Why

Walnuts are a rich, high-fat treat with a redeeming feature: they contain beneficial omega oils that support skin and feather condition. That makes a tiny piece a nice occasional addition, particularly around moulting, but the high fat content means they are very easy to overdo on a small budgie. They should be plain and unsalted, never candied or flavoured, and given only in a fragment at a time. Think of walnut as an occasional wholesome indulgence rather than something to offer regularly.

How to feed it

Offer only plain, unsalted walnut, breaking off a tiny piece of the kernel and, if needed, crumbling it so it is easy to manage. Avoid any salted, sugared or flavoured nuts. Check the walnut is fresh and free of mould, since mould on nuts can produce harmful toxins, then remove any uneaten pieces before they turn.

How much & how often

A fragment about the size of a small pea, once a week or so, is plenty. Walnuts are calorie-dense and rich, so it is genuinely easy to give too much, and small and infrequent is the way to go.