Can Cockatiels Eat Honey?

Is Honey a Healthy Table Food for Cockatiels?

Like many other types of pets, bird owners enjoy sharing table scraps with their feathered friends and treating them to certain “people foods.” But, what many bird and general pet owners do not know is that some of these people foods can actual be harmful and even deadly for our furry and feathered family members. For cockatiels and other birds, honey is often found in many of the treats and seed sticks that they enjoy, but the question remains, can cockatiels eat honey?

Honey for Cockatiels

Honey is, in fact, listed among the safe people food for cockatiels to enjoy. There are many, many treats available at local pet stores for birds that include honey. Among these are seed sticks and seed balls. Many of these treats are very simple in nature and it is possible to make them homemade so you, as a pet owner, know exactly where your cockatiels treats are coming from. Below is a simple recipe for a honey and seed treat stick that your feathered friend is guaranteed to enjoy!

Honey Seed Stick Treats

Ingredients for Honey Seed Stick Treats:

- 2 cups crushed bird pellets

- 2 cups mixed birdseed

- 2 cups Cheerios (brand with NO zinc)

- 1 ¼ cups Manuka honey

Directions for Honey Seek Stick Treats:

1. In a large bowl, combine bird pellets, mixed birdseed, and Cheerios until well combined.

2. Add honey to the mixture of dry ingredients. The mixture should be moist but not soaking wet. Add small amounts of honey at a time to get the proper consistency.

3. Transfer seed and honey mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Bake seed and honey treats for approximately 25 minutes.

5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and score the seed and honey treats into long pieces.

6. Return the baking sheet to the oven and cook for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.

7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven when cooking is complete. Allow to cool slightly, cut the seed and honey treats into pieces and remove them from the tray.

8. Store treats in an airtight container for your feathered friend to enjoy!

Need to order some Manuka honey to make treats for your cockatiel? You can order yours from ManukaHoneyUSA.com today, just click here.