Can cockatiels eat avocado?
No – toxic. Cockatiels should never eat avocado. Avocado is toxic to birds. The Merck Veterinary Manual names cockatiels among the susceptible animals, and the AAV reports cockatiels with breathing difficulty after eating avocado. The AAV’s cockatiel care sheet lists avocado among things cockatiels must not get access to. Every part of the plant and fruit can cause harm.
Good to know: According to the AAV, there is no established treatment; if a vet sees the bird very soon after it ate avocado, some may still be removed from the crop. The RSPCA (highly poisonous to parrots), Purdue, NC State and RSPCA Australia all warn against avocado too.
Did your cockatiel eat some?
If your cockatiel ate some or seems unwell, the AAV says to get help from an avian vet immediately, even if you only suspect it.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply)
- Tell your vet what your cockatiel ate, how much and when.
Better choices, for example
Questions
My cockatiel ate avocado. What should I do?
If your cockatiel ate some or seems unwell, the AAV says to get help from an avian vet immediately, even if you only suspect it. You can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply).
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Avocado (Persea spp) Toxicosis in Animals
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Food Hazards
- Association of Avian Veterinarians – Cockatiels (Companion Bird Care Series, 2025)
- Association of Avian Veterinarians – Toxic Plant Series: The Avocado Part 2 (2022)
- Association of Avian Veterinarians – Toxic Plant Series: The Avocado Part 3 (2022)
- Association of Avian Veterinarians – Protecting Your Pet Birds from Household Dangers (2022)
- RSPCA – What to Feed Your Pet Bird (Parrot Diet)
- Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine – General Husbandry of Caged Birds
- NC State Veterinary Hospital – Parrot Nutrition
- RSPCA Australia – How will I keep my bird safe against household hazards?
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Bird Owners) – Household Hazards for Pet Birds
- Merck Veterinary Manual – Nutritional Diseases of Pet Birds
- PDSA – Poisons and hazards for your pets
Last checked: November 2026