Fruit and Veggie Peels

[DerSchniffles]

Is it okay for birds to eat the peels on fruits and veggies? I know for the most part its fine but what about things like banana and orange peels? My Ekkie dosent like bananas but loves her some banana peel and it got me thinking if it is safe and if there are any other types of fruits and veggies that they shouldnt be eating the peels or skin. What about kiwi peels? Cantelope?

 

[dishgal1]

Mine loves banana peel too. I always wash it with veggie wash and then rinse it real good. I really don't know about other fruits. The main concern is bacteria on the peel which I always wash veggies with veggie wash but don't forget to rinse.

 

[DerSchniffles]

Mine loves banana peel too. I always wash it with veggie wash and then rinse it real good. I really don't know about other fruits. The main concern is bacteria on the peel which I always wash veggies with veggie wash but don't forget to rinse.

Good to know. I didnt even think to rinse them off first, it makes logical sense considering its just sitting there collecting whatever bacteria/dust/skin .....ewwww

 

[dishgal1]

Mine loves banana peel too. I always wash it with veggie wash and then rinse it real good. I really don't know about other fruits. The main concern is bacteria on the peel which I always wash veggies with veggie wash but don't forget to rinse.

Good to know. I didnt even think to rinse them off first, it makes logical sense considering its just sitting there collecting whatever bacteria/dust/skin .....ewwww

Not to mention pesticide

 

[Spiritbird]

It does not matter how much you wash the surface of foods, if they are not organic I would not give skins or peels to birds or myself. The pesticides absorb into them not just on the surface.

 

[dishgal1]

I always buy organic bananas. You are correct most of our foods absorb pesticides, sad but true for all of us.

 

[henpecked]

Pesticides are concentrated on the skin, but so are many of the vitamins. Grow your own. I don't trust products labeled "organic".Your better off not to feed skin and peels.South American bananas can contain monkey urine that could transmit disease to your bird,rare but possible.

 

[Oedipussrex]

With everything thats been said. I dont have a problem giving things with skins/peels to pickle, like apple, orange, banana, capsicum, even kiwi.
He doesnt usually eat the whole peel part anyway, but he refuses to eat the flesh unless HE is the one who gets to peel it away from the skin. lol XD
if you dice up the flesh he wont touch it- its really hard getting him to eat things like carrot without mashing it. lol

 

[keepsmiling]

Bananas are gassed by your grocer to ripen them. As stated, most pesticides are on the skin. How can you trust that they are truly organic{though I do also buy most veggies and fruits this way if possible} Why risk it?

 

[greycloud]

There are several fruits and veggies known to have the highest pesticide content on their skin that also absorb into the flesh of the fruit.
1. Strawberries(highest)
2.Apples
3.Celery
4.Peaches
5.Spinach
6.Nectarines
7.Imported Grapes
8.Sweet Bell Peppers
9.Potatoes
10.Domesticated Blueberries
11.Lettuce
12.Kale/Collard Greens
13.Red Raspberries
14.Pears
15.Cherries

Bananas follow shortly after these. That being said, I do not feed any skins, peels to any of my birds except for locally grown grapes.
I had a discussion once with my avian vet about this. He stated that it is not always safe to purchase organic foods as there is no protection from molds which can make our birds ill. He recommended peeling all fruit both organic and pesticide treated.

 

[Oedipussrex]

that is a very good point greycloud.
If only pickle would just eat them like that...