Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) Toxicity in Budgies

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Introduction: Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), a common indoor tree, is considered a non toxic plant to humans. Rarely, exposure to the dust of this plant has caused allergic reactions in humans.

Some Ficus species do contain an irritant sap in the leaves and the skin of the fruit. It appears that weeping fig may also contain this irritant sap.

Case Reports: I have three reports on file of budgies who have become symptomatic from chewing the leaves and bark of the weeping fig.

Onset of symptoms appears to be almost immediate after chewing this plant. Symptoms include frothing at the mouth, shaking the head, rubbing the beak on an object such as a perch, and regurgitation. One bird was anorexic and depressed.

No visible oral lesions were observed in any of the birds. All birds recovered uneventfully with supportive care.

Discussion: Any bird suspected of ingesting an irritant plant such as weeping fig, should be given an antacid preparation by dropper or oral syringe to alleviate oral irritation, then taken into the bathroom and allowed to inhale steam for 15 to 20 minutes. This may help to minimize the risk of airway obstruction from possible swelling caused by the irritant principles.

The bird should then be placed in a hospital cage to keep warm and an avian veterinarian consulted for further treatment recommendations.

Weeping fig should be considered potentially toxic to birds.

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Gillian Willis
Vancouver, B.C.

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Copyright © Gillian A.Willis. Permission to re-use any part of this text (whole or in part) must be obtained from the author.