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PLEASE NOTE:
"Poisonous" does not mean deadly. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard.

Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions

Simple keyword search (one or two words only)

 


BRIEF: What is in avocado that kills parrots?


QUESTION:
We had a bird die years ago who ingested avocado. The vet at the time said it was poisonous to parrots. What is the ingredient in an avocado that would kill a parrot and not kill humans?

ANSWER:
Some avacados have a toxin that attacks the mammary gland (not on birds, of course...) and lungs, others are safe. It is hard to tell them apart. If I run across the avocado toxicant, I'll let you know...