Opinions on Grit?

[Betrue2yurself]

I read that it is not good to give grit to birds. What are your thoughts? Do you provide grit for your birds? What is the best way to make sure they are getting the proper nutrients AND minerals including calcium?

[Sally]

This is an ongoing debate, whether to grit or not to grit. My personal opinion is that our finches need a mineral mix, which can consist of oystershell grit, charcoal, minerals, eggshells. I provide this mix in a small cup in each cage, so the birds can take it free choice. All my birds will go to that mineral cup, and it is a great source of calcium.

In the past, stores sold boxes of bird gravel, which is needed by those species that don't hull their seed--our finches do hull their seed. Today, most stores are carrying boxes of oystershell grit instead. Just buy the oystershell grit and not gravel.

[debbie276]

I agree with Sally. Our finches need calcium and mineral sources and not gravel.

[Ginene]

My birds LOVE their oyster shells and egg shells...I hear them crunching it with their beaks

[Rox]

All my birds love their grit mix (charcoal, oystershell grit, minerals etc). The finches, waxbills and canaries all get tucked into the mix on a regular basis throughout the day. I put in a fresh mix weekly, unless I see they have soiled it badly.

[Bhatta]

I use a mix of crushed oyster shell, crushed egg shell, crushed cuttlebone, charcoal, commercial mineral mix, and powdered vitamin D.

[Betrue2yurself]

Thanks, feel so dumb! Taking the gravel out immediately! Have so much to learn.....

[Betrue2yurself]

Would something like F-Vite be a good choice?

[Sally]

Thanks, feel so dumb! Taking the gravel out immediately! Have so much to learn.....

Never feel dumb when learning about how to take care of your birds. We've all been there, done that. There's not enough room on this page to list all the mistakes I've made! And I learn new things all the time, thanks to others sharing their tips. As far as F-vite, I can't advise because I haven't used it.

[Zebrafincher]

I use grit and mix it in with the seed (the seed mix here, Trill, also supplies it). I also have cuttlefish (which all my birds hack through with great regularity) and calcium bells (some use, some don't). I also have grit/Calcium balls on the side which my birds can peck to bits. Variety seems to be the best

[dgoose]

Birds don't have teeth so grit is used to help with the grinding of foods via the gizzard.Unless starved from it birds will not over eat grit. http://bullfinchcorner.bravesites.com/

[dgoose]

grit and charcoal may inhibit the effectivness of medication. You can take your birds http://bullfinchcorner.bravesites.com/ off them when using medication.

[Sitting Duck]

I have a pair of diamond dove in my aviary with my finches. I agree that the finches do not need gravel type grit but my doves do, (don't they?). Can the oyster shell hull the seeds stored in the crop of the doves or will only gravel be coarse enough to help their digestion?
I see my finches eating the gravel I have out for my doves. Will it hurt them?
I also have oyster shells, egg shells, charcoal, and cuddle bones available at all times in my aviary.
(for the finches)

[finchandlovebird]

Rox .. why would you replace it weekly?? Being calcium, minerals, etc. I wouldn't think it would get stale..........or does it?

I never replace mine; just add to it when it gets down. Would appreciate knowing more about this.....thanks

[debbie276]

I had diamond doves and still do have one left for years and have never offered them grit, only the mix of oyster shells, eggshells and charcoal that I offer my finches. They raised many chicks and did fine. The gravel can become a problem if the finches gorge themselves on it and then become impacted.