Avocado (Persea americana) intoxication in caged birds

Avocados of 2 varieties were mashed and administered via feeding cannula to 8 canaries and 8 budgerigars. Two control budgerigars were given water via feeding cannula. Six budgerigars and 1 canary died within 24 to 47 hours after the first administration of avocado. Deaths were associated with administration of both varieties of avocado. Higher dose was associated with greater mortality. The 2 budgerigars given water were normal throughout the observation period. Results indicated that avocados are highly toxic to budgerigars and less toxic to canaries. Postmortem findings observed in some birds included subcutaneous edema in the pectoral area and hydropericardium.