Cinnamon is a widely used household spice known for its distinctive aroma and flavor, but for bird owners, its safety for avian species is a common concern. Birds have unique physiologies, meaning a substance safe for humans may pose a risk to feathered companions. Understanding the potential dangers of ingestion and inhalation, as well as the difference between the two main types of cinnamon, is necessary to determine its place around birds.
Safety Profile of Cinnamon for Avian Species
The primary concern regarding cinnamon relates to its concentration and form. While small amounts of the powdered spice are not acutely toxic, it is not recommended as a regular dietary additive for avian species. A major hazard is the inhalation risk posed by the fine powder, which can easily be drawn into a bird’s sensitive respiratory system, causing irritation or distress.
Cinnamon essential oils pose a significant danger because they are highly concentrated. These oils contain compounds like cinnamaldehyde that are toxic when inhaled or ingested. Birds are extremely susceptible to airborne toxins due to their unique respiratory anatomy, so using essential oil diffusers near them is strongly advised against.
Understanding Cassia and Ceylon Varieties
Cinnamon comes from several species within the Cinnamomum genus, with two main varieties dominating the commercial market: Cassia and Ceylon. Cassia cinnamon is the cheaper and more common variety, often sourced from China or Indonesia. Ceylon cinnamon, or “true” cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), is primarily grown in Sri Lanka and has a milder flavor.
The key distinction for avian safety is the naturally occurring compound coumarin. Cassia contains significantly higher amounts of coumarin, which is a known hepatotoxin (liver-damaging substance) when consumed in large quantities. Ceylon cinnamon contains only negligible amounts of coumarin, making it the safer choice if offering the spice to a bird.
Cinnamon in the Avian Environment
When considering behavior, the question of whether birds “like” cinnamon is often answered negatively. Birds have a generally poor sense of smell, but the strong, spicy aroma can be irritating or repulsive to many avian species. The intense scent is sometimes used as a mild deterrent for certain pests, like ants and squirrels, around bird feeders.
Antifungal Use
Cinnamon is occasionally utilized in the avian environment for its natural antifungal properties. It contains active ingredients that exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activity, leading to its use as a natural mold inhibitor. A small dusting of the powder may be used on bird seed or around feeding stations to help prevent the growth of mold, which can be highly toxic to birds. This application must only use Ceylon cinnamon to avoid the coumarin risk and should be applied cautiously to prevent inhalation of the fine powder.