We can’t deny that poinsettias are beautiful Christmas and holiday decorations, often being the centerpiece of holiday festivities. These plants are very vibrant, and if you give them proper care, they can flourish for years and grow more than 10 feet tall. You may be wondering, ‘are poinsettias poisonous to birds?’
This said, people who own pet birds need to be very careful about the plant types they bring in their homes because many common houseplants are highly toxic to birds.
Quick Answer
Poinsettias are not poisonous to birds. However, they are mildly toxic when ingested.
With poinsettias being a popular plant for holidays, knowing whether the plant is safe for your birds is essential. Here is an exclusive look at whether poinsettias are poisonous to birds.
Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Birds?
Poinsettias are not poisonous to birds. However, they are mildly toxic when ingested. The stems, leaves, and sap of poinsettia plants can be mildly toxic for birds, but the reaction is likely to be minor.
The plant contains phorbol esters that might cause diarrhea, vomiting, and irritation of the face and eyes. This means that you might find your bird having diarrhea and vomiting but nothing worse. Most experts agree poinsettias are not dangerous to birds, at least not fatal.
Symptoms In Birds Who Have Taken Poinsettias
Ingestion of poinsettias by your bird can cause mild to severe symptoms, although they are not fatally dangerous. If your bird consumes some poinsettias, you might notice symptoms such as;
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Diarrhea
If the milky sap of poinsettias gets on your bird’s eyes or skin, it might result in mild irritation.
In case your bird consumes some part of the poinsettia plant, keep an eye on your bird for any reaction, although it’s likely to be minimal. In severe and rare cases, poinsettias can cause blistering, gastrointestinal problems, skin irritation, excess salivation, and other health issues.
Monitor the symptoms and consult your vet in case they become severe. Like other toxic plans, the toxicity will primarily depend on the size of your bird and how much poinsettia it consumes.
Is It Safe to Keep Poinsettias Around Birds?
It’s safe to keep poinsettias around your birds as long as the plants are out of reach. Poinsettia has not much toxicity when compared to members of the Euphorbiaceae family. So, while a part of the plant might upset your bird, ingestion of a substantial amount is needed for it to be fatally poisonous to your birds.
What To Do If Your Bird Eats Poinsettias
The best thing to do when your bird eats poinsettias is to keep a close eye to monitor any unusual symptoms.
The toxicity will depend on the amount of plant consumed, and the reaction to toxins can be severe if your bird consumes large amounts. If you observe any unusual symptoms, consult your vet immediately.
Small birds are particularly vulnerable to severe reactions due to their small size. The Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Poison Control can also offer expert guidance for a charge.
What Plants Are Safe for Your Birds
Some plants are entirely safe for birds to play with and consume. For peace of mind, some of the plants for your birds include;
- Begonia
- Fig tree
- African violet
- Spider plant
- Rubber tree
- Boston fern
- Bottlebrush fern
- Areca Palm
- Aloe
- Pampas Grass
- Bird’s Nest fern
Are poinsettias poisonous to birds: Bottom Line
Ultimately, while the poinsettia plant can be toxic to birds, it rarely causes severe reactions.
Often, the signs are mild and not life-threatening. However, supportive medical care may be necessary based on the clinical signs and amount of poinsettia consumed.
Are poinsettias poisonous to birds: Conclusion
Most houseplants pose a threat to birds, so be sure to do your research before you get any plant into your home.
If you think your bird is allergic or is developing a reaction, it’s only best to avoid having the poinsettia plant around and be ready to treat the reaction if such a reaction happens.
Related Article: Hanging Plants That Look Beautiful and Attract Birds