Spinach safe for birds?

[Thugluvgrl187]

I have recently really gotten into eating spinach. Squeeky and Scooty always beg for it but I am not sure if it safe to give to them or not. Do you feed your birds spinach?

 

[Macawnutz]

I feed my guys spinach, but I have no tiel knowledge.

 

[MissEdie]

I have, but have been told to do it in small amounts.
That it can eat up the calcium in their bodies and cause problems.
So I just don't do it anymore.
Better safe then sorry. I know they like it tho.

 

[CrazyBirdLady]

This is actually a widely spread belief but it isn't true. It does contain oxalate, which binds to calcium and prevents absorption. However; since there is more calcium than oxalate in spinach there is calcium left after the absorption. So your bird will actually get a bit of calcium from the spinach, just not as much as it may appear to have.

If you are still concerned most people agree that it is fine in moderation.

My tiels all love it!

 

[Featherpaws]

this might help

HolisticBird and HolisticBirds

the oxalic acid does interfere with calcium absorbtion, so yes in moderation it is fine

 

[Thugluvgrl187]

Thanks everyone

 

[Birdbabe]

My birds actually prefer the stems rather than the leaves, more fun I guess. I do give it in moderation...like twice a week and they gobble it up.

 

[Thugluvgrl187]

Awesome! Next time I go to the store and pick some more up I will make sure to let them have some.

 

[Sadieladie1994]

Spinach is higher in iron and not used with soft bills since they have iron storage disease. I prefer keeping iron to a minimum on my other birds so only use spinach in small amounts. Yes, they love it. One really good food that mine love are the leaves of brocolli plants. The leaves have a great calcium phosphorous ratio and is healthy. But, I have to fight the turtle lady at the grocery store as she gets the leaves for her turtles! the nerve

 

[jmfleish]

It isn't as simple as avoid oxylates though. You have to understand how phosphorus, calcium, and Vitamin D3 all play a role together. Here's a great article about all three and how/why oxylates play a role in calcium absorption. When you have all three at the ratios they need to be at as far as your complete diet, that's when things work out best. Foods high in oxylates, such as spinach are always fine in moderation. You have to be aware of the phosphorus to calcium ratio of all the foods you give them.

Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Calcium, Phosphorus & Vitamin D3 in Diets for Parrots and Birds

 

[Mizzely]

It isn't as simple as avoid oxylates though. You have to understand how phosphorus, calcium, and Vitamin D3 all play a role together. Here's a great article about all three and how/why oxylates play a role in calcium absorption. When you have all three at the ratios they need to be at as far as your complete diet, that's when things work out best. Foods high in oxylates, such as spinach are always fine in moderation. You have to be aware of the phosphorus to calcium ratio of all the foods you give them.

Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Calcium, Phosphorus & Vitamin D3 in Diets for Parrots and Birds

Thanks for sharing that! It was very informative, and I'm glad to see several of my crews favorite foods are high up on the list