7 Human Foods That Are Surprisingly Dangerous for Pet Birds

If you’re the proud owner of a pet bird — whether it’s a chatty parrot, a curious cockatiel, or a sweet little budgie — chances are you’ve been tempted to share your snack at least once. They look at you with those beady eyes, maybe tilt their head or chirp as if to say, “Hey, I’ll have what you’re having!” But hold up — what’s harmless (or even healthy) for humans can be highly toxic for birds.

Here are seven everyday foods that might seem innocent but could cause serious harm — or worse — to your feathered friend.

1. Avocado: The Green Fruit with a Hidden Danger

Avocados have become a health food staple in many American kitchens — great on toast, in smoothies, or turned into guac. But for birds, they’re a big no-no. The skin, pit, and even the flesh contain a chemical called persin, which can affect a bird’s heart and lungs.

Symptoms can appear quickly — labored breathing, weakness, or not wanting to eat — and in some cases, it can be fatal. While some wild birds might nibble on avocado in nature without issue, your parrot at home doesn’t have the same resistance. It’s not worth the risk.

2. Tomatoes: Too Acidic for Delicate Digestion

A slice of tomato might seem harmless, but for pet birds, its high acidity can irritate their digestive system, especially if eaten raw. The stems and leaves are even more dangerous — they belong to the nightshade family, after all.

If you really want to offer a taste, a tiny bit of cooked tomato (like a bit of plain sauce) might be okay — but honestly, there are safer fruits out there.

3. Onions: Not Just Tears, But Toxicity

Chopped onions in your salad or sautéed in a pan might be delicious to us, but they’re dangerous for birds in both raw and cooked forms. Onions contain sulfur compounds that can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. In severe cases, they can trigger respiratory issues or even death.

Birds’ bodies are just not built to handle the stuff that makes us cry. Avoid onions, scallions, chives — the whole family.

4. Garlic: A Powerful Flavor, A Powerful Risk

Garlic is often considered healthy for humans (some even swear by garlic supplements), but for birds, it’s in the same risky category as onions. It contains allicin, which can harm red blood cells and lead to internal issues over time.

Even though it’s found in many of our dishes, garlic doesn’t belong in your bird’s bowl. Keep it on your pizza, not in the cage.

Celery: The Unexpected Choking Hazard

Celery might look like a light, water-rich snack — and it’s not toxic — but it’s not exactly bird-friendly either. The long, stringy fibers can get caught in a bird’s throat or digestive tract, potentially leading to blockages.

If you insist on feeding celery, be sure to remove all the strings and chop it into very small, manageable pieces. Or, just go with something safer, like a bit of cucumber or leafy greens.

Mushrooms: Risky and Unpredictable

Mushrooms are tricky. Some are fine for humans, others not so much — and the same goes for birds. Many wild mushrooms (and even some store-bought ones) contain toxins that can damage a bird’s liver or kidneys.

Since birds have such sensitive systems, and mushroom safety is hard to generalize, it’s best to leave mushrooms off the menu entirely.

Anything You’re Not Sure About

This might sound like a cop-out, but it’s honestly the best advice: if you’re not 100% sure a food is bird-safe, don’t offer it. Due to their small size and rapid metabolisms, birds could soon get overwhelmed by something as seemingly innocuous as a crumb.

Your best bet is to limit your diet to dependable fruits (such as berries, bananas, or seedless apples), vegetables (such as carrots or leafy greens), and commercial bird treats that have been vetted by veterinarians.. And when in doubt? Ask an avian vet — they’re a bird owner’s best friend.

Concluding Remarks: Love Requires Efficient Nutrition

Feeding your bird is an important component of habit, love, and bonding. It’s not just about keeping them full. However, loving also entails knowing when to refuse. A tiny nibble of something off-limits could lead to an emergency vet visit, or worse.

So next time your bird eyes your sandwich, give them something safe instead — and maybe enjoy your avocado toast in private