Gould specific question

[cntrymeadow]

I have a good chance of getting a male/female pair next month.
I know the goulds require oyster shell and iodine.

Question:

I currently give our zebra and societies grit not oyster shell.
Can I substitute the oyster shell for the grit and get rid of the grit altogether?
Is powdered kelp better for iodine than drops you put in the water?

Oh...and goulds require...charcoal?

[dfcauley]

I give mine powdered kelp. Some of here use the liquid, but I think if it is something that you keep aviable all the time, powdered will be okay. I also give mine crushed oyster shells and not grit.

My goldians eat alot of charcoal. So do all my other finches, but especially the gouldians.

[franny]

I have to say that my GBs also love the charcoal. I see that they pick through the oystershell to find the smallest pieces (I find the larger pieces on the bottom of the cage), but I never find any of the charcoal discarded!

[Sally]

I'd get rid of the grit, if it is the type sold as bird gravel. The same company sells a boxed oystershell grit, and that should be fine. I think the same company sells boxed charcoal. Or you can go to Morning Bird or Birdcare Company thru online vendors. I use both liqud iodine in the water and powdered kelp free choice in a treat cup.

[cntrymeadow]

Thanks for the helpful replies.
Yes I use the gravel type grit but will get rid of it first thing in the am.
Making a list of needed supplies and will use the oyster instead.

[mickp]

instead of buying your grit make it. use the recipe that Gomer posted.

http://www.finchforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=4224