Hi,

 

just needing some advice - went to the beach the other day, and brought home a bag of cuttlefish for my birdies! Since it is off the beach, I assume I need to soak it?

 

Any advice on what to do with it before giving to them would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks

Give it a good wash with fresh water and let it sit in the sun to dry for a few days. Make sure its not smelly and dont use any cuttle that is darkish black or yellowed - only use the pure white pieces.

It's Illegal to take it from the beach without a permit. So if you are going to do this just be careful you don't get caught like I did!

 

Other then that, I would wash it, let it dry and then scrape off the outside so only the really clean white inside remains

It's Illegal to take it from the beach without a permit. So if you are going to do this just be careful you don't get caught like I did!

 

Other then that, I would wash it, let it dry and then scrape off the outside so only the really clean white inside remains

 

Really? I never knew that. Thanks for the warning!

I spoke to a long time breeder last weekend out the cuttlefish and they said NOT to wash it - the more salt on it the better (apparently budgies like salt and often do not get enough).

 

Mind you they also had a wonderful aniseed smelling Cow Salt Lick Block for their Show Types. They also said if you can get shell grit (not stolen from the beach - but the bought stuff ) NOT to wash that either because the salt content is good.

 

No fried Budgie with salt and vinegar jokes please - they were serious about the Lick and the salt!

 

Actually I meant to say Salt and Vinegar with Fried Budgies

Edited March 4, 200916 yr by JamesBond007

I of course received the same advice, however i think it would still be a good idea to at least rince it. It could have bird poo, dead fish, or anything on it.

Actually... thinking about it. The best thing would be to wash it in the sea water before taking it home as its a natural antibacterial

I would not use it without washing it either for the dame reasons Liv said. And washing it wont remove the salt as it is fully impreganted with salt through and through. If you dont believe me taste it after washing

 

PS go on James Bond...I dare you

Licking salty dried fish is all part of the job, Kaz -- any secret agent worth his salt wouldn't have a problem

 

But I get your point - wash it - as Liv says, preferably NOT in sea water though because that has had fish having sex in it - it has had birds (seagulls) poo in it - could you ever imagine a sperm whale with diarrhea? Yikes.

 

BEST TO WASH IT IN CLEAN WATER - am now convinced.

 

Off to have a martini - without a salty olive

:)

Apologies to anyone who finds my posts in-salt-ing!

:)

Apologies to anyone who finds my posts in-salt-ing!