Is garlic safe?

[marian]

Can we use Garlic spices or is that a no go?

 

[CeddysMum]

I hope someone else will chime in 'cause I'm not sure about 'spices'. I have added fresh garlic to Ceddy's birdie bread veggie mix occasionally. It's OK in moderation as far as I know. But with spices (e.g. "garlic salt" etc) I'd probably want to know what else is in it. Unless it's pure dried garlic, of course.

 

[Min]

Garlic is okay in small amounts. I use one garlic clove diced up very, very small and sometimes mix it in with three days worth of chopped veggie mash. I would never give a whole clove of garlic to a bird -- it could burn their crop. It's strong stuff. In moderation it can have antibacterial and immune system boost qualities. If it is a mix of spices, I'd also be looking at ingredients for salt content. Remember that dried spices are stronger, by weight, than fresh, because of the loss of moisture.

 

[itzmered]

This is from an article on Birdsnway Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Kitchen Physician V - Herbal Remedies For Parrots and Pet Birds

•GARLIC-- Has anti-oxidant properties as well as anti-parasitic properties which kill intestinal parasites. Protects the liver from the damage of chemical pollutants in the air and in food and water supply. Researchers at the University of Cambridge in England found that garlic juice is as strong as the antifungal drugs, Amphotericin and Nystatin, against Candida, a fungal problem sometimes found in parrots. Should be used sparingly and in the form of fresh garlic, not the concentrated garlic powder. Garlic belongs to a family of plants that may cause anemia in animals if given for long periods of time.

 

[CeddysMum]

Thank you for that Chris! I was interested too. I love garlic so usually have enough fresh garlic in the house to ward off an army of vampires and never thought about powdered garlic.

I do know that in human treatment garlic is considered one of the most potent natural antibiotics, but for that it has to be eaten raw in huge amounts which is a No-No for birdies - pity!