I searched and found recipes for calcium blocks on the forum as I would like to make these for myself (my birds, that is!) There were differences in the ingredients and the first part of my enquiry is about the difference between using calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate in the mix.

 

The second part of my enquiry is about the use of garden lime mentioned in one of the recipes. Does this mean unslaked lime? And what part does it play in the mix?

 

The third part of my enquiry relates to the use of plaster of paris - I have been told it actually locks up the other ingredients so that, while the chewed up bits go through the bird, they are not actually deriving any benefit from it. Fact or fiction?

 

My knowledge of chemistry is insufficient to solve these questions myself so I would be grateful for any advice from forum contributors. Jaz

I was recently researching this info myself when I decided to make calcium blocks for my birds. BUT I found so much information that I wasnt happy with in the ingredients and decided not to proceed. Also a lot of the ones we can buy seem to be made from the plaster of paris and not the calcium carbonate too.

 

There is a big difference these days apparently between plaster of paris ( Calcium sulphate ) found at hardware stores and food grade calcium carbonate. The newer plaster of paris found in hardware stores has additives and this must be investigated before purchase. Food grade calcium carbonate is the one to choose.

 

Plaster of Paris is Calcium Sulfate (Gypsum), the same stuff that dry wall is made of and can be dangerous. Today it is also made with additives. Use only FOOD GRADE Calcium Carbonate. Set up time is longer and the block is softer after it dries.

 

Plaster of paris............WARNING! CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT. MAY BE HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED.

 

 

Further info http://www.sciencestuff.com/msds/C1458.html

 

Garden Lime.............

 

Inhaled: Dust will irritate the nose, throat and respiratory system. Symptoms

include sneezing and slight nose irritation.

 

CHRONIC: Regular ingestion of more than 8g per day (calcium carbonate)

reported to cause blood and kidney disorders. Prolonged uncontrolled

exposure to airborne dust is not recommended due to respiratory

illness.

Quick answer to the difference between Calcium Cabonate (CaCO₃) and Calcium Phosphate (Ca₃(PO₄)₂ is that the former is soluable in water. I'll will hit my chemistry books for you and give you a more indepth anwser later if ya like.

 

I used to make my own blocks but I formulated my own receipe. Just can't find it.

Quick answer to the difference between Calcium Cabonate (CaCO₃) and Calcium Phosphate (Ca₃(PO₄)₂ is that the former is soluable in water. I'll will hit my chemistry books for you and give you a more indepth anwser later if ya like.

 

I used to make my own blocks but I formulated my own receipe. Just can't find it.

 

Thank you Kaz and RIP, yes, I would appreciate more information RIP. Looks like run with Calcium carbonate as the prime ingredient and steer clear of the plaster of paris. I too suspect most of the blocks for sale are plaster of paris. I had heard a long time ago that the preferred ingredient was a long time drying/curing but had no idea what that ingredient was. The fact that the blocks were softer and had a tendency to crumble might not be conducive to mass production for sale. Calcium phosphate - crushed bone? Solubility of calcium carbonate sounds like it is a bit tricky to form into a solid unless there is some other binding ingredient. Thank you for such a rapid reply to my post. Jaz

Being soluable means that it can be easily assimilated by the bird.

If it is unsoluable it means it will go through the bird and calcium component will not be absorbed because of the bond that exist between the Phosphate and the Calcium. Some minerals in order to be assimilated by plants and animals must be given in a chelated (key-lated) form.

 

Give me a day or so and I will post an article for you guys about it.

Thanks RIP.

 

I would love to make my own calcium supplements for my birds, but I am always unsure of what is best to use.

 

I look forward to reading the article.

Thanks RIP.

 

I would love to make my own calcium supplements for my birds, but I am always unsure of what is best to use.

 

I look forward to reading the article.

 

Thank you too RIP. Something's rattling around in my brain from the dim dark past about ionic solutions so I can understand that a soluble compound will be more readily absorbed. I too await your article with great interest. Jaz

I am still researching and writing. New Years Eve got in the way. Decided I will expand it and make it an article on Calcium but will include the blocks within.

I am still researching and writing. New Years Eve got in the way. Decided I will expand it and make it an article on Calcium but will include the blocks within.

Brilliant A much needed article :yes:

what about the calcium bells at pet stores are they alright for budgies?

You'll find that they have a basic ingredient. Plaster of Paris Calcium Sulfate) is because is does contain Calcium and once rehydrated it becomes a solid but is still able to be filed down by the birds beak. Calcium carbonate on the other hand once wetted down will not dry to a hard compound it will just disintergrate back into powdered form.

 

The blocks will not harm your birds. It is a good way for birds to exercise and trim beaks.

I am still researching and writing. New Years Eve got in the way. Decided I will expand it and make it an article on Calcium but will include the blocks within.

 

Thank you RIP, awaiting your article with great interest. Happy New Year!