Currently, there is a waiting time due to high demand. Please see our Delivery page for more information.

Parrot Nuts

Most parrots absolutely love nuts. However, like humans with bars of candy, intake needs to be limited! Nuts are high in fat and should should be viewed as treats rather than staples.

This is a general rule, and as with all general rules there are exceptions. African Greys and most Macaws, for example, thrive on a high-fat nuts and seeds seed, and just love teasing nuts from out of their shells. Other species can quickly pile on the fat, though, and this can lead to liver problems. As ever, expert advice on the requirement of your particular species of parrot is essential.


African Grey parrots love nuts
African Grey parrots go nuts for nuts!

Nuts offered to parrots should be unsalted and fit for human consumption. Offer different types and you will soon spot which ones are your pet' favorites. Large parrots will enjoy cracking the shells with their powerful beaks. Smaller species will need shelled nuts (with the exception of peanuts with their super-soft shells).

The following are suitable for most parrots:

  • Almonds
  • Cashews
  • Coconut shreds
  • Hazelnuts (filberts)
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Peanuts (monkey nuts)
  • Pecans
  • Pine nuts
  • Pistachios
  • Walnuts

Avoid walnuts, cashews and macademias if they are super-fresh, though, as the shells contain toxins.

Customer Images

Comments

Bernard, 20 September 2023

Peanuts? I thought peanuts have a bacteria that a lot of parrots can't handle and shouldn't have?


Kathleen, 27 February 2020

I read macadamia nuts were not good for parrots?


Maureen, 19 February 2019

are baru nuts safe for parrots


Karin, 21 May 2018

Thank you for the info on nut shells! I've only ever seen walnuts in shells.