kettle corn

[Stephen777]

So I was eating kettle corn and Sierra was eating the crumbs. Is this bad for her, I dont mean as in to do it daily.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

Popcorn in and of itself is not "bad" as a treat. HOWEVER, the extra ingredients IS. You'll want to check the ingredients. Pre-made popcorn of any kind tends to have a lot of salt and while the amount may not alarm us, we have to remember that birds have MUCH smaller bodies and systems than we do.

I do know one thing, I would never share microwave popcorn with a bird, even a little bit, cause of the lining.

While I don't think once or twice would kill them, you have to look at it long term. IF you share some now and its something you eat routinely in front of them, they are going to want some each time you want it and it really wouldn't be fair if you don't share it every time after you've shared it before. Thats why I only share 'snacks' with Skittles that I either have only on a rare occasion OR are okay for him in moderation.

Its also not just the food item, but the amount. ANY snack food can become overkill even if its only on a rare occasion. If I am having pizza, SKittles will want some crust, no doubt. I usually eat pizza AFTER he goes to bed for this reason. BUT, sometimes I eat it before just so he can have some crust. But I have it set to a routine. He gets a little bit of crust and then I give him his regular 'bird' treats and he's become accustomed to that. He gets a little 'naughty' snack and then his regular snack while I eat mine.

 

[Flboy]

Also, lots of sugar in kettle corn!

 

[Owlet]

If it was just crumbs I can't imagine it will so much harm but definitely avoid it in the future.

 

[Kiwibird]

Obviously don't just feed your bird unlimited kettle corn, but a few crumbs or the occasional kernel as a treat is fine. Most birds can eat SMALL amounts of human food with no ill effects and I think some people get a bit overly worked up over it like a bird will keel over if they consume a little salt or sugar As always, common sense applies! Don't let you bird chow down on human junk food, but a tiny bit is mostly fine on occasion

 

[chris-md]

What April (kiwibird said). Parrot owners don’t often distinguish between junk food and toxic food. I certainly wouldnt cast this as toxic. Just not particularly healthy. Just like it’s not healthy for us. As a rare treat, sure.

 

[Skittys_Daddy]

I agree there IS a clear difference between "unhealthy" and "toxic" foods.

Its just that for me, with Skittles, a 'tiny bit' doesn't usually do the trick for him. Once he's had a 'tiny' taste, he wants more. I don't think its fair to tease him with a tiny taste and then not let him have anymore.

For me, when it comes to 'naughty' foods, I don't just look at the biological factors, but the psychological ones as well.

I mean if you had a nice juicy steak that you were gonna eat in front of someone and said to them, 'you can lick the corner' but the rest is mine then I don't think they'd be too happy with you.

I certainly don't let Skittles 'pig out' on unhealthy snacks, but when I give him 'human food' I like it to more than just a tease so I try to choose the 'healthiest' unhealthy foods.