That is, some part of a plant is safe, even beneficial & nutritious, other parts are toxic. Some examples of this are tomatoes and potatoes, members of the nightshade family, whose foliage is deadly.Elderberries flowers and fruit are safe and help stimulate the immune system, but the branches and leaves are poisonous.Honeysuckle branches, leaves and flowers are very safe, the dark colored berries, however, are toxic.
ResourcesBooksHolistic Care For Birds, A Manual of Wellness an Healing, by David McCluggage
DVM, and Pamela HigdonA Guide to a Naturally Healthy Bird, by Alicia McWatters PhD“What Happened to My Peanuts?” a Holistic Approach to Parrot Nutrition by
Gundrun Maybaum
Toxic & Safe Plant listhttp://www.mdvaden.com/bird_page.shtml http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1912&aid=2236 http://www.birdsnways.com/articles/plntsafe.htmhttp://www.petbirdbreeder.com/safeplants.htmhttp://www.liparrotsociety.org/toxic.htmhttp://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/index.htmlhttp://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/poisonousplants.htmlhttp://www.chelonia.org/Articles/plantsthatpoison.htmhttp://www.plannedparrothood.com/plants.html
Resources
Sites with Info on Aviarieshttp://naturalbird.com/http://naturalbird.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=54-carport-aviary-toms&catid=36-resources&Itemid=63http://cockatoorescue.org/index.htmhttp://clover.forest.net/kwcages/index.htmlhttp://www.cagesbydesign.com/c-63-suncatcher-outdoor-bird-aviaries.aspxhttp://cornerslimited.com/out_aviaries.htmlhttp://expandablehabitats.com/custom.htmSources for Seeds Plantshttp://neemtreefarms.com/http://www.territorialseed.com/http://www.cooksgarden.com/http://www.seedsofchange.com/http://www.sustainableseedco.com/http://www.victoryseeds.com/catalog/index.html
Resources
Sites and Groups to learn more about plants and their benefits to parrotshttp://www.landofvos.comhttp://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/EssentialBird/http://www.essentialbird.com/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ExoticPetsGardening/http://www.henriettesherbal.com/
Instructions on how to build a cageoller, In the files sections of Facebook Group The Parrot’s WorkshopIhttp://www.facebook.com/groups/206228222832350/#!/groups/206228222832350/207657642689408/Or at http://abirdsbestlife.wordpress.com/2012/06/13/go-outside/Visit http://abirdsbestlife.wordpress.com for more great ideasContact Laura at [email protected] or [email protected]