This write up seeks to provide an insight in respect of whether parrots can eat blackberries. Parrots are common pets in many regions and many foods are used to feed them of which blackberries remains an integral and essential part.
Can parrots eat blackberries?
Yes, parrots can eat blackberries because of their health benefits on parrots, among fruits which are nutritious for parrots, blackberries are essential parts of them. Parrots need vitamins C, A and K which are all found in blackberries, Blackberries shouldn't constitute the major part of parrot's food as it's excess can be of adverse effects, Blackberries are good for parrots in as much they are neat, fresh and also organic. Energy is needed by parrots which is found mostly in blackberries.
LINKAGE BETWEEN PARROTS AND BLACKBERRIES
parrots are birds which are called Psittaciformes in scientific term and belongs to the chordata phylum. Parrots are also omnivorous in nature which means that it is possible for them to eat meats, fishes and plants as well. In other words, blackberries are fruits from the rosacea family and found safe to eat. Blackberry as a fruit is small in size and has a round shape with a black or dark purple in colour. Basically, Blackberries are mostly used in making pies as well as jams, the introduction of Blackberries into pies and jams gives a sweetness that is second to none. The two terms above means that blackberries are safe for parrots as it gives the needed nutritional values to them. Blackberries among many others are parts of the plants meant to be fed on by parrots for an expected healthy life and proper hygiene. However, blackberries are said to have three major types which are known as: Erect thorny blackberries, Erect thornless blackberries and; Trailing thornless blackberries. The good news here is that all the three types of blackberries listed above are safe and healthy for consumption of parrots. Also, in 1996, it was discovered by the agricultural sector in the United States of that Tripple crown blackberries are the sweetest of all other blackberries types.
CONTENTS FOUND IN BLACKBERRIES
From the scientist point of view and valid researches made, blackberries contains Vitamins C, Vitamins A and Vitamins K. Vitamins C Is an essential content expected to be found in a food or plant and this is found in blackberries. Vitamin C helps to build the immune system which in turn helps to form collagen and often aids in the healing process of a wound sustained. As much as Vitamin C is important, the impact of Vitamin A cannot be overemphasized as well. Vitamin A helps parrots to grow healthy and sufficient feathers for their age grades, it also clears the eyes and makes them see clearly without being blurry. Vitamin A is also essential for he young parrots in terms of growth.
EFFECTS OF BLACKBERRIES ON THE BRAIN OF PARROTS
Knowingly fully well that parrots are very sensitive and alerting to their immediate environment, these traits are triggered by the activeness of the brain. Blackberries play a very strong role in ensuring that the brain functions properly which eventually leads to brain efficiency. Mind you, blackberries contain an element known as polyphenol whose function is to give adequate protection to the brain. Aside the fact that the polyphenol protects the brain from external damage, it also neutralizes the hormones which can possibly cause brain disease.
NUTRITIONAL CONTENTS AND ELEMENTS FOUND IN BLACKBERRIES
From recent and past updates, the department of agriculture in the United States of America came up with a conclusion that one cup of blackberries practically contains the following elements which are nutritional for the well-being of parrots and other animals ( including man) generally.
Calories in one cup of blackberries contain 64 Kcal.
Protein in one cup of blackberries contain 2.08 grams.
Fat in one cup of blackberries contain 0.735 grams.
Carbohydrate in one cup of blackberries contain 14.4 grams.
Sugars in one cup of blackberries contain 7.32 grams
Fiber in one cup of blackberries contain 7.95 grams
Calcium in one cup of blackberries contain 43.5 milligrams
Iron in one cup of blackberries contain 0.93 milligrams
Magnesium in one cup of blackberries contain 30 milligrams
Vitamin C in one cup of blackberries contain 31.5 milligrams
Vitamin B-6 in one cup of blackberries contain 0.045 milligrams
Vitamin A in one cup of blackberries contain 16.5 µg
SIDE EFFECTS OF BLACKBERRIES ON PARROTS
As much as blackberries are nutritional to parrots, excess of them can pose threat and danger to the feeding lifestyle of parrots. Blackberries are not the only source of nutrition to feed parrots but when parrots are only trained with blackberries, it makes it so difficult to change and adapt to other nutritious plants and vegetables, thereby losing out on other nutrients provided by those plants.
CAN PARROTS EAT DRIED BLACKBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES' SEEDS AND FROZEN BLACKBERRIES ?
Aside from the consumption of fresh blackberries by parrots, it should also be noted that parrots can as well eat dried blackberries and blackberries seeds. The consumption of dried blackberries has no health hazard per say but it should be controlled because too much of it can lead to gaining of unnecessary weights by the parrots which practically dangerous. Consumption of blackberries seeds is not dangerous as well as it gives protein which is eventually broken down to amino acids which aids the provision of good feathers and maintenance of glowing skin. It is sometimes advisable to train parrots with varieties of blackberries by introducing frozen ones aside the fresh ones. A frozen blackberry is safe for parrots to eat and gives necessary nutrition admist keeping it cool, but one should be very careful in feeding parrots with frozen blackberries because the ice on it can be sometimes dangerous and lead to stomach upset if not removed before feeding parrots with it. Blackberry juice can be used to feed parrots as well as it will help in preventing against any form of pest diseases.
CONCLUSION
Among many other foods which parrots can feed on, Blackberries are said and known to be the best for parrots. Blackberries are full of nutrients that can help and aid the boosting and building of the immune system, as well as providing fibre, vitamins A, E, K and other nutritional elements. Hence, blackberries can sometimes be dangerous for parrots as a result of excess sugar contents found in them. It is advisable to wash blackberries very well if they must be used to feed parrot as well as being modest in the quantities to give them.
