I have been putting in a cuttlebone in my birds' cage for the past year. They never touch it. However, they do bite at a mineral block. Is it essential that they eat the cuttlebone or will they get the same benefits from the mineral block? Also, does the cuttlebone go bad? How often should I replace it (even though they don't touch it!)?

I have been putting in a cuttlebone in my birds' cage for the past year. They never touch it. However, they do bite at a mineral block. Is it essential that they eat the cuttlebone or will they get the same benefits from the mineral block? Also, does the cuttlebone go bad? How often should I replace it (even though they don't touch it!)?

 

I am not too sure of all the aswers here Kirbs, but Lin once gave a brilliant tip ....she grates some of the cuttlebone over the top of their food. Also by hanging it over the feeddish, the bits that crumble off when they nibble at it go into the food dish too.

yes it is necessary for them to get calcium from the cuttlebone don't take it out and use Lin's advice above. The mineral block is okay too but it doesn't give them the calcium they need.

I have been putting in a cuttlebone in my birds' cage for the past year. They never touch it. However, they do bite at a mineral block. Is it essential that they eat the cuttlebone or will they get the same benefits from the mineral block? Also, does the cuttlebone go bad? How often should I replace it (even though they don't touch it!)?

That advice is quite helpful. I will try scraping some off into the food dish. I will keep it in there and continue to watch to see if they eat it.

Thanks guys! I needed that answer too!

Shell

i don't give my birds cuttlebone, instead i actually get the calcium carbonate powder and mix that in with their seeds. The very fine powder of the calcium carbonate coats the seeds and they hull the seed, they get the calcium powder with it, so they get the calcium that way. :bluebudgie:

that hapend with me,

then i turned it horisontal and my budgie

found it easier to eat.

Here is part of an article I was reading on supplements etc..... Take it as you like as most articles contradict the one written before/after it which can be quite confusing.

 

GRIT

It very much depends on your species of bird whether you should be giving it grit or not. Hook bills (all parrots and parakeets), canaries, and most finches hull their seeds (take the outer shell off), and therefore do not need grit to help them break the food down. It has been common practice until recently that budgies and cockatiels are given grit, but it is of no benefit to them, and can cause serious crop problems and impactions. However, other birds, such as quail, chickens, and doves do require grit to digest their food, and should always have a supply of grit or sand.

 

Mineral Blocks & Cuttlefish Bones

A mineral block is usually put into the cage to provide calcium and other minerals, and can be pretty good for your bird to clean his/her beak on (unless the mineral block is brown and the bird is white!). A mineral block is usually a good idea, but make sure that the mineral block does not have added activated carbon (no benefit for your bird unless your bird eats something poisonous).

 

Cuttlefish bone is often sold in pet stores as a calcium source for birds, but the calcium it contains is not easily absorbed by birds. It makes a good chewing/shredding toy for the birds, but that's about it. If your bird only has a cuttlefish bone in their cage for the calcium, it is important that you supplement with other calcium sources, such as boiled eggshells and a more effective calcium and vitamin D3 supplement. Vitamin Supplements

It is advisable to include a vitamin supplement in your bird's diet if the bird will only accept a seed based diet with limited intake of fruits, vegetables & other food items. They can help to make up for important vitamins lacking in the diet, and can be used whilst trying to convert the bird to eating a more well balanced diet. These supplements can be given regularly, once a week. The liquid supplements that are administered in the bird's water are more affective than the power supplements that get sprinkled onto the food, as the powder sticks to the shell of the seed, which is discarded by the bird. However, problems can arise if water that has been enriched with a vitamin supplement it left more than 12 hours, as a rapid bacterial growth can occur. It is therefore vitally important that bowl hygiene is carried out regularly to avoid this.

 

Water soluble supplements are not to be confused with water administrated medications. Supplying added vitamins to a deficient diet via the water can be a great way to get a fussy eater to consume much needed vitamins and minerals. But with medications, it is never recommended to administer in the water because the bird needs to consume a specific dosage of medication that is not assured by this method.