How to Give Pomegranates to Parrots

With an unusual texture and a sweetly tart taste, pomegranates are a special treat for pet parrots. The succulent juicy seeds are like candy and they are full of nutrition, especially antioxidants that support a parrot's immune system. Digging the seeds either out of a fresh pomegranate rind or from a homemade food blend you create yourself makes the pomegranate a food and a toy--two treats in one. Because fresh pomegranates have a short life, you can freeze the seeds to treat your parrot all year long to its favorite fruit.

Things You'll Need

  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Wax paper
  • Zippered freezer bags or sealable storage containers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare a baking sheet with a wax paper lining and set it on the counter next to your work area.

    • 2

      Set the pomegranate on your cutting board and hold it tightly with one hand. Place the sharp edge of your knife at the crown of the fruit, and make a cut halfway to two-thirds through the pomegranate. Cut it deep enough to pry your fingers into the cut, but not so much that you cut the fruit completely in half.

    • 3

      Use your fingers to pry the pomegranate into two pieces. The reason you want to pry it apart instead of completely cutting it in half is because by tearing it apart, it is easier to get at the seeds. Take each half and cut again, beginning at the crown and going only deep enough to insert your fingers into the cut. Again, pry apart the two pieces.

    • 4

      Dig into each pomegranate section and pry the seeds away from the peel and rind. Place the seeds on the baking sheet lined with wax paper. Separate the seeds from one another and spread them out on the baking sheet so you don't have clumps of seeds. Set the empty rinds aside.

    • 5

      Place the baking sheet into the freezer for at least two hours. When the seeds are completely frozen, put them into a freeze-lock bag or storage container and store in the freezer for up to six months.

    • 6

      Take out a spoonful of seeds when you are ready to feed them to you parrot and mix them in with other foods or treats. Parrots love to search for the seeds, so it is always a fun game to hide them in other food or under toys.