- The Safety Factor: Can Birds Eat Cinnamon?
- Why I Sometimes Give My Birds Cinnamon Potential Benefits
- How I Introduced Cinnamon to My Birds And How You Might Try It
- Different Ways I Have Tried Giving Cinnamon Forms of Cinnamon
- Which of My Birds Seem to Enjoy Cinnamon Birds That Might Like It
- Birds in My Flock That Do Not Get Cinnamon Who Should Avoid It
- Other Spices and Herbs My Birds Enjoy Cinnamon Alternatives
- What Happened When I Gave Too Much Cinnamon Warning Signs
- My Favorite Ways to Offer Cinnamon to My Birds Creative Methods
- Questions My Bird Keeping Friends Ask Me About Cinnamon
- Important Things I Have Learned About Birds and Spices
- Final Thoughts on Birds and Cinnamon
So the other day I was baking some cinnamon rolls my weekend guilty pleasure when my cockatiel Piper started showing unusual interest in what I was doing. He kept bobbing his head toward the cinnamon container which got me thinking can birds actually eat cinnamon safely?
After doing some digging and consulting with my avian vet I discovered that yes birds can eat cinnamon in small amounts. It is generally safe when used sparingly as an occasional treat or food supplement. Many bird owners myself included now add just a tiny pinch to their feathered friends food without any issues.
The Safety Factor: Can Birds Eat Cinnamon?
From everything I have researched and my vet confirmed cinnamon is not toxic to most bird species when given in moderation. But there are definitely some things worth considering before you start sprinkling this spice into your bird food dish.
Moderation is absolutely crucial here. Birds have pretty sensitive digestive systems way more delicate than ours. When I first tried giving Piper cinnamon I used literally the smallest amount possible we are talking a few specks mixed into his morning fruits.
The first time I gave too much still a very small amount by human standards I noticed Piper seemed a bit less active that afternoon. Nothing serious but enough to make me dial it back even further. For most pet birds just the tiniest dusting mixed into their regular food is more than enough.
Why I Sometimes Give My Birds Cinnamon Potential Benefits
After keeping birds for over 15 years I have become pretty cautious about what I introduce to their diets. But cinnamon has some interesting potential benefits that made me willing to try it:
It seems to have anti inflammatory properties. My older budgie Charlie sometimes gets a bit of joint stiffness and while I cannot say for sure the cinnamon helps he does seem a bit more active on the days I give him a tiny bit mixed with his seed.
The antimicrobial effects are interesting too. Birds can be prone to certain infections and anything that might naturally support their systems is worth considering.
I have noticed with my own birds that sometimes a tiny sprinkle increases their interest in foods they might otherwise ignore. My finch Blueberry absolutely refuses to eat certain seeds unless there is the faintest hint of cinnamon mixed in birds are weird sometimes.
How I Introduced Cinnamon to My Birds And How You Might Try It
Start ridiculously small. The first time I tried giving cinnamon to Piper I used such a tiny amount you could barely see it just a faint dusting mixed thoroughly into his morning apple pieces.
I watched him like a hawk afterward bird owner joke sorry for any changes in behavior droppings or appetite. Birds can react quickly to new foods so this observation period is super important.
What surprised me was how differently each of my birds responded. Piper was immediately interested in the cinnamon dusted apple while my budgie pair completely ignored it at first. About a week later they suddenly decided it was acceptable. Birds man. They are so unpredictable with their food preferences.
Different Ways I Have Tried Giving Cinnamon Forms of Cinnamon
Through trial and error I have found that ground cinnamon powder is definitely the easiest and safest form to offer birds. It mixes easily into their food and you can control the amount precisely.
I made the mistake once of leaving a cinnamon stick in reach of my African Grey Maxwell. He immediately started trying to break pieces off which worried me since they can be sharp. I would not recommend giving birds whole cinnamon sticks it is just not worth the risk.
As for those cinnamon flavored commercial bird treats? I have read the labels on some of them and often found ingredients I was not comfortable with. I prefer to just add my own tiny amount to foods I know are safe.
Which of My Birds Seem to Enjoy Cinnamon Birds That Might Like It
ver the years I have kept several different species of birds and I have noticed patterns in which ones seem to tolerate or even enjoy a bit of cinnamon:
Maxwell my African Grey has the most sophisticated palate of all my birds. He seems to genuinely enjoy the taste and gets excited when he sees me reaching for the spice cabinet now.
Piper my cockatiel took to it immediately. He does this funny little head bobbing dance when he tastes something he likes and cinnamon definitely gets the head bob of approval.
My budgie pair Charlie and Skye were more hesitant but now accept it mixed into certain foods particularly if I mix it with a bit of mashed banana which is their absolute favorite treat.
My little finches are much more sensitive though. With them I use an even smaller amount barely a few specks because their tiny systems are just more delicate
Birds in My Flock That Do Not Get Cinnamon Who Should Avoid It
Not all of my birds get cinnamon regularly. There are some situations where I avoid it completely:
When I was hand raising a baby budgie last year I avoided introducing any spices at all until he was fully weaned and showing good growth. Young birds just have more vulnerable systems.
My elderly canary Sunshine seems to have a more sensitive digestive system as she has aged she is around 8 now which is getting up there for a canary. I noticed even the tiniest bit of cinnamon seemed to make her droppings a bit loose so I stopped giving it to her.
After Maxwell had a respiratory infection last winter our vet suggested keeping his diet super simple during recovery so all spices including cinnamon were off the menu during that time.
Other Spices and Herbs My Birds Enjoy Cinnamon Alternatives
If you are unsure about cinnamon or your bird does not seem interested I have had good luck with these alternatives:
Turmeric has been a big hit especially with Maxwell. I mix the smallest pinch with a bit of coconut oil as an occasional treat like once every couple weeks. The first time I tried it I was worried about the yellow color staining his feathers but he is surprisingly neat with his food.
Fresh basil leaves are another favorite. I grow them in pots on my windowsill and the birds go crazy for tiny pieces. Piper especially loves to hold a small piece in his foot and nibble on it like it is some gourmet delicacy.
Oregano was a surprise hit with my budgies. They completely ignored it the first five or six times I offered it then suddenly decided it was the best thing ever. This is pretty typical bird behavior in my experience.
What Happened When I Gave Too Much Cinnamon Warning Signs
I learned this lesson the hard way. About a year ago I got a bit careless and added what I thought was still a small amount of cinnamon to Maxwell fresh food mix. It was more than usual though and by that afternoon I noticed:
His droppings seemed a bit more watery than normal always a warning sign with birds.
He was quieter than usual Maxwell typically has plenty to say about everything so when he is quiet I pay attention.
He did not finish his afternoon seeds which is very unusual for him.
Nothing serious happened thankfully but it was enough for me to be much more careful about measuring since then. I now use the tip of a toothpick to add just a tiny amount rather than trying to sprinkle it directly from the container.
My Favorite Ways to Offer Cinnamon to My Birds Creative Methods
After some experimentation here are the ways my birds seem to enjoy cinnamon most:
Mixing a tiny bit into soft foods like mashed sweet potato has been the biggest hit. Something about the combination of the sweet potato and the warm spice seems especially appealing to them.
During colder months I sometimes make a birdie bread with bird safe ingredients and add the faintest dusting of cinnamon. Maxwell especially goes nuts for this and will actually throw other foods out of his dish if he sees the birdie bread coming.
Apple slices with the tiniest pinch of cinnamon have become Piper favorite treat. He does this funny little dance when he sees me cutting apples now hoping for his special treat.
One thing I tried that did not work at all was mixing it with their leafy greens. None of my birds showed any interest in cinnamon dusted greens preferring them plain. Birds definitely have their preferences.
Questions My Bird Keeping Friends Ask Me About Cinnamon
Would wild birds benefit from cinnamon in feeders?
My neighbor asked me this after seeing me prepare Piper treats. From what I understand wild birds would not normally encounter cinnamon in their natural diet and there is really no reason to add it to wild bird feeders. They need their natural foods not our spices.
Is there a difference between Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon for birds?
This is something I researched extensively before starting to offer cinnamon to my flock. Ceylon cinnamon sometimes called true cinnamon contains less of a compound called coumarin which can be harmful in larger doses. I switched to Ceylon cinnamon for both my birds and my family after learning this.
How often do I give my birds cinnamon?
I am pretty conservative with it none of my birds get cinnamon daily. For the larger birds like Maxwell maybe twice a week at most. For the smaller ones maybe once a week or less. It is a treat not a dietary staple.
Can cinnamon help with bird respiratory issues?
A new bird owner at our local club asked me this recently. While cinnamon does have some interesting properties it is absolutely not a replacement for proper veterinary care. When Maxwell had his respiratory infection we went straight to our avian vet for appropriate medication.
What about cinnamon essential oil? Is that safe around birds?
Absolutely not This is something I feel really strongly about after nearly losing a budgie years ago before I knew better. Birds have incredibly sensitive respiratory systems and essential oils all of them including cinnamon can be deadly. I do not even use essential oils in my home at all anymore since getting birds.
Important Things I Have Learned About Birds and Spices
After keeping birds for over 15 years these are the key things I have learned about introducing anything new including cinnamon to their diets:
Birds process foods completely differently than we do. What seems like a tiny amount to us can be a lot for them.
The variation between individual birds is remarkable. Maxwell and Piper can tolerate and enjoy things that send my finches into a tizzy.
Our avian vet has been an invaluable resource. Before trying anything significant I run it by her first. Finding a good avian vet was actually the best decision I made as a bird owner.
I have learned to be patient when introducing new foods. Birds can be incredibly suspicious of new things sometimes ignoring something new for weeks before suddenly deciding it is acceptable.
Fresh clean water becomes even more important when introducing new foods or spices. I always make sure they have plenty available.
Final Thoughts on Birds and Cinnamon
After all my research and careful trials with my own flock I feel comfortable saying that yes birds can eat cinnamon but with important caveats. It should be given in extremely small amounts introduced gradually and watched carefully for any adverse reactions.
Every bird truly is an individual with unique preferences and sensitivities. What works wonderfully for my African Grey might be completely wrong for your cockatoo.
The most important thing I have learned in my bird keeping journey is to observe closely and adjust accordingly. Birds cannot tell us when something is not agreeing with them so we have to be their advocates and watch for subtle signs.
If you are considering adding cinnamon or any new food to your bird diet and feel uncertain please consult with an avian veterinarian. They can provide guidance specific to your bird species age and health status.
Can birds eat cinnamon? Yes most can have a tiny bit occasionally as part of a varied nutritious diet but always put your bird overall health first watch carefully for any negative reactions and remember that their regular nutritionally complete diet should always be the priority.