Why

Courgette, also called zucchini, is a safe and gentle vegetable that suits budgies well. It is mild in flavour, very hydrating and easy to digest, while being low in sugar and low in oxalates, which makes it a relaxed everyday option with none of the brassica or acidity concerns of some other vegetables. It offers modest amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A and fibre. Its soft texture and inoffensive taste make it a good starter vegetable for budgies who are new to fresh food or a little fussy.

How to feed it

Wash it and leave the skin on, as it holds extra nutrients, then grate it or cut thin sticks or small chunks a budgie can manage. Serve it raw to keep the most vitamins. You can also clip a thin round to the cage bars. Remove seeds only if the courgette is very large and mature, and take out leftovers after a few hours.

How much & how often

A teaspoon or two of grated courgette, or a thin stick, several times a week is ideal, and it can be part of the daily vegetable mix. Being low in sugar it does not need strict limiting.