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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

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BRIEF: Can Ficus lyrata be used as a supplement for parrots?


QUESTION:
I am interested to know if all the "figs" we have from our "Ficus lyrata" can be used as a supplement in the diet of our Fig parrots. Please consider that these birds do eat Ficus spp. "figs" in the wild, but the exact Ficus species are not very well known. I am not able to find sure information if this plant (Ficus lyrata) contains toxins, or this can be excluded. Naturally the taste of the "figs" is another question, as I do not know if these fruits will be accepted by the birds.

ANSWER:
I can not vouch for the edibility of any fig fruit other than that from Ficus carica, but I know of no systemic poisonings attributed to eating other fig fruits. The sap can be very irritating in the leaves and unripe fruit. Some people are allergic to the dust from the plant.