When watching tv, it is a constant battle with my Cockatail and my mug of tea. He would be on my shoulder and creeps down to my mug while I am sipping and insists on drinking some. I use milk and sugar. Is this bad for him??
2007-03-23 00:21:21 · 18 answers · asked by Compo 3 in Pets ➔ Birds
Birds are lactose intolerant so the milk in your tea is bad for your bird but secondary to the caffeine contained in the tea. Refined sugar is another no-no. Birds should only have natural sugars from their fruits.
I wonder if he likes the tea or is his real joy in drinking the tea is in the sharing the cup with you. Try having a second cup that contains water or unsweetened fruit juice and let your buddy drink from that.
Silver2sea
2007-03-23 01:05:10 · answer #1 · answered by silver2sea 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always been told chocolate, avocado, anything with caffeine and anything carbonated is deadly.
Tea has less than half the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, but still about 40mgs per cup.
I personally wouldn't do it, because a cockatiel is pretty small, it's impossible to say what a safe amount would be. I don't even let mine chew on the straw I use when I drink a pepsi, I get him his own.
2007-03-23 07:50:54 · answer #2 · answered by RanaBanana 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A sip probably won't do a lot of harm however neither caffeine in tea or milk are good for parrot family birds.
2007-03-23 18:46:17 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is dangerous, if not they would sell tea for birds!! Most human foods are bad for birds as they have been processed in some way. Distract your cockatiel with a bird treat instead and it will be a lot healthier and will live a long life.
2007-03-23 20:06:45 · answer #4 · answered by smileybabe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It fine.My grey does it all the time. It a constant struggle when i want a cup of tea but she does prefer hot chocolate
In fact she insists on sharing all food and drink with me. she usually helps herself and can even open the contaner of her food. She a law unto herself
2007-03-23 21:05:30 · answer #5 · answered by Miss RoZy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just hope the tea isn't hot! We used to have a budgie that was fond of the hard stuff. Never did him any harm (he lived until 17) apart from making him a bit shaky on his claws (LOL)!
2007-03-23 18:36:28 · answer #6 · answered by Jock 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you mean cockatiel?
I have a cockatoo that will fight to the death for a cup of tea.
It is supposed to be very harmful for them. The general rule is if they can't find that particular food-stuff in their natural environment, then it's a no-no.
It doesn't stop mine, I just have to make sure he has a 'taste' rather than a 'drink'.
2007-03-23 07:25:26 · answer #7 · answered by Dogsbody 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Milk can cause diarrhea in most animals. If it's just a few sips it shouldn't do much harm.
2007-03-23 07:24:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Tea contains caffiene, which is dangerous to your bird. You also have milk in it. Birds cannot digest the lactose in dairy products. This can give them indigestion.
2007-03-23 08:15:16 · answer #9 · answered by not too creative 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no...its not bad for him - cockatiels wont drink things that they dont like. my cockatiel used to have a sip of my wine sometimes...and would also eat a bit of mash potato from the edge of my plate - i think its fantastic..they are such great characters!!
2007-03-24 04:45:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋