Last Updated on: 28th November 2023, 02:34 pm
Red onions, spring onions, leeks, and shallots – both raw and cooked – are bad for parrots.
Onions (Allium cepa), including garlic and chives, should never be fed to parrots because they contain sulfur. This compound irritates the mouth, esophagus, or crop, leading to ulcers and anemia.
Sulfur compounds interfere with parrots’ ability to produce hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells).
According to Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, the sulfur compounds in onions include:
- Alkenylcysteine sulfoxide.
- Diallyl sulfinate.
- N propyl disulfide.
The plant’s tissues are activated when the onion’s tissues are compromised. When onions are peeled, sliced, chopped, or crushed, the enzymes convert to sulfur compounds.
The adverse effects of onion consumption won’t always be immediately evident. If a parrot eats a small quantity of onion, it should be medically examined by an avian veterinarian.
What Happens If a Parrot Eats Onions?
Onions affect the circulatory system, but what happens when a parrot ingests onion? According to CABDirect, the parrot will develop anemia, anisocytosis, or hemolytic anemia.
Anemia
Since hemoglobin is needed for healthy red blood cells, the sulfur in onions stops parrots from producing enough healthy red blood cells (anemia).
One of the initial signs of onion poisoning in parrots is lethargy because it feels weak without enough healthy red blood cells.
Anisocytosis
Anisocytosis is when the red blood cells are of different sizes. In a healthy parrot, red blood cells should be about the same size.
Anisocytosis usually occurs due to untreated anemia, so it’s the natural progression of anemia.
Hemolytic Anemia
If a parrot ingests a lot of onion in one sitting or eats onion over a sustained period, it may develop hemolytic anemia.
Hemolytic anemia occurs when the red blood cells are destroyed faster than the parrot’s body can replenish them. According to NCBI, the common symptoms include:
- Rapid breathing.
- Pale mucous membrane.
- Lethargy.
- Sitting at the bottom of the cage/avoiding flying.
- Collapse.
Acidity
Onions have acidic properties, with a pH level of 5.6. Raw onions are more acidic than cooked onions. Their acidity can cause stomach and mouth ulcers.
Can Onions Kill Parrots?
Since onions cause blood disorders in parrots, eating onions can be fatal. If a parrot dies from eating onions, it’s usually when it has been ingested regularly or over several days.
There are many varieties of onions, so you may wonder if they’re all harmful to parrots. Unfortunately, anything that belongs to the Allium genus is dangerous.
Here are the main varieties of onions:
- Red onions.
- Yellow onions.
- White Onions.
- Green onions.
- Spring onions.
- Shallots.
- Leeks.
According to UVM, yellow onions have the highest sulfur content.
Although not an “onion,” the Allium genus also includes other harmful vegetables:
- Garlic (Allium sativum).
- Chives (Allium schoenoprasum).
Garlic and chives should never be given to parrots because they contain sulfur-based compounds.
Are All Parts of the Onion Toxic?
All parts of the onion are toxic to parrots, so they shouldn’t be allowed to peck at onion plants or play with onion skin. Neither can they be given cooked onion because it doesn’t destroy the sulfur.
As mentioned, peeling and chopping an onion releases sulfuric compounds. This means the onion is most toxic once prepared for consumption.
Even plants in the wild, like wild onion (Allium Canadensis) and pacific onion (Allium validum), are toxic.
Can I Cook Onions Near My Parrot?
Since onions and garlic are toxic to parrots, you may wonder if cooking them for personal consumption makes them safe. Parrots’ airways are sensitive, so we should avoid creating harmful fumes.
Remove parrots from the room and close the door if you cook onions and garlic at home. Ventilate as you cook. The fumes are unlikely to cause harm, but it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Avoid cooking using Tefal cookware because the fumes can harm a parrot’s respiratory system. Problems occur when Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is heated above 536°F (280°C).
Parrots shouldn’t be near the kitchen while you cook as they’re sensitive to fumes.
What To Do If A Parrot Eats Onions
Call the veterinarian immediately for advice if a parrot accidentally eats some onion. Treatments like oxygen therapy are available, but a vet will need to examine the parrot.
Birds are slightly more resistant to the effects of onion than other species (like cats and dogs). This means a small amount of onion, on one occasion, may be tolerated.
Key Points to Remember
- Yellow and peeled/prepared onions are the most toxic due to their high sulfur content.
- All onions (in any form) are dangerous and should never be given to a parrot.
- Garlic and chives are also deadly to parrots.
- Ventilate when cooking with ingredients (like onions and garlic), and don’t keep a parrot in the kitchen. Parrots should ideally be kept several rooms away to keep them safe.
Call the vet immediately if your parrot has ingested any onion as a precaution. If necessary, a vet can induce vomiting or perform a crop lavage (crop wash) to minimize the absorption of toxins.
