You may have noticed that parrot seed mixes, pellet mixes, and cook-able mixes contain dried peppers, pepper flakes, or cayenne! Many parrots love to crunch them up, soak them in their water, or eat the small pepper seeds. Many parrot owners are surprised to learn that birds do not taste the “heat” like we do. What gives peppers their heat is capsaicin. Humans have receptors sensitive to capsaicin, but birds do not! You can also offer fresh peppers like bell peppers, jalapenos, and red and green chilis. Do not offer peppers from jars or cans as they have usually been brined with lots of salt.

See if your parrot likes spicy foods by offering fresh peppers, or try our Firecracker Flatbread recipe!