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Plants dangerous to parrots

Parrots shred plants during out-of-cage time. Avocado is the classic, often fatal, bird toxin.

Parrots

Warning signs: Fluffed feathers, labored breathing, regurgitation, sitting on cage floor.

If you suspect poisoning: remove any plant material, keep a sample, and call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

12 plants to keep away from parrots

  • Avocado (leaves, pit, skin)

    Severe

    Persin causes heart damage and respiratory distress.

  • Oleander

    Severe

    Cardiac glycosides disrupt heart rhythm; can be fatal in small amounts.

  • Yew

    Severe

    Taxine alkaloids cause sudden heart failure.

  • Lily of the valley

    Severe

    Cardiac glycosides cause dangerous heart arrhythmia.

  • Azalea & rhododendron

    Severe

    Grayanotoxins cause vomiting, weakness, abnormal heart rhythm.

  • Rhubarb leaves

    Severe

    Oxalic acid causes kidney damage and tremors.

  • Onion, garlic & chives

    Severe

    Damage red blood cells, causing anemia.

  • Tobacco

    Severe

    Nicotine causes tremors, rapid heart rate and collapse.

  • Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)

    Moderate

    Calcium oxalate crystals cause oral pain, swelling and drooling.

  • Pothos

    Moderate

    Calcium oxalate crystals irritate the mouth and throat.

  • Philodendron

    Moderate

    Oral irritation, drooling and difficulty swallowing.

  • Euphorbia (pencil cactus, crown of thorns)

    Moderate

    Caustic sap burns the mouth and eyes.

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General information only, not veterinary advice. Toxicity varies with the amount eaten and the animal's size.