Plants That are Toxic to Birds

Should pet birds be allowed to eat plants?

Many bird species eat fruit, nuts, seeds, and occasionally the leaves of plants as a part of their natural diet. Birds often use their beaks to explore their environment, as well as to eat. However, plant poisoning can occur in a variety of ways.

• Well-meaning owners may offer plant-based foods to provide a more natural and varied diet.
• Plants may be added around a bird’s housing to provide enrichment.
• Birds may be unintentionally exposed to poisonous plants if they are allowed to roam the house or go outside.

Studies about the safety of specific plants related to birds are limited. In many cases, information must be inferred based on known risks to other species. The safety of certain plants is also related to the species of bird: plants that are poisonous to a macaw may not cause the same signs in a pigeon. 

Too many plants exist to completely understand every poisonous plant. A general knowledge of non-toxic plants can help you provide dietary variety and environmental enrichment for your pet birds.

Luckily, most plants considered poisonous do not cause serious illness. Stomach upset is the most common sign of poisoning, although some plants can cause severe effects or even death. Due to the possible harmful effects, it is best to prevent access to plants unless their safety for birds is known. If you think your bird has ingested any plant, immediately call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison center, at 1-800-213-6680.

What are some common plants that are poisonous to birds?

Many bird owners share food with their birds or add plants to vary the bird’s diet. However, there are some plants you should never feed your bird, including:

• Avocado: May cause difficulty breathing, heart problems, and agitation in birds
• Onions and garlic: Can cause red blood cell destruction and kidney damage
• Rhubarb leaves: Have been associated with digestive upset, low blood calcium levels, and kidney damage (ingestion of even small amounts can cause death)

Dieffenbachia and Philodendron are common household plants, but if birds ingest them, they can develop digestive upset, mouth pain, and sometimes difficulty breathing. Abnormal heart rhythms and changes in heart rate have been noted after birds have ingested:

• Lily of the valley
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Japanese yew
• Foxglove

The following list includes many plants which may be poisonous to birds, although it is not exhaustive. The asterisk (*) indicates plants that are specifically reported to be harmful in birds.

Poison Helpline, an animal poison center based out of Minneapolis, MN, is available 24/7 for pet owners and veterinary professionals that require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The staff provides treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals, and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline’s per-incident fee includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the poison case. Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.