Peppers & First Vet Visit

[PacificPaulie]

Hey all,

So I know the general rule for feeding P'lets vegetables and such is no chocolate, onions, avocado, or alcohol; but is there a limitation to spicy peppers? I've got some Carolina Reapers and some Ghost Peppers frozen and it's about time to add something interesting to Paulie's daily chop. Hubby is concerned that those peppers are far too hot, after cutting the stem off one of them and smelling the heat I can understand the concern. So what's the verdict here?

Also, Paulie has his first vet visit in about two hours. I'm curious if there are any questions that would be good for a new P'let mommy to ask. Any recommendations?

 

[Gribouille]

Hey all,

So I know the general rule for feeding P'lets vegetables and such is no chocolate, onions, avocado, or alcohol; but is there a limitation to spicy peppers? I've got some Carolina Reapers and some Ghost Peppers frozen and it's about time to add something interesting to Paulie's daily chop. Hubby is concerned that those peppers are far too hot, after cutting the stem off one of them and smelling the heat I can understand the concern. So what's the verdict here?

Also, Paulie has his first vet visit in about two hours. I'm curious if there are any questions that would be good for a new P'let mommy to ask. Any recommendations?

ask him/her about the peppers and you could also ask if he/she ever heard about Harrisson's pellets causing build-ups in p'lets. Although I'm gonna ask that to mine next time I'm there, it's always good to have several opinions
I also read something about not giving cheese or any dairy products to birds. Twitter loved both..

 

[sunnysmom]

I don't think I'd feed those peppers just because they are so hot. More of just a safe handling issue than a digestive issue. I think my concern would be more along the lines of the peppers possibly burning the skin or eyes. Aren't ghost peppers crazy hot? That's just my thought- not based on anything I've actually seen or read. I hope your vet visit goes well!

 

[PacificPaulie]

@Gribouille
I'll call him tomorrow and ask him about the pellets. I didn't think to ask because I don't feed Paulie pellets.

@sunnysmom
His visit went well. They were so impressed by my little Paulie... Honestly, I was too. He didn't peep nor chirp, squirm or bite, even when they were trimming his nails. The vet actually thanked me for all the hands on work we do with Paulie.

He seems knowledgeable about Avian care, but I think Paulie might have been his first P'let so I'm very grateful for the depth of information I can find in this forum and through independent research. I may try to find someone more specialized but that's proving to be pretty difficult in my neck of the woods... Most people around here don't have "exotic" animals. In any case, it's great to know Paulie is doing well developmentally and physically.

 

[PacificPaulie]

I don't think I'd feed those peppers just because they are so hot.

The vet advised against it as well. I'll stick with sweet peppers and the occasional jalapeno.

 

[fashionfobie]

Birds have no reaction to capsaicin. This is the chemical humans react to. You can feed Paulie all the chillies he wants. He will eat the seeds super yummy.


Pi loves ghost peppers. If we couldn't taste the capsaicin they would probably be pretty sweet.

Birds are awesome!!! Little dragons.

 

[Gribouille]

I think Paulie might have been his first P'let Most people around here don't have "exotic" animals.

Where did you find him? There should be more where he comes from

 

[PacificPaulie]

Where did you find him? There should be more where he comes from

You know, I didn't think to shop around the area Paulie was found. I might need to look into that.

 

[PacificPaulie]

@fashionfobie
So do you think he could also consume the Carolina Reapers? I think they're supposed to be hotter than the Ghost Peppers.
Also, how much do you give Pi? These peppers I've got are small but the spiciness definitely assaults our sense of smell so I know these are the real deal. I want to be sure not to give him a "toxic" amount.

 

[fashionfobie]

@PacificPaulie parrots aren't going to get a toxic amount. Capsaicin is literally mammal repellent. Humans are the weird ones who eat it anyway. It makes your mouth feel as though it is on fire and we love the experience. Other mammals would stay away. Parrots can eat any chili. Birds help spread their seeds. It is just a natural evolution.

Pi ate ghost pepper when I was prepping dinner. He is like little side kick! He gobbled it right up. He like sampling all the veggies mum is prepping

The issue with feeding high content capsaicin chilies to Paulie is not related to him, but if he did get it on his beak and then cleaned his beak off on your arm..you could experience great discomfort.

I wouldn't go out of my way to feed the hottest and spiciest chilies on earth, because you also need to be prepared to have the smeared on your face.

Paulie is still capsaicin immune. Because he is a magical little arid bird!

 

[Shezbug]

@PacificPaulie
Oh yeah feeding chillies can be a big danger......Burt ate a heap of real hot chillies then an hour later kissed me! Argh my face was on fire then I realised it was all over me because of course Burt had been holding it with his cute little feet which then walked all up and down my arm.
The main danger of our birds consuming HOT chilies is to us lol.
Let your feather baby enjoy all the hot pepper they want