Can Parakeets Eat Basil? (How Much Is Safe?)

Parakeets or budgies are so cute I could give them a bear hug! Of course, that’s the understatement of the love I have for my parakeet family. The first thing I learned over time is their nourishing diet plan. One can become confused reading facts online.

We are confident with the mixed seeds/pellets package found at feed stores because they are nutritional and 100% apt for budgies. Our concern is with the type of greens and fruits we can offer them. One weighty question entails, can parakeets eat basil?

Basils and Parakeets/Budgies

If there’s one thing Covid-19 has taught us, it is to grow plants, has your own vegetation corner, and learn from failures (when you forget to water the plants).

Suppose you grow basil as well. The leaves are not only a wonderful ingredient to Italian recipes for humans, but they’re also a hearty addition to parakeet feeders.

It is one of many herbs budgies eat in full content!

1. Basil Leaves

If you are looking for ways to bring change to the usual parakeet diet, adding some basil leaves can be a superb idea. Let’s break down the basic information regarding this subject:

• Basil leaves are known as a culinary herb that provides numerous health benefits for humans. Needless to say, parakeets also gain some of those positive sides.
• Since the texture is tender, they’re easy for the budgies to digest.
• You can add the leaves along with other mixed seeds.
• Basil leaves are an excellent supplementary food source to offer parakeets.
• You may not believe this, but basil leaves promote a content mind state in both humans and pet birds!
• It offers antioxidant properties to fight against various infections.

If you wish to learn about beneficial facts regarding basil, check out the next section.

Moreover, there are several textures and types you’ll come across:

• Lettuce leaf basil
• Genovese basil
• Napoletano basil
• Sweet basil
• Thai basil

As a result, you and your parakeet family can choose from varieties of options.

2. Basil Seeds

While watching the budgies munching through the green basil leaves, you may ask yourself, are basil seeds good for budgies?

If they can eat the leaves that grow out of the seeds, surely basil seeds are safe too.

• In case you aren’t aware of this – many budgies find it difficult to switch from all seeds dietary to leafy meals.
• This is when you can try basil seeds instead. Try mixing them with millet-based seeds.
• Don’t overfeed. Despite having found no toxicity in basil seeds, too much of it can cause indigestion.

Advantages of Giving Basil to Parakeets

Surprisingly, the beneficial points of basil for parakeets kind of click with us humans. Therefore, what you gain from consuming basil herb as a part of a meal ingredient is also loosely applied to our winged friends. 

• Basil enhances the parakeet digestion system.
• Including a little basil in their diet can reduce agitation caused by indigestion.
• Basil is remarkable as an anti-inflammatory remedy.
• A budgie may show annoyance if the body is inflamed. Basil intake can fight it off.
• Did you know that the herb promotes robust features or healthy skin in your case?
• It keeps your state of mind calm and happy. The same applies to your parakeets!
• Helps boost liver function.
• It improves the overall immune system as basil contains antioxidant properties.

Disadvantages of Giving Basil to Parakeets

Budgies can still face some minor negatives despite the endless advantages. I’ve highlighted the main concerns below:

• Parakeets can be allergic to some food items just like us. Although it’s unusual, notice any change in your bird or if they’re all right after consuming basil.
• Overfeeding basil can lead to agitation or restlessness. Just because your budgies demand more, you shouldn’t keep on giving.
• Budgies can be picky too. Therefore, some might not like the basil taste when mixed with other seed mixes. This ruins their appetite as they won’t touch the food unless you change them.

List of Herbs Parakeets/Budgies Will Enjoy

So, what other herbs can you feed your parakeet? Remember that these herbs are not for daily diet. You add them to the regular diet like a surprise treat.

The names of common herbs to feed your budgies are as follows:

• Tarragon
• Sorrel
• Savory
• Rocket
• Purslane
• Marjoram
• Lemongrass
• Lemon balm
• Lovage
• Fennel
• Cress
• Chives
• Coriander
• Chervil
• Borage
• Basil

FAQs

Conclusion

So, can parakeets eat basil? You can say it’s one of their most preferred herbs after mint. Just as too many basil leaves on a pizza can ruin the meal’s taste, it can be distasteful for budgies, too, if you go overboard.

Simply maintain a healthy routine to minimize constant visits to vets due to your budgies’ upset stomach.

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