Can parrots eat hemp seeds?

Last Updated on December 19, 2022

In nature, parrots eat seeds as part of their diet. However, some seeds are harmful. You need to know which seeds are safe for your domestic parrots. Today, in this article, I will discuss some interesting information about whether parrots can eat hemp seeds. Are they healthy for parrots?

Parrots can eat hemp seeds containing various nutrients like protein, fiber, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are present in seed formulations and benefit the parrot’s overall health. A small amount of hemp seeds in parrots’ daily food intervals is outstanding. Overeating leads to malnutrition.

Hemp seeds can be the best option for your parrot’s seed pellets. I have shared various things about hemp seeds in this article, such as their serving methods and quantity, nutritional values, side effects, etc. So, give read this article.

Hemp Seeds For Parrots

Hemp seeds, crunchy with a nutty flavor and also called super seeds, are healthy and completely safe for parrots to feed. They have many nutrients that parrots require for their daily life activities. Most pet owners have been serving hemp seeds to their parrots for ages, and according to further research, hemp seeds are considered the best seed option for their formulation of seeds.

Hemp seeds are oilseeds, and due to their nutritional values, you can serve them to big and small parrots, like macaws, parakeets, African grey parrots, and small budgie conures.

Are They Healthy For Parrots?

Hemp seeds are healthy, delectable, and entirely safe for parrot feeding. Hemp seeds are also called protein powerhouses due to their enriched protein content and all 21 amino acids. So, it is essential to feed parrots hemp seeds, as their body can’t manufacture such nutrients.

So, hemp seeds are a great source of these essential nutrients that parrots need for daily activities but can’t form independently. Besides this, there are numerous health benefits of hemp seeds which I will share in this article.

Hemp Seeds Oil For Parrots:

It is safe and healthy for parrots. It is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 and prevents diseases like skin conditions, dull feathers, skin irritations, itching, etc. It also improves heart health. So, you can add a small amount of hemp seed oil into parrots’ food or serve it directly with a teaspoon. One teaspoon for big parrots and a half for small parrots is a proper serving after a week.

Can Parrots Eat Raw Hemp Seeds?

Parrots can eat raw hemp seeds; it is considered the most nutritious seeds worldwide. A moderate serving of raw hemp seeds for your parrots is super healthy and delicious.

Hemp seeds are also eaten as nuts, and their taste is like pine nuts, pleasantly nutty. Raw hemp seeds are perfectly fine and edible.

Can Parrots Eat Cooked Hemp Seeds?

Parrots can also eat cooked hemp seeds, roasted, baked, boiled, or steamed. But you should only serve homemade cooked hemp seeds to your parrots. Market-purchased cooked hemp seeds are not healthy for feeding parrots. A moderate amount of cooked hemp seeds is okay for parrots, but the best option is to serve raw hemp seeds.

For preparing cooked hemp seeds, you just need to roast or boil hemp seeds without adding any other ingredients for almost 5-10 minutes, and after that, serve at room temperature.

How To Serve Hemp Seeds To Parrots?

There can be various ways to serve hemp seeds to parrots, so here I will share some of the main ones:

• You can serve hemp seeds to parrots directly in a bowl or plate.
• You can sprinkle a few hemp seeds on the parrot’s food.
• Parrots can eat them as seed pellets.
• Depending on the parrot’s preferences, you can serve them as snacks or whole meals.
• Besides this, other serving methods like baked, steamed, and roasted hemp seeds are also perfect snack items for parrots. 
• You can also serve dried hemp seeds to parrots.

How Often Can You Serve Hemp Seeds To Parrots?

Some pet owners like to offer a few hemp seeds to parrots daily, some serve a moderate amount of hemp seeds after 2 to 3 days, and some like to serve hemp seeds wholemeal 1 to 2 times a week.

The best serving quantity and duration for hemp seeds is a limited portion after 2 to 3 days a week. You can also sprinkle a pinch of hemp seeds to parrot other food 3-5 times a day.

Benefits Of Hemp Seeds:

Hemp seeds are enriched with various nutritional values, including protein, fats, fibers, carbohydrates, iron, etc. So, all these nutrients provide different health benefits to your parrots if served appropriately. Common benefits include

• It helps to promote relaxation and calmness.
• Hemp seeds improve the skin health of parrots.
• It strengthens the muscles and bones of parrots.
• It decreases depression and anxiety.
• It also promotes the heart health of parrots.
• Hemp seeds boost the immune system of parrots.
• It is healthy for the digestive system.
• It helps to treat diarrhea and constipation.
• Hemp seed oil improves the shine of the parrot’s feathers and skin.
• Hemp seed oil helps tackle parrots with destructive behavior such as feather plucking.
• Hemp seeds are beneficial to maintain the body weights of parrots.
• It helps to produce vital enzymes.

The health benefits may depend on the parrot’s health and your serving portions, so always serve in the best possible ways to provide these benefits to your parrots.

What if your parrot eats hemp seeds regularly?

Hemp seeds should be offered in moderate quantities. Parrots get habitual of seed diet, If they eat seeds regularly. Although hemp seeds are nutritious and healthy but they lack vitamin A, D, K and certain essential nutrients. Parrots that eat seeds as their primary feed may suffer from malnutrition and health problems.

Side Effects Of Hemp Seeds To Parrots:

Hemp seeds are overall healthy, but if you serve an excess amount of hemp to parrots every day, it can cause severe health issues, like allergic reactions such as

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Slow heart health.
• High blood pressure.

So, if you want to avoid these adverse effects, make sure to serve hemp seeds in moderate amounts.

Conclusion:

Parrots can eat hemp seeds; as they are great source of protein, super healthy and enriched with various nutrients. So you should also add a small number of hemp seeds into your parrot’s diet. I have completely shared all the details about hemp seeds in this article, so I hope you like this information. If you want to ask any other questions about hemp seeds, you can ask them in the comment section. I will make sure to answer all your queries.

Also Read About: Can Parrots Eat Plantains?