Last Updated on: 19th November 2023, 12:45 pm
Uncooked bamboo is toxic and bitter-tasting as it contains taxiphyllin, a p-hydroxylated mandelonitrile tiglochinin. Parrots can eat bamboo shoots once they’ve been cooked for 30 minutes.
Cooked bamboo shoots have a slightly earthy, woody, and nutty flavor, so many parrots like the taste. Many birds also enjoy the texture because it’s slightly crunchy.
Bamboo shoots contain calcium, fiber, B vitamins, potassium, and phytochemicals, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties. They also contain selenium, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese.
Don’t confuse bamboo with the bamboo houseplant, which is highly toxic to parrots.
Can Parrots Eat Bamboo?
Bamboo is a vegetable that’s harvested from the ground.
According to the Royal Society of Open Science, bamboo shoots contain cyanogenic glycosides. When eaten, they break down to form cyanide. This causes oxidative stress and damages bodily tissue.
Cyanogen, specifically taxiphyllin, is an anti-nutrient that must be removed before consumption.
How To Prepare Bamboo for Parrots
To prepare bamboo for parrots, you must:
- Cut away the hard, fibrous outer layers and leaves.
- Chop the bamboo into small pieces.
- Allow it to soak for 24 hours to reduce the bitterness.
- Cook the bamboo in plain, unsalted water for 30 minutes to detoxify it.
Alternatively, oven-dry the bamboo shoots for about 8 hours at 120-125°F.
To determine if the detoxification process has been successful, check that the bitterness has gone. This process will remove enough taxiphyllin to make bamboo bird-safe.
Is Bamboo Good for Parrots?
Bamboo shoots contain the following nutrients:
Vitamin C
According to Science Direct, vitamin C is a vital antioxidant. However, most bird species (including parrots) can produce vitamin C from glucose in the liver.
Calcium
Calcium is essential for parrots’ bones and eggshells. Without sufficient calcium in the body (hypocalcemia), parrots are at risk of the following problems:
- Heart disorders.
- Seizures.
- Stress.
- Muscle pain and contractions.
- Feather plucking.
- Self-mutilation.
- Weak eggshells.
Larger birds, like macaws and African grays, have a higher bone density and need additional calcium.
Fiber
According to the Victoria State Government, bamboo shoots are a good source of dietary fiber.
Fiber keeps the digestive system working efficiently. It softens stools, so bamboo shoots can prevent constipation and regulate digestive transit.
Fiber fills parrots up, reducing hunger and minimizing the risk of weight gain.
B Vitamins
Bamboo is an excellent source of B vitamins, including:
- Thiamine (vitamin B-1).
- Riboflavin (vitamin B-2).
- Niacin (vitamin B-3).
- Pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5).
- Pyridoxine (vitamin B-6).
Bamboo shoots are high in vitamin B-6. This is vital for the brain, nervous system, and immune function.
Potassium
There are 533 mg of potassium in 100 g of bamboo, enabling bones and muscles to develop. Also, potassium works alongside sodium to regulate nerve signals, fluid balance, and muscle contractions.
Potassium aids in recovery from injuries. If the parrot sustains a wound, potassium helps stem the blood flow and reduce the risk of anemia. Vitamin K is also needed for blood coagulation.
Phytochemicals
Bamboo shoots contain phytochemicals, which have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Minerals
Bamboo is an excellent source of other minerals, including:
Selenium
Selenium is an antioxidant. It also assists with:
- Growth.
- Reproductive success.
- Thyroid hormone production.
Zinc
Parrots only need trace amounts of zinc. This assists with insulin production and vitamin A absorption.
Copper
Parrots need copper for heme synthesis and the creation of healthy blood vessels, connective tissues, and bones. Parrots store copper in their bones.
Iron
There’s 0.5 mg of iron in 100 g of bamboo.
Parrots need iron to create hemoglobin, transporting oxygenated blood around the body. Birds are at risk of anemia if they don’t get enough iron.
Manganese
Parrots need manganese for normal bone and eggshell growth. Without it, parrots are at risk of:
- Poor muscle coordination.
- Perosis.
- Tarsometatarsal joint dislocation.
Can Parrots Eat Bamboo Shoots?
Bamboo shoots, or sprouts, are the edible part. They’re also where vitamins and minerals are stored. They’re the tastiest part, so parrots like eating bamboo shoots.
Can Parrots Have Bamboo Leaves?
The leaves of “true bamboo” are safe for parrots.
Bamboo leaves contain up to 22% protein, assist with digestion, reduce inflammation, and contain vitamins B, C, and E. Birds also use bamboo leaves to create shelters and provide cover.
The leaves of bamboo plants, including the lucky and heavenly varieties, are toxic and dangerous.
Can Parrots Eat Bamboo Branches?
Bamboo branches aren’t edible, so you can’t feed them to parrots. However, a bamboo branch is an ideal wood for building structures because it’s strong and water-resistant.
If the branch is thick enough, you can use them to create bamboo perches.
A bamboo branch is safe for parrots to chew and rub their beaks on. It’s beneficial as it keeps their ever-growing beaks filed down. If a parrot’s beak’s too long, it’ll experience problems:
- Difficulty eating and drinking.
- Become imbalanced and uncoordinated.
- Feather-preening difficulties.
- Unable to climb the bars of its cage.
Are There Bamboo Perches for Parrots?
Bamboo is good for perches because it’s comfortable for the feet, reducing the risk of bumblefoot.
Many toys use bamboo as their primary building blocks because parrots like to chew. Bamboo provides parrots with countless hours of mental enrichment and stimulation.
Bamboo is safe and healthy to eat if it’s been cooked thoroughly. Alternatively, it can be made into cage toys and accessories that parrots enjoy using.
While bamboo has some risks, they’re easy to mitigate and shouldn’t deter you.
