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Parrots are known to be
very sensitive to environmental toxins (air pollutants, teflon, chemical
cleaners, etc.) They are also very sensitive to chemicals such as
pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides that are commonly used to
cultivate and preserve our food supply.
Organic food is that
which is produced without using pesticides, fertilizers with synthetic
components, sewage sludge, bioengineering or ionizing radiation.
“Organic” labels are used on products that meet or exceed the guidelines
as defined under the Organic Food Production Act.
We've clearly
established the critical importance of feeding a wide variety of fresh
fruits and veggies daily to your bird to meet their nutritional needs.
However, in doing so, we may be feeding them nutrition coated with
pesticides and chemical residue thereby increasing their risk of cancer,
compromised immune systems and neurological damage.
We can avoid these
problems by purchasing organic produce or, if organic fruits and veggies
are not available, by thoroughly washing the produce and discarding the
skins, rinds and outer leaves before feeding them to our parrots.
Certain fruits and
veggies are known to be more pesticide laden than others. Carolyn
Swicegood has written an excellent article "Kitchen
Physician III - Parrots, Produce and Pesticides"
which summarizes
the 12 foods with the highest pesticide content as well as the 9 crops
that typically have the lowest pesticide content. This
information is summarized below:
Twelve Most Toxic Crops
(always buy organic):
|
1.
Strawberries |
7.
Celery |
| 2. Bell Peppers
(green and red) |
8.
Apples |
| 3. Spinach |
9.
Apricots |
| 4. U.S. Grown
Cherries |
10.
Green Beans |
| 5. Peaches |
11.
Chilean Grapes |
| 6. Mexican
Cantaloupe |
12.
Cucumbers |
Nine Least Toxic Crops:
|
1. Corn |
6.
Bananas |
| 2. Sweet Potatoes |
7.
Plums |
| 3. Cauliflower |
8.
Watermelon |
| 4. Brussels Sprouts |
9.
Broccoli |
| 5. U.S. Grapes |
|
For the greatest peace
of mind, we recommend that you always buy organic produce.
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