Q: I got a gift certificate for a place that sells essential oils. Can I use them around my bird?
– Deanna, C. – Saginaw, MI
A: The use of essential oils is an age old practice that has earned itself a valid and respected place with those who use aromatherapy and have witnessed some pretty remarkable results.
Not only can you use them around your birds, but you can use them to improve your bird’s general well-being and to conquer health issues – as long as you do your homework so that you use them correctly. Perhaps the most important aspect to using essential oils safely with a parrot is in selecting the right, high quality oil.
The foremost authority on the use of essential oils with parrots would have to be Angela Nelson who has written a book that covers all aspects: Aromatherapy For Parrots. Anyone interesting in taking this journey with their bird should have her book on hand for reference.
In her book she says:
“Essential oils are complex mosaics of hundreds of different chemicals. A common essential oil such as lavender can have 300 or more different chemical constituents, and many of these constituents occurring in minute quantities, but nonetheless adding to the oils overall therapeutic effect to some degree.”
To me, this is a most important consideration. Much like the different foods we grow, each has its own unique signature. Our understanding of each component is sometimes minimal – but we know that when all of the pieces are together in the form provided by nature, it is right. In order for it to remain right, it has to be issued in its purest form or it becomes something other than the earth intended and no longer predictable in its safety.
If you question the need for essential oils in the life of your parrot, consider this thought provoking quote from Angela’s book:
“Since essential oils can be found in the roots, stems, bark, leaves, wood, fruit, flowers, rinds and berries of plants, is there ever a time where a wild parrot is NOT exposed to essential oils? Even when they are just perching on a branch, the essential oils within that branch is being absorbed through their feet. “
This begs the question of whether we can provide a more natural and healthy existence for our parrots if we return essential oils to their environment.
So here’s the thing – if you want to take a more holistic approach to your parrot’s care and explore essential oils you need to educate yourself and do it properly. There are different oils for different occasions and different delivery methods. This book will explain everything you need to know and give you all the DOs and DON’Ts. You can get Angela’s book on Amazon.
Author Patty Jourgensen specializes in avian health, behavior and nutrition and has been working with and caring for rescue birds since 1987.
11 comments
I was wondering if it is safe to wear perfume oil on your skin around your birds? I have a baby lotion I love, it is called Sheamoisture baby lotion and is scented with Frankincense and myrrh. I adore the scent so I bought a Frankincense and myrrh perfume oil by kuumbamade fragrance to go along with it. It is a body oil and I got it today. Put it on. It was a little strong and I looked at bird and quickly washed it off. I am unsure if he breathes it in while near me if he is safe, so I am coming to you to see if you had answers.
Nature’s Sunshine products – essential oils they have are extremely high quality and very trustworthy. They have over 500 separate testing to ensure all herbal products, vitamins and supplements, including their essential oils line is of top quality and grade. They were the first company to encapsulate herbs. Check out their website for more info – www.naturessunshine.ca/www.naturessunshine.com
Check out a trusted health food store re your essential oils. A good one should be water soluble.
Young Living Essential Oils are not even Organic, they are probably fine. I have to say there is a lot of marketing done here, to sell YL oils and I have to say for sure do not get crapy oils at the pharmacy for your parrot, but there is other companies which do not use industrial destilation, chemicals and they are organic and a lot cheaper.
What about the young living oil " purification" since I read it has citronella in it? I wanted to diffuse this for my migraines. Any advice?
Remember that doTERRA Essential Oils are also safe around parrots, they are Certified Therapeutic Grade as well. I diffuse these oils around my parrots. I also use these oils for myself and my family. They have done amazing things!
I’ve been a Young Living distributor for years, so I have access to new oils as soon as they’re released. I have tried everything on the husband and kids, and our own Goffin. She was mid-moult and acting like a lunatic (biting and screaming) and happy the next when that oil hit her. If I hadn’t been sold before that day, I would have been afterwards.
This is great info. I had no idea essential oils were okay for parrots. Going to read the book and give it a try for my fids.
I have been using Young Living Oils for over 17 years. My parrot loves the oils. When I use an oil on myself, he often rubs his head on the spot where I put the oil. I would be afraid to use any other brand of oil around by bird because of toxic ingredients that some oils have, even though they are labeled 100% pure.
I use YoungLiving essential oils with my birds and they do fine. Melissa Shelton DVM has an excellent book on animals and essential oils with a large section on Birds.
I’d love to know what you’re using, too, Maria. I have a collection of the Young Living oils that I use on myself for various ailments (or just overall wellbeing), and would love to share them with my birds. Thanks!
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