Is Oleander Toxic to Birds?

Every part of the oleander plant is extremely toxic, including the smoke from burning it. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause fatal heart rhythm disturbances. Even drinking water from a vase with oleander is dangerous.

Quick Answer

Yes, oleander is toxic to birds. LETHAL — contains cardiac glycosides. Every part of the oleander plant is extremely toxic, including the smoke from burning it. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause fatal heart rhythm disturbances. Even drinking water from a vase with oleander is dangerous. Watch for symptoms like drooling, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Emergency

If your bird was exposed, contact your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 immediately.

Symptoms to Watch For

Drooling, nausea, vomiting
Abdominal pain and diarrhea
Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
Tremors and seizures
Cardiac arrest and death

Timeline

Symptoms can appear within hours. Cardiac effects may be delayed.

Treatment

EMERGENCY vet care
Activated charcoal if ingestion was recent
Cardiac monitoring and treatment
IV fluids and supportive care
Atropine or digoxin-specific antibody in severe cases

Prevention

Remove oleander from your property
Never burn oleander branches (toxic smoke)
Common in warm climates as ornamental hedges
Extremely toxic — just a few leaves can be fatal

Frequently Asked Questions

Is oleander toxic to birds?▼

LETHAL — contains cardiac glycosides. Every part of the oleander plant is extremely toxic, including the smoke from burning it. It contains cardiac glycosides that can cause fatal heart rhythm disturbances. Even drinking water from a vase with oleander is dangerous.

What happens if my bird is exposed to oleander?▼

Symptoms include: Drooling, nausea, vomiting; Abdominal pain and diarrhea; Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia). Symptoms can appear within hours. Cardiac effects may be delayed.

What should I do if my bird ingested oleander?▼

EMERGENCY vet care. Activated charcoal if ingestion was recent. Cardiac monitoring and treatment.

How can I protect my bird from oleander?▼

Remove oleander from your property. Never burn oleander branches (toxic smoke). Common in warm climates as ornamental hedges. Extremely toxic — just a few leaves can be fatal.