Safe Fruits

Pear seeds are nontoxic.

The kernel of fruits belonging to the Prunus species (peach, apricot, nectarine and plum) contain cyanogenic glycosides which are converted into cyanide in the body. Branches from the Prunus species should not be used as perches.

Rhubarb - There are different varieties of rhubarb (Rheum sp.) Garden rhubard (Rheum rhabarbarum) grown in N.A. differs from the medicinal rhubarb (Rheum officianale & R. palmatum). The leaves of both varieties contain the highly toxic oxalic and should not be fed to birds. The stalks of garden rhubarb are edible and can be given to birds. The stalks of Medicinal rhubarb contain anthraquinones which cause catharsis. These are not present in garden Rhubarb.

If the fruit has been organically grown, it can be given to the birds with the skin on. Otherwise wash very well or peel off the skin.

Gillian Willis
Vancouver, B.C.
willis@dpic.bc.ca