ZZ plants are all the rage in the world of indoor plants these days, and why not? They are super low maintenance and can survive even in the darkest of rooms. But as we all know, our feathery friends love to nibble on things, especially plants.
So the question that’s been keeping bird owners up at night is: “Are ZZ plants toxic to parrots?” Well, buckle up bird owners, because we’re about to find out.
The Lowdown on ZZ Toxicity
ZZ plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth and throat of birds and other pets if ingested. This can lead to difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and even respiratory distress in severe cases.
How toxic ZZ Plants really for Parrots?
ZZ plants are considered to be only mildly toxic to parrots or to other birds, so it’s unlikely that ingesting a small amount of the plant will cause any serious harm.
However, it’s still a good idea to keep your parrot away from the plant just to be on the safe side.
“Better Safe Than Sorry”:
It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health of your feathered friend. If you have a ZZ plant in your home and you’re worried about your parrot, it’s best to move the plant to a location that your parrot can’t access.
Or, you could consider switching to a different type of indoor plant that’s non-toxic to birds.
“Feather-Friendly” Plant Options
Here are a few bird-safe indoor plant options that you might want to consider instead of a ZZ plant:
- Boston Fern
- Spider Plant
- Peace Lily
- Pothos
- English Ivy
Wrapping Up Parrots and ZZ Plants!
ZZ plants are mildly toxic to birds and can cause discomfort if ingested. So it’s best to keep them out of reach of your parrot.
But don’t worry, there are plenty of other great indoor plants out there that are safe for birds, so you can still add a little green to your home without putting your feathery friend at risk.
Check: