Are Nuts Safe for Cockatoos?

Nuts are not only safe for your cockatoo, but they are an important part of its diet. Your bird will stay happy, healthy and "in fine feather" if you feed it a balanced, nutritious diet, including nuts. A variety of the right foods, happy interaction with you, fresh water and moderate exercise are all key to keeping your cockatoo healthy and content.

  1. The Nutritional Value of Nuts

    • Feed nuts to your cockatoo daily, as they are full of nutrients. The essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 are mainly found in raw nuts, seeds and legumes. Feed your bird mainly grain products, fruits and vegetables, as well as small amounts of dairy and meat, with seeds and nuts as treats. Parrots love nuts, so to encourage your bird to try a new food, mix in a bit of almond meal or almond butter.

    Keeping a Balanced Diet

    • Remember that moderation is important. In his book "How to Care for Your Pet Bird," veterinarian and founder of the Florida Exotic Bird Research Center Dr. Joel Murphy notes that since pet birds are mainly sedentary, an excess of high fat can result in obesity. As cockatoos still need nuts, however, he notes, "Even birds prone to obesity could be given one almond (about 10 calories) in the shell as a food toy."

    The Right Amount of Nuts

    • Feed your cockatoo only raw, unsalted nuts, whole or chopped, depending on its size. Dr. Pat Kendall, food science and human nutrition specialist at Colorado State University, notes that "about eight Brazil nuts, 12 macadamia nuts, 20 mixed nuts or 25 roasted almonds, all shelled, equal an ounce [165 to 200 calories]." One-tenth of an ounce a day --- about a half teaspoonful --- is at most 20 calories, a healthful amount.

    Not All Fats Are Unhealthy

    • If healthfully fed, your bird will reward you with a cheerful spirit.

      Don't avoid feeding your bird nuts out of fear that all fat is unhealthy. Even though your bird is mainly sedentary, nuts are still very healthy in moderation, and cockatoos and other parrots enjoy both the flavor of nuts and the activity of cracking the shells. Your cockatoo will be far better off with a moderate number of calories and fun, daily exercise than with a low-calorie diet and little exercise.