Apples and Birds: Can Feeding Apples with Seeds Kill Your Feathered Friends?

Bird owners have long been feeding their feathered friends with fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet. However, one fruit that has caused concern among some bird owners is the apple. The question arises: can feeding apples with seeds kill birds? In this article, we'll explore the truth behind this myth and provide insights on whether it is safe to feed birds with apples that have seeds.

The Myth of Apple Seeds and Cyanide Poisoning

The myth that apple seeds can cause cyanide poisoning in birds is not entirely unfounded. Apple seeds contain a small amount of Amygdalin, a compound that releases a minute amount of Cyanide when broken down. However, the amount of Amygdalin found in apple seeds is so small that it would take an excessive amount of seeds to potentially harm a bird.

Calculating the Risk

The worst-case scenario is that it would take around 20 whole apple seeds to make only 1g of Amygdalin. Even if a bird were to consume 20 seeds, the amount of Cyanide produced would be around 65 mg. It's important to note that a bird would need to consume a large number of apple seeds to experience any adverse effects. For example, a 100g bird would need to ingest over 50 apple seeds (about 10 apples) in one sitting for the Amygdalin to potentially break down and release enough Cyanide.

Can Birds Digest Cyanide?

Cyanide does not build up in the body over time, and the liver and kidneys can quickly remove it from the bird's system. As such, the bird would need to consume all the seeds in one sitting or more to experience any effects from the Cyanide.

Symptoms of Cyanide Poisoning

One of the primary reasons for the concern around feeding birds apples with seeds is the fear of cyanide poisoning. However, the truth is that there is no evidence that birds can experience cyanide poisoning from apple seeds. In humans, cyanide poisoning can cause weakness, shortness of breath, and seizures. However, there have been no documented cases of birds experiencing cyanide poisoning from apple seeds.

Feeding Apples with Seeds to Your Birds: Is It Safe?

Based on the facts presented, it is safe to feed apples with seeds to your birds. It would take a significant amount of apple seeds to potentially harm a bird, and there have been no documented cases of birds experiencing cyanide poisoning from apple seeds.

Conclusion

Feeding fruits and vegetables to your birds is a great way to ensure that they receive a balanced diet. However, myths like the one about apple seeds and cyanide poisoning can cause unnecessary concern among bird owners. The truth is that feeding apples with seeds to your birds is safe, and there is no evidence that it can cause harm.

Can feeding birds apple seeds harm them?

No, birds randomly eating apple seeds is safe.

Are there any symptoms of cyanide poisoning in birds?

There have been no documented cases of birds experiencing cyanide poisoning from apple seeds.

Should bird owners remove apple seeds before feeding them to their birds?

It is not necessary to remove apple seeds before feeding them to your birds.

Are there any fruits or vegetables that bird owners should avoid feeding their birds?

Bird owners should avoid feeding their birds avocado, as it contains Persin, which can be toxic to birds.

Can birds digest cyanide?

Cyanide does not build up in the body over time, and the liver and kidneys can quickly remove it from the bird's system.