Why

Tomato is a moderation food for budgies and needs care. Only the ripe red flesh should ever be offered, and only occasionally, because tomatoes are quite acidic and the acidity can irritate a small bird's digestive system if fed too often. Crucially, the green parts, that is the leaves, stems and any unripe green fruit, contain solanine and are toxic, so these must never be given. Fed correctly as a rare treat, a little ripe tomato flesh provides vitamin C and antioxidants without harm.

How to feed it

Use only fully ripe tomato. Wash it, cut it open, scoop out and discard the watery seed pulp, and offer a small piece of the firm red flesh. Remove and discard the green stem, leaves and any green portions entirely. Serve it raw, and take out leftovers quickly as the acidic flesh spoils fast in a warm cage.

How much & how often

A small piece of ripe flesh, no more than occasionally, perhaps once a week or less. The acidity means tomato should be a rare treat, not a regular part of the vegetable mix.