Why

Cucumber is a safe, refreshing vegetable that budgies often enjoy, especially in warm weather, because it is around ninety-five percent water and helps with hydration. The trade-off is that it is low in most vitamins and minerals, so it works as a light, watery snack rather than a nutritional powerhouse. The skin holds most of what little fibre and nutrients cucumber offers, so it is worth leaving on. Balance it with more nutrient-dense greens.

How to feed it

Wash the skin thoroughly and leave it on, then cut a thin slice or small chunks, or offer thin sticks a budgie can nibble. Serve it raw and cool. Because it is so watery, do not leave cucumber sitting in the cage for long, as it goes slimy quickly. Remove any uneaten pieces within a couple of hours.

How much & how often

A thin slice or a couple of small pieces a few times a week is ample. Because it is mostly water and low in nutrients, do not let it crowd out more valuable vegetables.