Why

Pineapple is a tangy, juicy treat that provides vitamin C, manganese and the enzyme bromelain, and many budgies enjoy its sweetness. It is both acidic and sugary, so it stays occasional. Fresh pineapple is far better than tinned, as tinned fruit is usually packed in sugary syrup or juice that piles on extra sugar. Offered fresh and in small amounts, it makes a fun, aromatic change.

How to feed it

Cut a small piece of fresh flesh, avoiding the tough core and prickly skin, and offer it in a shallow dish. If you only have tinned, choose fruit in natural juice rather than syrup, rinse it well, and use even less. Remove leftovers within a couple of hours.

How much & how often

A small fingernail-sized piece once or twice a week is plenty. Between the acidity and the sugar, pineapple is best kept as an occasional treat rather than a frequent one.