Why

Garlic should never be given to a budgie. Like onion it belongs to the allium family and contains thiosulphates, along with a compound called allicin, which can damage a bird's red blood cells and lead to haemolytic anaemia, where oxygen-carrying cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. For a bird as small as a budgie this can cause weakness, breathlessness and, in serious cases, death. Garlic is harmful in every form, including fresh cloves, cooked garlic, garlic powder and garlic salt, so it and any garlic-seasoned food should be kept away entirely.

What to do

Keep garlic in all forms, including fresh, cooked, powdered and within breads, sauces and seasoned dishes, out of your budgie's reach, and never offer scraps that may contain it. If your bird has eaten garlic, contact an avian vet for advice promptly, as red-blood-cell damage can develop without obvious early signs.

How much & how often

There is no safe amount of garlic for a budgie. Even small or powdered amounts can harm red blood cells, so avoid it completely.