What Fruits Can Birds Eat? [15 Nutritious Fruits]

Birds are not just lovely to look at in our yards, but they also have a big job in nature.

Feeding them well can keep them healthy and lively, and can even make them look prettier.

Although bird food is really good for them, fruits in their diet add even more good stuff like vitamins and minerals, making them even healthier.

Why Feed Fruits to Birds?

Fruits are full of things like vitamins, minerals, and stuff that stops them from getting sick. They have carbs, which give birds the energy to fly and move, and fiber, which helps their tummies work well.

What to Think About When Picking Fruits for Birds

Here are some things to keep in mind when you’re giving fruits to birds:

1. Size and Kind of Bird: Different birds like different sizes of fruits. Little birds go for tinier fruits like berries, but big birds can handle larger fruits like slices of melon.
2. When It’s Available: Usually, birds eat what fruits they can find easily where they live and at that time.
3. Ripe and Freshness: They love fruits that are perfectly ripe and very fresh, not mushy or spoiled.

15 Yummy Fruits Birds Love

Birds enjoy a whole bunch of different fruits like apples, bananas, different kinds of berries, melons, and citrus fruits. These give them a mix of important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also help make their immune systems stronger and keep them from getting sick.

1. Apples

Apples are super good for birds, packed with things like fiber and stuff that stop cells from getting hurt. They also have something called pectin which helps keep their digestion in check. Just remember to take out the seeds because they’re not good for birds. Cut them up into pieces or slices to treat your feathered friends.

2. Bananas

Bananas are full of potassium and vitamins C and B6. They’ve got fiber and stuff to fight off diseases, too. And they’re easy on a bird’s stomach! Peel them and chop them into little bites for a nice snack.

3. Berries

Berries, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are loaded with vitamins and things that keep birds healthy. And fiber helps their digestive system. You can offer them fresh or frozen berries.

4. Cherries

Cherries give birds vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Plus, they’ve got antioxidants too. But don’t forget to take out the pits because they’re not safe for birds to eat. Offer cherries as a special snack.

5. Grapes

Grapes have vitamins like vitamin C, and stuff like potassium and fiber. They’re full of antioxidants too, which keep birds healthy. Both fresh and frozen grapes are okay to feed your birdie buddies.

6. Kiwi

Kiwi is packed with lots of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. It also has antioxidants that help birds stay healthy. Just make sure you peel the kiwi before giving it to the birds.

7. Mango

Mango is rich in vitamins like vitamin C and A, and minerals such as potassium. It also has fiber and antioxidants. Give them fresh or frozen mango for a tasty treat.

8. Melons

Watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melons are great sources of vitamins C and potassium, plus they have a lot of fiber. They help fight off diseases too. You can serve up these melons fresh or frozen for your feathered pals.

9. Oranges

Oranges are full of vitamin C and fiber, plus they’ve got antioxidants. They also have this special thing called flavonoids. Before giving them to birds, peel them and pick out all the seeds.

10. Papaya

Papaya is another fruit that’s got lots of good vitamins and minerals, like vitamin C and A, and potassium. Plus, it’s got fiber and antioxidants. Remember to remove the skin and seeds before giving it as a treat.

11. Pears

Pears give birds fiber, vitamin C, and a mineral called copper. They’re also full of antioxidants. Just like other fruits, you can give pears to birds either fresh or frozen.

12. Pineapple

Pineapple has various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and manganese, along with fiber. It also has antioxidants and an enzyme called bromelain, which can help birds digest better. Serve them some fresh or frozen pineapple.

13. Plums

Plums are delicious fruits that give birds many important nutrients, like vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They’re also packed with antioxidants which are great for a bird’s immune system. Plus, they don’t have a lot of calories, making them a good snack for birds who need to watch their weight.

Remember that

Plums are generally okay for most birds to enjoy. However, you should take out the pits or stones because they can be harmful. Also, give plums to birds in small amounts to prevent stomach upset.

14. Pomegranate

Pomegranates are full of good things like vitamins C and K, folate, and fiber. They are also full of antioxidants that are great for fighting off sickness and reducing swelling.

To feed pomegranates to birds the right way, you need to make sure they’re prepared well. The hard skin and seeds can be tough for birds to handle, so take the seeds out and cut the fruit into bits that are easy for them to eat.

15. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are tasty and can give birds lots of nutrients like vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. They also have antioxidants that help fight disease and reduce swelling.

Although tomatoes are mostly safe, you should never give birds the leaves and stems since they’re not good for them. Also, because tomatoes are acidic, they can upset birds’ stomachs if they eat too much. It’s best to give birds ripe, soft tomatoes that have been cleaned and cut into little bits.

How To Feed Birds Fruit Properly

Feeding fruit to your birds is healthy and fun for them, but it’s important to do it the right way. Here’s what you should do to give them fruit safely and in the right amounts:

Step 1: Choose the Right Fruits

Always pick fruits that are okay for birds, like apples, bananas, berries, melons, and oranges. Don’t feed them fruits with pits like avocados, cherries, peaches, and plums because they could be dangerous.

Step 2: Wash and Prepare the Fruit

Make sure to wash fruits well to get rid of any chemicals or dirt. Then, cut them into small pieces that are easy for birds to eat.

Step 3: Offer Fruits Sparingly

While fruits are good for birds, they shouldn’t eat too much of them. A little bit of fruit is enough because too much can make them overweight and cause other problems.

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Step 4: Remove Seeds and Pits

Some seeds and pits from fruits can be dangerous and could choke birds. Always take them out before you give any fruit to your birds.

Step 5: Serve in a Clean Dish

Put the fruit in a clean dish for your birds. If they don’t eat it all, take away what’s left after a few hours to stop bacteria from growing and to keep it from spoiling.

By following these steps, you can make sure you’re giving your birds fruit in a safe and fun way. Just remember to give fruits in small bits and choose safe kinds of fruits.

Conclusion

Putting fruits in your bird feeder is a smart way to feed your birds a mix of nutrients.

You should think about the size and type of bird you’re feeding, what time of year it is, if the fruits are in season, and whether the fruits are ripe and fresh. By giving them these 15 nutritious kinds of fruits, you can help keep your birds healthy, joyful, and full of life.

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FAQs

Can all birds eat fruits?

No, not all birds can have fruits. You have to look up which fruits are okay for the kind of bird you have.

Are there any fruits that are harmful to birds?

Yes, avocados and some types of citrus fruits can be bad for birds and you should avoid giving them these.

Can I feed my birds canned fruits?

You should stay away from canned fruits for birds because they usually have extra sugar and other things added that are not good for them.

Should I remove the seeds before feeding the birds?

Yes, it’s usually best to take seeds out of fruits before giving them to birds because some seeds are not good for them and might make them choke.

How much fruit should I feed my birds?

Remember that fruits are just treats, so don’t use them to replace a balanced diet. It’s best to give small amounts, not more than 10% of what your bird eats every day.

Can birds eat dried fruit?

Birds can eat dried fruit, but only a little at a time since it’s full of sugar and could make them gain too much weight. Make sure there is no extra sugar or other things added to the dried fruit, and cut it up into little pieces for them.