Bell Pepper Seeds- safe?

[raddaughter]

I recently heard that bell pepper seeds are not safe. I have never heard this before. Is it true; or is only dried and/or fresh bad?

[mamalovesrico]

Where have you heard this and what is it about them that is not safe?

[raddaughter]

I heard this information from a good friend. She has 2 budgies, but, to be completly honest, isn't very involved with bird care. She is a very good friend of mine, and I trust her, but I wasn't sure weather or not this was 100% acurate, so I thought I would put it out there.
It was something about the seed that was not good- but it wasn't detailed. I will try to get somemore details from what she said.

[mamalovesrico]

The reason I ask is because I give these to my birds all of the time. I cut the top off and plop it in a food dish. This has also been suggested to me by friends who do this with their own birds.

[dgcashier]

Bell pepper seed are excellent for birds. They are the absolute favorite of our parrotlet Paulie. He goes crazy over them.....red, yellow, orange, green, doesn't matter. But they need to be fresh white seeds. If they are grayish, don't feed them.

[jimpierce7]

my fids love 'em!! I mix them in with their sprouts.

[Missi]

Yea, I was just going to say that they're great for birds. Jasmine loves them! Don't let your birds miss out

[bustersbuddy]

You can give Harley and your other fids all the bell peppers they will eat, seeds and all, Raddaughter. Most parrots love peppers of all types and bell peppers in particular are full of vitamin C and other anti-oxidants. Since peppers are members of the "belladonna" family of plants, many people still hang on to the old tales that they are harmful and poisonous. When peppers and tomatoes were first introduced to Italy, no one would eat them because they were supposed to be deadly! Can you imagine Italian cuisine without tomatoes and peppers today?!? HAH!!

[raddaughter]

Thanks everyone! I just gave Harley a bell pepper 'head'. At first, she had so idea what it was. Then she thought it was a toy... I think when it broke she figured out is was food! She LOVES it! Thanks again!
Dominique

[Missi]

Aww! Peppers are definitely a parrot fave!