Why

Cherries are a sweet seasonal treat that offers antioxidants, vitamin C and a little vitamin A, and budgies often relish the soft flesh. The critical safety point is the stone, as cherry pits contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when crushed. For a 30g bird every stone must be removed before serving. The flesh itself is perfectly safe, but the sugar content keeps cherries in the occasional-treat category.

How to feed it

Wash the cherry, cut it open and remove the whole stone, then offer a small piece of the pitted flesh in a shallow dish. Never let your budgie near a whole cherry or a loose pit. The juice stains, so wipe up spills and clear leftovers within a couple of hours.

How much & how often

A piece or two from a single pitted cherry, once or twice a week, is enough. Cherries are sugary, so they should be a rare treat rather than a regular part of the diet.