Can cockatiels eat chili peppers?
Yes, cockatiels can eat chili peppers in small amounts. According to the AAV, birds tolerate hot chili peppers better than mammals do, and many parrots love them. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists chili peppers among vitamin A–rich vegetables, and RSPCA Australia counts chili peppers among red vegetables for birds.
How to serve it: washed, a small piece
Sources
- Association of Avian Veterinarians – Some Birds Like It Hot! (2020)
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Bird Owners) – Nutritional Disorders of Pet Birds
- RSPCA Australia – What should I feed my birds?
Last checked: November 2026