Budgies like to nibble leaves, herbs, seed heads, and young shoots. Many plants are not eaten deliberately, but they may be bitten while climbing and exploring. Aviaries and flight areas should therefore use only safe plants.
Quick help
Has your budgie eaten a plant?
Search for the plant first. The exact plant part, amount eaten, time of ingestion, possible symptoms, and the animal's weight are important for the next step.
Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a veterinary professional specifically tells you to do so.
Prevent further access to the plant.
Keep remaining plant material or take a clear photo of the plant.
Note the plant part, approximate amount, time, symptoms, and animal weight.
Check the urgency level and contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic if unsure.
Practical guidance
How to assess garden plants for budgie
This animal page helps you assess garden plants by urgency, plant part, and evidence level. For possible exposure, start with the action guidance. For garden planning, focus on critical plant parts and access control.
After possible ingestion
The rating helps with initial orientation, but it cannot replace an individual assessment. Amount, plant part, spoiled material, chemical residues, age, weight, and existing health conditions may all matter.
Do not wait for symptoms when immediate contact is recommended.
Do not give milk, oil, salt, or home remedies.
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately if severe restlessness, breathing problems, seizures, or rapid deterioration occur.
Plan the garden or enclosure
Budgies also use plants as perches and enrichment. Check leaves, twigs, seed heads, and possible residues before placing material in an aviary or flight area.
Keep critical plants and plant parts out of reach.
Remove cuttings, windfall fruit, wilted leaves, and compost regularly.
Check new plants before placing them in accessible areas.
As feed or a treat
The list shows which plants and plant parts are more suitable, restricted, or critical for budgie. It is not a feeding plan and does not replace individual ration advice.
Offer only explicitly suitable plant parts.
Introduce new foods slowly and in small amounts.
Do not trial-feed entries with unclear evidence.
Budgie
Search and compare plants
Cards start with the practical decision. Expand symptoms, reasoning, and evidence when needed.
How to read the assessment: Status describes general suitability, urgency describes the recommended response after possible ingestion, and evidence describes confidence in the assessment. Low evidence is not the same as low risk.
Budgie
Critical / do not feed
These plants or plant parts should not be fed. Depending on the animal, access control in the garden may also be advisable.
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Lethargy, Weakness, Pale mucous membranes, Rapid breathing, Dark urine, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Ingestion of any plant parts
Wild garlic belongs to the Allium genus, whose species (like onions and garlic) are toxic to birds and can cause hemolytic anemia. Although no specific studies for budgies are available...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Blood in urine, Weakness, Elevated heart rate, Heinz body anemia
Especially relevant: Even small amounts can be harmful, Cumulative effect with repeated exposure
Onions are toxic to budgies due to N-propyl disulfide, which causes hemolytic anemia. No part of the plant should be fed. Contact an avian veterinarian immediately if ingested.
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Hemolytic anemia, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal irritation, Weakness, Lethargy
Especially relevant: All parts of the plant contain sulfur compounds that can be toxic to birds., Budgies have a sensitive digestive tract and are susceptible to hemolytic anemia from Allium compounds.
Budgies should have no access to Welsh onion as all parts contain sulfur compounds that can cause hemolytic anemia. Even small amounts can be dangerous. If ingestion is suspected, contact...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Critical: Plants in the flowering stage (increased apiol content), Seeds (high furanocoumarin content)
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Photosensitization (sunburn, dermatitis)
Especially relevant: Large amounts needed for toxic effects, Increased apiol content in plants in the flowering stage
Large amounts are needed. There is no specific data for budgies, but due to known mammalian toxicity and the presence of apiol, especially in flowering plants, caution is advised. Safety of...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
Critical: Shaft (white and light green), Leaves (tender, green parts), Flowers (as edible garnish)
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Gastrointestinal irritation, Anemia (with repeated or high intake)
Especially relevant: All aerial parts contain sulfur-containing compounds, Small body size increases sensitivity
Budgies are small and sensitive to Allium compounds. While leek is edible for humans, even small amounts can cause gastrointestinal irritation in birds. No species-specific studies exist...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Contact an emergency veterinarian immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, Tremors, Weakness, Seizures, Coma, Cardiac arrest
Especially relevant: Ingestion of bitter almonds, Ingestion of almond shells
Shelled sweet almonds may be offered in very small amounts as a rare treat, but still carry a risk, especially if not fully shelled or mistaken for bitter almonds. Bitter almonds, shells...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Critical: Berries, Woody ends of spears, Mature fronds
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Consumption of berries or mature plant parts, Overconsumption of edible parts
The young shoots (asparagus spears) are safe for budgies in small amounts, but the red berries as well as woody ends and mature fronds contain saponins that can cause gastrointestinal...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Dermatitis
Especially relevant: Long-term consumption, Excessive consumption of older plant parts
Young leaves and flowers of borage can be offered to budgies occasionally as a treat, but older leaves, stems, and seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are potentially hepatotoxic...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Lethargy
Especially relevant: Raw consumption, Consumption of large quantities
The edible parts (seeds, young pods, shoot tips) are suitable for budgies in small amounts but contain lectins that can cause gastrointestinal upset when raw. Mature pods and roots should...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea
Especially relevant: Small body size increases sensitivity to irritants
Chili contains capsaicin, which can irritate the mucous membranes of birds. Budgies should have no access to any part of the plant. If ingested, monitor for symptoms and consult a...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Especially relevant: raw consumption, immature seeds
Common bean contains the lectin phasin, which causes gastrointestinal distress when raw. Cooked pods and seeds are suitable as occasional treats in small amounts. Budgies should only...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Ingestion of leaves, husks, or roots, High fat content of nut kernels
The nut kernel of the walnut is edible for budgies and can occasionally be given as a treat, but due to its high fat content, only in small amounts. Leaves, husks, and roots contain juglone...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea, Vomiting
Especially relevant: High oxalate content may stress kidneys, Saponins may irritate stomach
Leaves, young shoots, and flower spikes can be offered in small amounts as a treat. Seeds, older stalks, and roots contain higher concentrations of saponins and oxalic acid and should be...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Small body size increases sensitivity, Curious gnawing behavior in birds
No species-specific sources found for budgies. Due to known toxicity in mammals and presence of irritant compounds, a conservative assessment is made. Young shoots and flowers might be less...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Especially relevant: Consumption of large quantities, Sensitive individuals
No specific data available for budgies. Glucosinolates can cause gastrointestinal upset in birds. The pungency and irritation from fumes should also be considered.
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Small body size increases sensitivity to essential oils
Oregano contains essential oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation in budgies. While not classified as highly toxic, ingestion is not recommended due to the risk of stomach upset.
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Brick red mucous membranes, Dilated pupils, Difficulty breathing, Panting, Shock
Especially relevant: Ingestion of stones/pits, leaves, or stems, Ingestion of wilted plant material (increased toxicity)
Apricot fruit flesh can be offered in small amounts as an occasional treat. However, stones/pits, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic. These parts must be...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Suitable: Leaves (in small amounts, from common culinary mints), Young shoots (in small amounts, from common culinary mints)
Critical: Pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium) (all parts), large quantities of other mint varieties, concentrated essential oils
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Lethargy, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Large amounts, Essential oil
Mint is likely safe for budgies in small amounts, but essential oils can cause gastrointestinal upset if overfed. Pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium) is toxic and should be avoided. Use only...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Cooked flesh of squash varieties is generally considered safe for birds, provided no sharp seeds or green plant parts are fed. However, data is limited.
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Contact a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately after ingestion, even if no symptoms are visible yet.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, Lethargy, Dilated pupils, Shock (at high doses)
Especially relevant: Ingestion of seeds, leaves, or stems, Excessive consumption of fruit flesh (sugar content)
Apple flesh and peel (untreated) can be offered in small quantities as an occasional treat. All seeds, leaves, and stems must be completely removed as they contain cyanogenic glycosides...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-05-29
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (from large quantities of fruit flesh), Respiratory distress, Weakness, Incoordination, Convulsions, Cyanosis (from seed ingestion)
Especially relevant: Ingestion of seeds, Ingestion of large quantities of raw berries
Aronia fruit flesh is generally considered non-toxic but is very tart raw and can cause gastrointestinal upset in large quantities. Seeds, leaves, and stems contain cyanogenic glycosides...
insufficientinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Nausea, Vomiting, Gastrointestinal upset
Especially relevant: Ingestion of seeds, Ingestion of unripe fruits
Only the ripe fruit flesh of the Pawpaw is safe for budgies in moderation. The seeds contain alkaloids and are toxic. Unripe fruits can also cause stomach upset. Ensure all seeds are...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Vomiting
Especially relevant: Consumption of unripe fruits, Consumption of seeds or leaves
The fruit pulp of Cornelian cherry is suitable for budgies in small amounts as an occasional treat. Seeds and leaves should be avoided as they are indigestible and may cause irritation in...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Critical: Leaves, Stems, Unripe fruits, Green plant parts
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (if green plant parts or unripe fruit are consumed)
Especially relevant: Consumption of green plant parts or unripe fruit, Excessive consumption of ripe fruit
Ripe fruit in small amounts as a treat is likely safe. Green plant parts and unripe fruits contain solanine and are toxic. Avoid feeding leaves and stems.
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Difficulty breathing, Tremors, Mucosal irritation
Especially relevant: Pit ingestion, Leaf chewing
The flesh of the plum is suitable for budgies in small amounts as a treat. Pits, leaves, and bark contain amygdalin, which can release hydrogen cyanide and may cause poisoning symptoms...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Critical: green unripe fruits, leaves, stems, roots
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhea
Especially relevant: consumption of unripe parts, overfeeding
Fully ripe goji berries can be given to budgies as an occasional treat. Unripe fruits, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds contain toxic compounds such as solanine and should be avoided. Due to...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Critical: Seeds in high concentrations, Fennel oil
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset from excessive seed ingestion, Neurotoxic effects from essential oil
Especially relevant: Excessive seed consumption, Use of concentrated fennel oil
Fennel bulb, leaves, and stems are suitable for budgies in small amounts as a treat. Seeds and essential oil should be avoided due to potential neurotoxic effects.
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Dill is suitable for budgies in small amounts as a treat. The plant contains essential oils that may cause gastrointestinal upset if overconsumed. Young leaves and seeds are preferred for...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with overconsumption)
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset
Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is non-toxic to budgies. Fruits and leaves can be fed as an occasional treat. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal upset due to high water and...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive consumption)
Especially relevant: Sensitivity to Allium compounds, Excessive consumption
Leaves and flowers of Allium ramosum can be offered as an occasional treat in small amounts, but there is a low risk of gastrointestinal upset in sensitive budgies. Other plant parts...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption, Individual sensitivity to essential oils
Basil is generally considered non-toxic to many animals and humans. There are no specific toxicity data for budgies, but due to its general safety and nutritional value, it can be offered...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Suitable: Root (taproot) (in small amounts), Leaves (in small amounts)
Critical: No critical parts listed
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset (with excessive consumption), Harmless discoloration of urine and feces (beeturia)
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption, Sensitivity to oxalic acid
Beetroot is generally safe for budgies when offered in small amounts as a treat. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be problematic in large quantities. Excessive consumption may...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-02
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Diarrhea with excessive consumption
Especially relevant: Overconsumption may cause diarrhea due to high fiber and acid content., Intensely pigmented fruits may temporarily stain beak and feathers blue (cosmetic, not harmful).
Bilberry fruits are safe for budgies in moderation and are often eagerly eaten. Leaves can be used in very small amounts for tea but are not suitable as a primary food. No known toxic...
low evidenceinferred or general evidence1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Especially relevant: Gas/bloat from overfeeding
Broccoli is suitable for budgies in small amounts as a treat. Flower buds, tender stems, and young leaves are the preferred parts. Overfeeding may cause gas/bloat. Woody stems and spoiled...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Based on the available information, no action is usually required. If symptoms occur, veterinary advice is still recommended.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gas
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption may cause gas.
Brussels sprouts are suitable for budgies in small amounts as an occasional treat. Young sprouts and leaves are preferred. Due to high fiber and sulfur content, feeding should be limited to...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Bloating, Gas
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption, raw or poorly washed plant parts
Cauliflower is generally safe for budgies when offered in moderation and well-washed. Large quantities or spoiled parts can cause gastrointestinal upset. Toxicity is low, but feeding should...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencedirect veterinary source1 sourcereviewed 2026-06-01
Suitable: Bulb (hypocotyl), Young leaves (sparingly as seasoning)
Critical: Older, fibrous leaves and stalks, Roots
Monitor the animal closely. Seek veterinary advice if vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, neurological signs, or other symptoms occur.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Excessive consumption, Sensitivity to furanocoumarins
Celeriac is suitable for budgies in small amounts as a treat. The bulb and young leaves can be fed, while older leaves, stalks, and roots should be avoided due to furanocoumarins. Excessive...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
Observe the animal over the next few hours. Seek veterinary advice if unusual behavior or symptoms develop.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: Gastrointestinal upset, Diarrhea
Especially relevant: Excessive seed consumption, Sensitivity to psoralens
Celery stalks and leaves are suitable for budgies in small amounts as an occasional treat. Seeds contain higher concentrations of psoralens and essential oils and should be avoided...
low evidenceinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
Possible symptoms: gastrointestinal upset if consumed in excess, potentially thyroid issues in very high amounts
No reliable species-specific assessment for budgies is available. Barbarea vulgaris belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which can contain glucosinolates. In excessive consumption, these...
insufficientinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-01
The urgency cannot be assessed reliably. When in doubt, seek veterinary advice.
Symptoms, assessment, and evidence
No reliable species-specific assessment is available. Fruits might be considered in very small amounts as a treat after frost or processing, but leaves and seeds should be avoided due to...
insufficientinferred or general evidencereviewed 2026-06-02
The overview shows which plants are rated as suitable, restricted, critical, or unclear for budgie. Always check the specific plant part, such as fruit, leaves, stems, seeds, or tubers.
What does restricted mean for budgie?
Restricted means that the plant or certain plant parts are not automatically unsafe, but may only be suitable for budgie in appropriate amounts, under control, or with extra caution.
What does critical mean for budgie?
Critical means the plant or certain plant parts should not be fed. Depending on the plant, access control in the garden may also be useful.
Does this list replace veterinary advice?
No. The information helps with garden safety decisions, but it does not replace veterinary advice. If risky plant parts were ingested, symptoms appear, or behavior changes, contact a veterinarian.
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