Devouring the Cuttlefish Bone

[Nanajennie]

I have a diet question, I provide the following for my Zebra pair and the three hatching chicks:

~Eggfood am and pm (sprinkled with 'Ultimate Avian Formula' made by "The Missing Link by Designing Health Inc")
~fresh greens (broccoli, spinach, green peppers, fruit etc) I change it up daily am and pm
~ground eggshell all the time
~two types of finch food seed mix at all times
~water at all times
~cuttlefish bone at all times

The bathe everyday and I open the curtains for as much natural light everyday. (I live in Vermont and it is winter so sunshine is not always present)

My question is: In the last three days I have noticed the cuttlefish bone is being devoured. Sometimes they come out just for it. I put a new one in yesterday as the first one is almost gone.
I am concerned they are missing something in the diet I feed them. I have read tons of conflicting opinions on the internet about grit and calcium supplement.

I trust you people and appreciate any and all advise/suggestions.

Thanks!

[EyesofFreedom]

Sounds like they have everything they need...

[Nerien]

My zebras destroy a cuttlebone as fast as my parakeets do, faster, sometimes. They just like working at it. Sometimes, at night when the cage is covered and all is quiet, I hear someone scratching away at it.

My societies and spices almost never touch it. (different cage, same diet.)

In the parakeet (budgie) cage, certain birds will see a new cuttlebone, and just go at it non-stop until it is down to the last shell, while others never seem to go near it.

[debbie276]

I'm sure some birds need more then others depending on how their body absorbs and metabolizes what they take in.

[Nanajennie]

Thanks for the responses. You are awesome

I should specify the question: concerned about nutrients... what is the cuddlefish bone supplying and does anyone think I need to add grit or anything at all?

Sorry

[debbie276]

Cuttlebone is a good source of calcium. You could add other sources like egg shell and/or oyster shells but I wouldn't add "grit" as in small stones.

[Nanajennie]

ok great. whew I am assuming I have enough of what they need

[debbie276]

By the looks of what you posted above it looks like you've got it all covered.

[Nanajennie]

I will try to lay this diet question to rest.. I now can only trust God that everything will be ok...

thanks again every one is great and so helpful

[30 Seconds to Bob]

I find that my hens (javas and canaries) will often devour a cuttlebone (that's been sitting untouched for weeks) just prior to and shortly after egglaying. Regardless of the other calcium suppliments that I also provide. Bob