Grit for Pellet-Eaters

[Acelin_Wolf]

I read somewhere that finches that are on a pellet diet don't need grit/charcoal. Is that true? I can't seem to find anyone who agrees if its a good thing or a bad thing. Even some of the product labels warn not to feed grit to birds on pellet diets :/

Is it for minerals or is it for digestion aid of seed? Or both?

[debbie276]

Finches don't need "grit", they do need a mineral mix with things such as oyster shells, charcoal, egg shells, clay etc. It's mostly for calcium and other minerals not for digestion. Whether they are on a seed diet or a pellet diet I would supply a dish of these ingredients.

[Acelin_Wolf]

K. They have egg shells now. I'll add oyster shells to the list. xD

Sorry for all the questions!

[Sally]

Sorry for all the questions!

Never apologize for asking questions! Seriously, that is one of the main reasons this forum exists, to exchange information. We all learn new things on this forum because someone asks questions, so keep it up! I realize that sometimes newbies are hesitant to post/ask questions, but we are all always trying to learn new ways to provide the best care for our pets.

[debbie276]

Sorry for all the questions!

Never apologize for asking questions! Seriously, that is one of the main reasons this forum exists, to exchange information. We all learn new things on this forum because someone asks questions, so keep it up! I realize that sometimes newbies are hesitant to post/ask questions, but we are all always trying to learn new ways to provide the best care for our pets.

ABSOLUTELY AGREE WITH SALLY!

[Acelin_Wolf]

Everyone is so nice. Lovin this forum. I've gotten such good info so far. xD I have a little list of stuff my finches need. I've even given my finches a temporary reptile UVB bulb for lighting. I swear, I spend more money on these finches than myself lol.

[ac12]

My gouldians are on LaFeber's pellets.
My societies and zebras are on Roudybush pellets.

All my gouldians get charcoal + kelp.
All finches get egg+veggies+egg shells at least 1x a week, more often for molting or breeding birds.

Charcoal, kelp and egg shells is about my limit of supplimentary stuff.

As Debbie said, finches don't need grit.
Birds like pigeons use grit (small rocks) to grind/break open the seeds so they can digest the seeds.
Finches break open the seeds with their beaks.

[Acelin_Wolf]

I'm confused. This product is called grit but look at the ingredients. Oyster shells and charcoal. Is this an adequate source of oyster shells and charcoal? Or should I look for a better product? Ones that are exclusively charcoal or shells?

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... Id=2753601

Also, my finches are on a mix of Zupreem and Pretty Bird. They so far aren't taking to LaFebers. They also get a generous amount of fresh veggies and eggs as often as I can. They also get some seed as a treat but not every day.

[debbie276]

Its the number one ingredient that they don't need, granite grit. I wpuld only offer a mineral mix with egg shells, oyster shells, cuttle bone, charcoal etc.
I don't feed pellets so can't help you there.

[Acelin_Wolf]

True. I'll have to browse my work (petsmart) and see if they have anything that isn't basically grit. :/ Otherwise I'll need to do some more online shopping lol

[debbie276]

Easiest start is to save all those egg shells from cooking and hard boiled eggs.

[ac12]

I think part of the problem as you noted is what the different manufacturer labels as grit. They are not the same, so you have to read the ingredients.

I buy my bird charcoal (small pieces that the birds can eat) by the 2 pound bag at the bird mart.
My calcium is with egg shells.
This lets me mix how much of each as I want to.

Birds on medication or vitamin or other supplements don't get charcoal. I read that the charcoal will just filter out the medication and stuff. So to prevent that, I don't give charcoal at the same time as any medications or vitamin or other supplements.

[Acelin_Wolf]

You guys are all so helpful. I'm going to be buying oyster shell and charcoal and see how it goes. I've started to give them egg shell more often, as well.

[ac12]

The neat thing about egg shells, is since I am already are feeding them egg, I get the shells for free No need to go buy egg or oyster shells for calcium.
In fact, I have an excess of shells, since I don't give them as much shells as they get egg.