Cicely, also known as lovage, is an ancient herb used in cooking and medicine. Its leaves can be made into tea or added to meals to give flavor.
It has healing properties that benefit horses, goats, pigs, and chickens. But is cicely suitable for parrots?
We will discuss the safety of cicely for parrots. We will provide guidelines on how to feed it responsibly. We will also explain the risks of taking it in large doses or on an empty stomach.
Then, you can decide if it should be in your bird’s diet.
Cicely
Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a perennial herb from Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. It’s a key ingredient in the traditional English herbal tea, ‘Gilliflower’ or Sops-in-Wine.
It has feathery leaves with a strong aniseed taste and smell. And it has white flowers in spring and summer.
Cicely has been used for centuries as a culinary herb. Now, it’s famous for salads, smoothies, teas, ice cream, liqueurs, and drinks. It’s also used medicinally to treat colds, stomach issues, indigestion, fever, and catarrh.
People often ask if cicely is safe for parrots. While the herb is non-toxic, there are some points to consider. Here are some tips:
- Before giving it to your pet bird, ensure you know the plant.
- Ensure harvested plants don’t have chemical treatments such as pesticides or fertilizers before feeding them.
- Don’t feed cicely leaves alone, as the aniseed flavor can be intense in large doses.
- Introduce any food item slowly and in small doses. Then, increase the portion size while observing how your parrot reacts.
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Nutritional Value of Cicely
Cicely can be a nutritious part of a parrot’s diet! It provides fiber, vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium minerals. Yet, when feeding cicely to your parrot, there are vital things to remember.
Let’s look at nutrition of cicely and find out why being cautious is essential.
Vitamins and Minerals
Cicely belongs to the carrot family, like celery and parsley. It is full of vitamins and minerals that parrots need. Vitamins A, C, E, K, and folate are in cicely. It also contains polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, and sulfur compounds such as DIM.
Minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, and manganese are present in cicely. It has carbohydrates, proteins, and fats which give energy and help maintain cells.
The leaves of cicely are a great source of dietary fiber. It aids digestion in parrots, reduces cholesterol levels, and improves blood sugar levels.
Cicely has lots of digestive health benefits for parrots.
- Decreases bloating caused by gas in the intestines.
- Increases saliva production, which helps to break down food.
- It makes parrots hungrier due to their smell or flavor.
- It is used to treat wounds or sores.
However, there is no proof that cicely helps against systemic infections in birds caused by bacteria or viruses, like giardia or psittacosis.
Calcium Content
Cicely, also known as sweet cicely or Myrrhis odorata, is a perennial herb native to Europe and Asia. It’s been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. Its flavor is like anise, making it a great seasoning.
It’s also an ingredient in some natural health supplements.
Nutritionally, cicely is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, and phosphorus. A 100-gram serving of fresh cicely contains 180 milligrams of calcium.
That’s 18 percent of the recommended daily intake for adults aged 19 and over. Calcium helps bone health, muscle contractions, and nerve and cell function. For parrots, cicely can be especially beneficial for their high metabolic rate.
Protein Content
Parrots can eat it in moderation. Protein content in cicely is low; 100g of fresh leaves contain 2.7g of protein.
The amino acids in the proteins are arginine, glutamic acid, threonine, and tyrosine. These are good for parrot health. Cicely also provides 3.6g of dietary fiber/100g.
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Is Cicely Safe for Parrots?
Pet owners and vets bicker over the safety of giving Cicely to parrots. Some think it could help, but others are cautious. Let’s check out the positives and negatives of this action:
Potential Health Risks
It’s usually safe for people to eat, but it may be dangerous for parrots.
Potential risks:
- Allergies: Cicely seed can cause allergic reactions, such as skin rashes and anaphylactic shock. This could be a risk for parrots, especially if they are prone to allergies.
- Oxalates: Cicely contains oxalic acid and oxalates, which can stop nutrients from being absorbed by mammals and birds. If birds eat a lot of cicely, they may not get enough nutrients.
- Toxicity: Cicely contains polyacetylenes, which can be toxic if eaten in large amounts.
It’s best to check with an avian veterinarian or nutritionist before giving cicely to parrots. This will help them get the proper nutrients and avoid potentially dangerous plants.
Potential Toxicity
Cicely (Myrrhis odorata), also known as sweet cicely or English myrrh, is a flowering plant from the Apiaceae family. It has been used medicinally, and as food, so pet owners may wonder if it is safe for their parrots.
It can be okay for parrots to eat cicely, but too much could be toxic. There are substances in the plant that are poisonous and should be avoided.
Saponins, which can cause stomach pain if consumed in large amounts, and higenamine, which may bother cats and dogs, are two toxins.
So, parrots can eat cicely safely in small amounts, but only with veterinary approval. Before giving any new food item, including cicely, to your pet, consult a vet.
Conclusion: Is Cicely Safe For Parrots
Cicely is generally safe for parrots, yet giving them small amounts is essential. Too much could cause adverse effects. Offer it occasionally, and seek advice from a vet if you have any doubts. Remember to make cicely part of a balanced diet for your parrot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Cicely safe for Parrots?
A: Yes! Cicely is safe for parrots as it is an edible herb.
Q: Will Cicely make my parrot sick?
A: No, Cicely is not known to cause any sickness in parrots.
Q: Can I give my parrot Cicely?
A: Yes! You can give your parrot Cicely as an occasional treat.
