FINCHforum

Question. I keep little cups of charcoal and trace minerals in all of my cages (with dried kelp in cages with goulds). Some pick at it as I would expect, but others (specifically zebs, societies and nuns) eat it like candy. I don't put more than maybe a teaspoon of each in a cup at a time, but am replacing some of these at least twice a week. Should I trust them to eat what they need, or only refill once a week or so?

Thanks!

Hilary

Some finches with health problems will overeat on grit/minerals/charcoal. For example, internal parasites that are preventing them from absorbing nutrients.

But, if your finches aren't losing weight or showing other signs of debilitation, they might just be piggish.

Hi Hilary,

Some of my birds are the same way...especially over the Herb Salad - so I only offer it once per week. Since we don't know if some supplements/treats/etc can harm them if they consume to much of it - I would be on the cautious side and not offer it to them too often. I don't think twice per week is excessive - but I wouldn't offer it daily.