Please note that I am not a veterinarian. I do, however, share my home with eight parrots. I have spent a great deal of time researching the use of essential oils on and around parrots in an effort to insure that my birds are safe.
Resources I recommend on this topic include The Animal Desk Reference: Essential Oils for Animals by Melissa Shelton, DVM and Aromatherapy for Parrots by Angela Nelson (with the caveats mentioned in my review on Amazon).
Our white-capped pionus Apple Jack
WHY WOULD WE USE ESSENTIAL OILS WITH PARROTS?
As any “parront” is aware, it is impossible to duplicate the wild environment for a captive bird but it is our responsibility to do our very best to create the most enriching and healthy environment we can. A lack of such an environment can result in many serious issues, including many of the problems that people cite for giving up or euthanizing their pet parrots including feather plucking, self-mutilation, constant screaming, aggression, and hormonal behaviors like frequent egg laying.
So you are doing your best to create an enriching environment for your birds, including providing the largest possible cage, a variety of enriching toys, a varied and healthy diet, proper lighting, etc. But consider this: Essential oils are contained in the leaves, flowers, bark, seeds, and rinds of many plants, so wild parrots are CONSTANTLY exposed to essential oils as they climb, forage, play, and fly in their wild environment. Could the absence of essential oils in the life of companion parrots be part one of the missing links in companion parrot care? This is certainly worth considering.
BRANDS TO USE WITH PARROTS
Birds are extremely sensitive to toxins, so it is critical to use only top quality essential oils with them. The vast majority of essential oils on the market are not safe to use with parrots and drug store and health food store brands should be strictly avoided. For further advice about brands that have been used safely by other parrot-owners, please join our Facebook group.
Our blue throat macaw Katie
OILS TO AVOID WITH PARROTS
There is some disagreement about whether there are particular essential oils that must be avoided with birds. Some online sources state that melaleuca, pine oils, cedarwood, and citronella (and blends that include them) are toxic to birds, but none of these sources cite the source of this recommendation.
As I look over this list of oils to avoid, it occurs to me that almost all of them are oils that are commonly available in synthetic and/or adulterated forms on the shelves of drug stores, health food stores, and even hardware stores (for example cheap tea tree oil, pine-based cleaning products, cedarwood-based pesticides, or citronella candles). This makes me wonder whether the prohibition against using these oils is the result of adverse outcomes that have occurred when people have used low quality melaleuca, cedarwood, pine, or citronella oils on or around their birds, as opposed to actual risk associated with medical-quality forms of these oils.
Dr. Melissa Shelton’s book (the Animal Desk Reference), mentions using medical grade forms of ALL of these oils with her avian patients. Because Dr. Shelton has worked more extensively using essential oils on parrots than most anyone else and because she has had the opportunity to closely monitor blood, respiratory, and organ function in her patients while using essential oils, I personally trust her recommendations and follow them in my household of eight parrots.
The only oil that Dr. Shelton mentions to avoid with birds is arborvitae (Thuja plicata), but I have to wonder whether this is because the leaves of the arborvitae tree contain thujone. The arborvitae oil from the manufacturer I use is derived exclusively from the wood of the arborvitae tree and DOES NOT contain any thujone. At this time I prefer to err on the side of caution, however, and avoid the use of Arborvitae on my birds.
Our Congo African Grey Zeva clowning around
WAYS TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS WITH PARROTS
Diffusion
Use of a water-based , ultrasonic diffuser is recommended for households with birds. Diffusers that atomize essential oils directly from the bottle are not recommended (except for in a large and well-ventilated aviary). An ultrasonic diffuser has the added benefit of helping to humidify the air, which is good for parrots’ skin and respiratory tracts.
Almost every essential oil single and blend has been diffused around birds, but “hot” oils such as cinnamon bark, thyme, and oregano should be approached with caution. Start with about 3 drops of oil in the diffuser and monitor the bird closely for the first 5-10 minutes. Increase the amount of oil and the frequency of diffusion gradually. Many households with birds diffuse essential oils round the clock and see amazing benefits in their birds. Angela Nelson (author of Aromatherapy for Parrots) states that “if you can stick your face, with your eyes wide open, directly in the mist of the diffuser and it does not irritate your eyes, nose, or throat, then you are safe to assume it will be just fine for your bird as well.”
Water misting
Mist the bird 2-3 times per day, avoiding the eye area. A few sprays is all that is needed to be effective, or you can completely soak the bird if you are seeking a stronger therapeutic effect.
Please join our Facebook group in order to download an excellent general-purpose “Feather Spray” recipe. Dr. Shelton says that she uses this spray as a fundamental tool for her avian patients. She says that it helps support normal immune function as well as providing emotional support. Many members of our group have found it to be helpful for birds that pluck as a result of emotional conditions (all birds that pluck should receive a thorough work-up from an avian vet to rule out medical causes).
The oils in the spray are absorbed through the skin and are taken orally as the bird preens after being misted. This makes water misting a good way to get essential oils into birds that are not accustomed to being handled.
Dr. Shelton mentions adding 2-3 drops each of Frankincense and Helichrysum to the Feather Spray recipe for an added benefits.
Internal use of oils
This is generally done at a dose of 1 drop per liter of drinking water or by adding a toothpick of essential oil to moist food. When adding essential oils to water be sure to have plain water available for your bird as well.
Tenting
Tenting is a more intense version of diffusing and is generally done to address respiratory conditions. In tenting, you place the bird in a small cage or kennel, place a towel or blanket over the top, and place the diffuser in front of the whole ensemble. This keeps the bird in close proximity to the atomized essential oils. A bird that is being tented should be constantly watched and tenting should not be done for any more than 30 minutes at a time. Generally in a situation like this your bird is going to be under a veterinarian’s care.
Topical use of oils
When in doubt, essential oils should be diluted for topical application, but keep in mind that plant oils (such as fractionated coconut oil) will make your bird’s feathers greasy and greasy feathers prevent your bird from temperature regulating normally. For this reason, oils should only be applied topically to non-feathered areas such as the feet. One way to do this is to apply oils to your finger or arm and then asking your bird to “step up”. Diluted essential oils can also be applied to your bird’s feet using a roller bottle. For birds that cannot be handled, try applying oils to a favorite perch.
One of Dr. Shelton’s favorite blends for topical application the equivalent of Grounding Blend. She finds that it is very helpful for any type of stress or fear-based situation, including everyday events like wing or nail clipping. Grounding Blend helps to instill courage, confidence, and self-esteem, which is a major issue for any bird who has had multiple homes or has been subject to abuse, neglect, or trauma in the past. We need to keep in mind as keepers of companion parrots that birds are prey animals and therefore are constantly on alert for threats. They often feel fearful in situations like a change to their routine or environment (such as rearranging furniture in a room or adding a new toy to the cage), a new pet or family member, or unusual noise (for instance construction workers at the house next door). Applying Grounding Blend to your bird’s feet in situations like these can help a lot. Because Grounding Blend already contains fractionated coconut oil, you do not need to dilute it further.
My ruby macaw Penny
Thank you for this its very informative
though i’m still wondering if its safe to use a oil burner (unscented candle) diluted with a drop of 100% pure lavender oil around my parrot?
That depends a lot on the brand of the essential oil. Lots of manufacturers claim that their oils are “100% pure”, but scientific analysis proves that very few of them actually are. You can get more details about brands that are safe to use around parrots in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/essentialoilsforparrots/ and you can read more about what laboratory analysis shows about many popular brands of essential oils here: https://www.facebook.com/EssentialOilUniversity. One way or another, an oil burner is not the way to go — the heat actually denatures the delicate oil. A diffuser is a much better option.
Hello
This is an interesting read! We have some parrots and would like to start using essential oils around them. We use candle warmers/melters and melt 100% Soy wax with Lavendar, Lemongrass, Clove, Camphor essential oil around the house. It smells nice and repels insects. It doesn’t actually burn the wax, it only melts it. So far we’ve stayed out of the bird room.
Do you think this is a safe method? Also, I do not see a lot of info about which oils are safe, only brands. Have you used any of these specific oils before?
Thank you
I strongly prefer diffusers to warmers for dispersing essential oils. Essential oils are volatile compounds and their structure is subject to damage from exposure to even mild heat. Also, I am not aware of a soy wax brand that is scented with essential oils that I would be confident using around my birds. There is much more information on this topic, including recommended brands and particulars regarding specific oils that are safe and not safe around birds in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/essentialoilsforparrots/. I would also encourage you to check into the Essential Oil University Facebook page, where you can see laboratory analyses that demonstrate that many so-called pure essential oils are actually largely synthetic. https://www.facebook.com/EssentialOilUniversity/
Hi Kristen,
I am wondering which essential oils you find helpful for macaws that pluck. I have a blue/gold that I adopted from a rescue about 2 years ago, and despite having a lot a attention, she still plucks. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Kathy, there is a recipe available in our Facebook for an essential oil feather spray that helps many birds with plucking. Please join the group in order to access the recipe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/essentialoilsforparrots/.
Thank you for this information. Just today I joined a group on FB to learn a bit more about using EO’s in my everyday life. My one big concern, especially as the host talked about diffusion, was that I have been very careful about using cleaners, teflon pans, and burning/melting candles and wax since we got our baby conure. Knowing that I may be able to use the EO’s even in a room where our baby is, is important information.
I put eucalyptus branches from my garden in the oven as it cools down which makes the house smell amazing, and I know for a fact these are 100% natural! My conure loves playing with the gumnuts, too.
What essential oils do I use for the diffuser?
I do not have a Facebook and cannot access the groups. I really must know which brands are safe for myself and my cockatiel. I have purchased a few [brand name redacted] essential oils which I have heard are pure and high quality. Can anyone confirm this, speaking from the Facebook group? Thank you in advance.
-Lily
Lily, FDA policies prevent us from conducting any conversation on this website that mentions brand names. I am sorry that this leaves you without information that you need, but you’ll have to take that up with the FDA.
Hi,
Can we drizzle Bulletproof’s XCT oil or Brain Octane over our Grey’s food? It’s mainly C-8
Thank you!
For what purpose? Medium chain triglycerides can be disturbing to the human GI tract and I have no idea how they would affect the psittacine digestive system. Unless there is a really good reason for it, I would avoid a product like this.
Hi there. I’ve been doing research as my mother had bought a diffuser from Saje Wellness, and I own a cockatiel. The employees tell me their oils are safe for birds to be around and they are high quality. If you don’t mind me asking your opinion, do you think the diffuser would be okay for my cockatiel as long as he isn’t right next to it? This is my first bird I’ve adopted and I’m a little worried.
Hello! I was just wondering if it would be safe to use Young Living Essential Oils in a diffuser type style in my room, where I have a cockatiel?
I safely use YL oils (diffused) around my Cockatiel and Conures. Just make sure the diffuser isn’t right next to their cage and that the room doesn’t get overwhelmingly strong smelling is my rule of thumb. I also don’t diffuse hot oils like cinnamon or anything too strong smelling like cedar – just in case. I do use Lavender, Lemongrass and Thieves around them successfully.
Hello. I have an Indian Ringneck with apparently quite severe digestive issues and was wondering whether you could recommend an essential oil that would help? Thank you so much 🙂
Can I use thieves essential oil cleaner on my birdcage? I have 2 sun conures and I only use thieves cleaner by young living in my home. Is it safe for my birds?
Hello! Thank you for your article! We have a pineapple conure and I was given a candle from bath and body works as a gift that says “made with notes of toasted vanilla and cedarwood essential oil”. It also says soy blend wax. Is it safe to use around our feathered friend? Thanks so much!
Thank you for sharing your expertise. I have a Double Yellow Headed Amazon. I am also fighting pantry miller’s in his cage. Can I use a vinegar/citronella/clove mixture on his cage to kill the bugs? Of course I would not have him in the cage when I spray it and would let it air out before I put him back in. May even rinse it off.
Thanks for the tips. I diffuse essential oils regularly and we are getting a cockatiel soon, so these things are good to know.