Aloe vera is a succulent plant belonging to the Liliaceae family. It is a medicinal plant that has been used for centuries in the treatment of various diseases and skin problems.
Out of approximately 500 species of this plant, only a few are suitable for consumption. The most common type that is used for topical application and consumption is Aloe vera barbadensis. It has elongated triangular leaves and serrated corners.
It is also the one that is commonly found in most households. Any parrot owner who has used aloe vera to soothe irritated skin or fix an upset stomach might have wondered if the varied benefits of this medicinal plant apply to their parrots as well.
Aloe vera is safe for both consumption and topical application in parrots. The gel part of the leaf can be applied topically and has a soothing effect on the skin.
The flesh part can also be eaten if your parrot chooses to, but it’s usually better if you give them aloe juice mixed with some water. Aloe vera gel on its own is quite thick which can create problems in ingesting for the parrot.
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What Are The Benefits Of Aloe Vera For Parrots?
When it comes to the health of our pet parrots, we often prefer natural treatments as they do not have any side effects. Aloe vera is a natural plant that offers many of the same benefits to parrots as it does to humans. Here are some of the benefits aloe vera has for parrots:
Relieves Itching
Parrots often get dry and itchy skin when living in a dry environment. As tropical birds, parrots need moisture in their environment or else they may start to have skin problems like itching.
According to Avian Medicine, aloe vera can be used for generalized dermatologic conditions such as itching and also to treat wounds and skin lesions.
Aloe baths can not only alleviate the itchy feeling but moisturize and soothe the parrot’s skin. You will also not have to worry about your parrot grooming itself after the bath as it is an edible plant.
Prevents Feather Picking
If a parrot is picking on its feathers due to itching and dry skin, an aloe vera bath may be able to help with the situation. When the parrot’s feathers and skin feel comfortable it will no longer feel the need to pick or scratch them.
The American Federation Of Aviculture states that aloe vera spray can help in discouraging feather-picking behavior in parrots.
It must be noted though that aloe vera is not a cure-all for all skin problems in parrots, and for some conditions, veterinary attention is likely more suitable.
A parrot plucking its feathers can be suffering from a medical problem or unaddressed environmental issues. If you suspect any of these factors to be the cause of feather plucking in your parrot, you should see an avian vet.
Healing Minor Wounds
Aloe vera is known for its curative effects whether it is for health conditions or external wounds. The fleshy part of the aloe vera along with the leaf can be used to cover wounds and stop bleeding.
It can be used as an alternative to styptic powder and corn starch in stopping bleeding in parrots. You can use it to stop minor bleeding such as broken blood or toenail injuries.
Improves Digestion
Aloe vera juice blended with water can act as a potent laxative for parrots. It is effective in improving digestive function and regulating normal bowel movements.
Parrots with constipation or digestive issues can especially benefit from aloe vera. Giving your parrot aloe vera juice once a week can help its tummy health and prevent constipation.
Can Parrots Eat Aloe Vera?
All forms of aloe vera are safe for parrots, however, if you offer your parrot raw aloe vera, it might choose to ignore it. Aloe vera is not very appetizing for them and would be better served by mixing it in their water. If you’re using a fresh aloe vera plant, scoop the fleshy part and blend it with water to serve it to your bird.
How To Give Aloe Vera To Parrots?
You can give diluted Aloe Vera as a supplement to your parrot’s regular diet. You can serve it in their regular water bowl or give it in a water bottle for them to drink.
You can also use the diluted mixture as a topical spray to mist them. Aloe vera can act as a moisturizer for parrots’ skin and is particularly soothing for those living in less humid regions.
Below are the steps to prepare aloe vera for your parrots for the best results:
Firstly, always use the natural source to get the plant. The best source is the plant itself, however, or you may use an organic aloe vera solution that is available on the market if you cannot find a plant.
Remember, regular aloe products purchased from the shop will have unnatural ingredients added for extended shelf life. It may contain preservatives and other chemicals that might be harmful to parrots.
If you have access to a plant, you can use one leaf from the plant and cut it from near the trunk of the plant.
Leave the leaf for 15 minutes or so to let the latex (yellow part) drip away. After that wash the leaf with water.
Remove the spikes on the side, and slice the leaf in the middle to extract the fleshy part. You can use a spoon or knife to scoop out the fleshy part from the leaf.
After you have collected the gel, you need to blend it in a mixer with filtered water.
The flesh of the aloe vera plant is a gelatinous substance so you need to mix it well to make sure the liquid does not contain any lumps. Otherwise, it will not be able to spray properly.
Next, pour the aloe vera gel into a spray bottle and add water. For 1 part of aloe vera gel use 4 parts water. This will make it easier to spray.
How Much Aloe Vera Should I Give My Parrot?
As with any herb or plant, you should only use it in appropriate quantities and avoid giving too much as that might cause an unfavorable reaction. Giving your parrot too much aloe vera may lead to digestive distress and diarrhea.
If you intend to use Aloe Vera for your parrot to treat illnesses or as a supplement to its treatment, it is crucial to consult an avian veterinarian first.
At times, natural herbs, including aloe vera, can have beneficial properties, but they can also interact with medications or have unintended effects if not used correctly. The vet will guide you to determine the appropriate dosage and also how you can apply it.
For general use, however, you can serve them aloe vera once or twice a week. And as for aloe bathing, you may spray the liquid 4-5 times a week depending on their needs.
