Plants That are Safe for Birds

My bird likes to eat my houseplants. Should I be worried?

Many birds naturally eat plants as part of their diet. Birds will chew on and possibly consume plants in play and curiosity. Birds left unsupervised out of their cages may easily encounter plants kept around the house and in the garden. Owners should be aware of which plants are safe for birds. There are very few scientific studies about plant toxicity and pet birds. Some plants will just make a bird sick, while others can kill them (see handout “Plants That Are Toxic to Birds”). Some of the scientific information pertaining to other pet species and humans must be extrapolated in reference to pet birds.

Which plants are safe?

The following indoor and outdoor plants have been reported as having no adverse effects on animals. Please also reference the handout “Plants That Are Toxic to Birds”. Remember that any plant eaten in excess may be harmful, or at minimum, may cause gastrointestinal upset. If you are concerned about the safety of specific plants not listed here, consult Pet Poison Helpline (www.petpoisonhelpline.com) or your avian veterinarian for more information.

There are hundreds of different pet bird species, and each has its own tolerance for certain plants, so the guide below is only a starting point for discussion with your avian veterinarian. The plants listed here may not be proven or guaranteed safe for your bird.

Safe Trees for Perches