Can cockatiels eat meat?

Yes, but only cooked and a little: cockatiels can eat meat. Germany’s TVT says cockatiels are vegetarian, while Purdue calls lean meat an excellent protein source. Purdue adds that many parrots seem to like it and that meat and dairy together should make up about 5% of the diet. The TVT (Germany’s Veterinary Association for Animal Welfare), however, says animal protein can be added only during molting and chick rearing, in small amounts, so we err on the side of caution.

How to serve it: lean, cooked, unseasoned, a tiny piece

Good to know: We found no bird source on raw meat – if in doubt, cooked only. Ham and sausage are usually salty, and the AAV says birds shouldn’t be fed highly salted foods.