mongo@mongo.EBay.Sun.COM (Joe Baker X33841) (03/12/91)
I have seen references to chocolate as bad for birds and, as I have a substantial collection of older (latest was published about 9 years ago) bird books at home, just took the time to try and verify this, to no avail. I also have an old Macaw (Gonzo) who has been chowing down everyting from M&M's to cake (in, of course, moderation) for the last 13 years and seems none the worse for wear. So, when and where was this determined to be bad? By who? Is there a newer bit of knowledege I should tap? Thanks for any info... Joe mongo@mongo.Sun.COM
hubler@galaxy.lerc.nasa.gov (Dale Hubler) (03/12/91)
In article <5520@male.EBay.Sun.COM> mongo@mongo.EBay.Sun.COM (Joe Baker X33841) writes: >I have seen references to chocolate as bad for birds and, as I have a > >I also have an old Macaw (Gonzo) who has been chowing down everyting >from M&M's to cake (in, of course, moderation) for the last 13 years >Joe >mongo@mongo.Sun.COM Must the stuff I've seen regarding chocolate states that it is bad with no reference to specific instances. I forget the compound that is in chocolate, but it is known to be poisonous to dogs in sufficient quantity. The quantity would be less for a bird due to the differences in weight. I don't think cake would be harmful for an animal unless a very large amount was consumed. I have no concept of how many M&M's per pound of bird would be toxic. It may also be chocolate flavoring in the cake, not actually chocolate. I would use the M&M's in moderation, but I know of no bird specific instances. Dale Hubler -- Dale A. Hubler -- Sverdrup Technology -- (216) 977-7014 hubler@galaxy.lerc.nasa.gov When I become old and infirm I hope that someone will care enough for me to bring me 50 or 100 pounds of chocolate. What a way to go!
martin@adpplz.UUCP (Martin Golding) (03/13/91)
In <5520@male.EBay.Sun.COM> mongo@mongo.EBay.Sun.COM (Joe Baker X33841) writes: >I have seen references to chocolate as bad for birds and ... >just took the time to try and verify this, to no avail. >I also have an old Macaw (Gonzo) who has been chowing down everyting >from M&M's to cake (in, of course, moderation) for the last 13 years >and seems none the worse for wear. >So, when and where was this determined to be bad? By who? Is there a >newer bit of knowledege I should tap? I'd also be fascinated... Our two birds (Desi Lu Marino, african grey and Limbo, short for Limblopper, blueandgold macaw) will kill for Ethel M's chocolates, accept no substitutes. Desi can recognize the sound of an Ethel's chocolate being unwrapped in the next room, and can usually distinguish from lesser brands. They both recognize the boxes on sight! We give them an occasional nibble, and we won't feed them heavily even if the chocolate rule is discredited, but I'd like to feel a little safer about keeping chocolate in the house. Martin Golding | sync, sync, sync, sank ... sunk: Dod #0236 | He who steals my code steals trash. {mcspdx,pdxgate}!adpplz!martin or martin@adpplz.uucp