Why

Cabbage is safe for budgies and provides vitamin C, vitamin K, fibre and antioxidants, with red cabbage carrying extra beneficial pigments. As a brassica, though, large amounts can cause gas or, over the long term with heavy daily feeding, potentially affect thyroid function, so it belongs in a varied rotation rather than as a sole green. The dense leaves are best chopped finely so a small bird can manage them. Offered sensibly, cabbage is a perfectly good, inexpensive vegetable for adding variety.

How to feed it

Wash it, remove the tough core, then finely shred or chop the leaf into small pieces suitable for a budgie. It can be served raw for the most nutrients or lightly steamed and cooled if preferred. You can also clip a piece of leaf to the cage bars for foraging. Remove any wilted leftovers after a few hours to keep things fresh.

How much & how often

A small amount of finely shredded cabbage, around a teaspoon, a couple of times a week is sensible. As a brassica, rotate it with non-brassica vegetables rather than feeding large daily portions.