Do Bananas Harm Birds?

In the wild, bananas provide one of the most common staples of an exotic bird's diet. Birds such as parrots and macaws use the bananas and the banana trees for shelter, nourishment, protection and roosting. Despite the best efforts of bird enthusiasts, bananas still have come under suspicion of being unhealthy, and even lethal, for birds to eat.

  1. Folklore

    • Despite popular belief, bananas cannot harm birds. The reason this legend exists is because some birds simply don't like to eat bananas, much the same way some people don't enjoy the fruit. It is much more common for an exotic species of bird to enjoy bananas than a bird found exclusively in colder climates, such as a sparrow or robin.

    Benefits

    • Bananas provide several vitamins and essential nutrients that birds require to stay healthy and fit. Some vitamins found in bananas include A, B6 and C. Potassium is also extremely beneficial for birds as it regulates their protein levels.

    Dangers

    • The only danger bananas can cause to birds is if they have been treated with a chemical agent. Banana farmers and home owners with banana plants commonly spray their plants so bugs don't invade and ruin the fruit. These chemicals are odorless, not easily detectable by the bird, and can cause serious internal harm and even death.

    Solution

    • Wash every banana you purchase for your home. Whether it is for your pets or human consumption, by cleaning the fruit we are eliminating the chances of illness caused by pesticide.