http://images.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=...l%3Den%26sa%3DG

 

This web site says not to supplemet with calcium. What do you think of this site?

The point metioned is

Another important point to note re: <A href="

http://www.solwayparrotclub.co.uk/minor_ailments.htm#Budgies%20Calcium%20o/d" target=contents>Budgies is that they can be overdosed with Calcium, they don't seem to need the same extra supplementation that other Birds do. So, be aware of this at Breeding Time, if you are using a Calcium Supplement (i.e. Calcivet) for your other Birds.

Over-dosing can be just as bad as a deficiency and creates it's own problems.

Which is correct. Over dosing an animal with to much of any thing is dangerous. But it irresponcible of the site not to then give levels that are required.

One source informs me that budgerigars should have 9.0 grams od Calcium per 1 kg of feed. It is also recommended that 1500IU of Vitamin D3 per kg of feed is also required for the body to process the calcium successfully.

There is very good information on diety needs of budgerigars in

The Master Breeder. I highly recommend the reading of this.

Edited December 5, 200816 yr by Darryl

I agree with Daz. I have seen that site and that information. Its really about overdosing, and is truly irresponsible to say not to give calcium, just because some overdose. Would be good to get some better info on correct calcium levels though.

While we're on the subject of Calcium supplements .....

 

A couple of months ago I tried Avian Science Liquid Calcium and was promoting it as an alternative to Calcivet.

 

I take it all back!

 

I had a spate of deformed chicks born under the influence of ASLC - 3 in fact with various bone defects.

 

A coincidence? Maybe. But I immediately switched back to Calcivet and haven't had any issues since.

 

To offset the sugar levels in Calcivet I now add a couple of drops of apple cider/litre as well as 4-6 drops of Aquaious Iodine/litre with the Calcivet and the water keeps well.

I agree with Daz also

where do you buy calcivet from?

As Daz and Kaz said the article is really about over dosing. I personally used Calcivet with my birds which included pigeons. On first pairing up I would give calcivet in the water in the correct dose. This was a little booster mainly for the hens to make sure the Calcium levels were sufficient. I made my own Calcium/minerals blocks (kept down cost and better product than store bought) which were always in the breeding cabinets and really got a flogging during breeding. Blocks are better as the birds will take what they want when they want. I would only use the Calcivet during breeding if other calcium related problems arose.

I provide all my supplements in optional forms now, either as calcium blocks or in finger drawers (minerals and tonic seed) plus a good selection of healthy fruit/veg and natural branches. The birds will take them as they need them and since I started doing this I haven't had any problems. When I was putting calcium in the water I ended up with two chicks out of four with foot problems (one only mild) and one with an underbite, as with Renee this was possibly just a coincidence but until my current method proves me wrong I'll stick with it, I now have eight chicks in the nest and they have all developed beautifully.

As MB says and I forgot to mention. Fruit and Vegies. Can't under-estimate the value of a balanced diet.

 

I also forgot to mention in my previous post. Calcium works in conjuction with other minerals such as Phosphorus. There is a ratio involved but can't remember what it was for birds. In horses it is 3:1 Calcium-Phosphate if the phosphate levels rise too much the horse can end up with a diesease called "bighead", this is a swelling of the face (they get hugh). It was a common occurance years ago in baker's horses as they fed them diets high in bran and pollard to keep feed costs down.

As MB says and I forgot to mention. Fruit and Vegies. Can't under-estimate the value of a balanced diet.

 

I also forgot to mention in my previous post. Calcium works in conjuction with other minerals such as Phosphorus. There is a ratio involved but can't remember what it was for birds. In horses it is 3:1 Calcium-Phosphate if the phosphate levels rise too much the horse can end up with a diesease called "bighead", this is a swelling of the face (they get hugh). It was a common occurance years ago in baker's horses as they fed them diets high in bran and pollard to keep feed costs down.

 

I provide calcium in the following ways: I provide canunda shell grit mixed in with the seed, cuttlefish occasionally, and sprinkle dolomite on the floor, boiled egg including the shell as well as providing a varied diet of grains and fresh food to my birds. I have only experienced a miniscule proportion of soft shelled eggs and these only from birds brought into my aviary from outside. No undershot jaws for years and only an occasional chick with splayed legs (none in 2008 - a couple in 2007).