I got a fresh coconut from the grocery store and I was wondering if I could give one half of the shell with the coconut flesh in it to my budgies. I've seen in pet stores coconut shells for budgies but I've got a few questions:

1. Since this coconut was from a grocery store do I need to do something to clean in? Can I just wash it in water?

2. Are the fibres on the outside of the shell safe for budgies or is there a chance that they might cause crop impaction or something like that if they eat them?

3. Is coconut healthy? I've got no idea if they'll even like it but I can imagine that it's quite high in fat. I normally don't buy coconuts so it would just be an occasional treat but if they eat a good chunk of it now (let's say a piece about 2 sq cm in size) might that give them some problems?

4. Does anyone know how long coconut would last outside the fridge?

5. Can I give them just the shell to play with? Could they hurt themselves on pieces of the shell? The edges don't seem to be too sharp but just want to make sure.

Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pipsicle I got a fresh coconut from the grocery store and I was wondering if I could give one half of the shell with the coconut flesh in it to my budgies. I've seen in pet stores coconut shells for budgies but I've got a few questions: 1. Since this coconut was from a grocery store do I need to do something to clean in? Can I just wash it in water? 2. Are the fibres on the outside of the shell safe for budgies or is there a chance that they might cause crop impaction or something like that if they eat them? 3. Is coconut healthy? I've got no idea if they'll even like it but I can imagine that it's quite high in fat. I normally don't buy coconuts so it would just be an occasional treat but if they eat a good chunk of it now (let's say a piece about 2 sq cm in size) might that give them some problems? 4. Does anyone know how long coconut would last outside the fridge? 5. Can I give them just the shell to play with? Could they hurt themselves on pieces of the shell? The edges don't seem to be too sharp but just want to make sure. Thanks

Coconut in the shell is fine for budgies... But they won't eat much of it more than likely. They love to play in the shells, but a girl will try and make a nest out of it and lay eggs in it, so something to be weary about.

I put a shell in my cage, till one of my girls started laying in it. They ate a little bit of the coconut but then just tossed it out.

Id wash it very well as i once gave mine it and two died from the pesticides on the coconut