FINCHforum

The powdered calcium that is used to 'dust' crickets (for reptiles) with calcium...is that ok for birds to have in addition to cuttlebone? I gave them a little pinch on their food to see if they'd like it. But I realize that I don't know if it's...bad for them. xD

It shouldn't be bad for them, but when you dust the food like that, you really can't control the intake, as you don't know how much of it they are going to eat. I would think it better to go by the traditional methods of offering it separately in the form of cuttle bones or mineral grit. Birds seem to know how much to eat of it on their own. BTW, I don't even dust my insect feeders for my leopard geckos. I offer the calcium powder in a separate bowl and the geckos really do eat the powder straight from the bowl when they feel the need for it. Bob

Some reptile calcium has vitamin D added some doesn't. As Bob said it should be OK but ground eggshells, cuttlebone and calcium grit/oyster shells are more popular sources to offer calcium to finches.

xD Thanks guys! I think I'll try offering all sorts in separate dishes.