My cheap grit mix

gomer · Post by **gomer** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 1:15 am

Made up a batch today approx 1 kg.
One third crushed cuttlefish bone
one third baked eggshell
one third charcoal

Method.All ingredients are crushed to the desired size in a very large old saucepan,one item at a time,with the head from a sledge hammer.

start say with the cuttlefish crushing a bit then sieving to the desired size.until the required amount is crushed.(I collect the cuttlefish myself from the beach.And hang in the sun in a onion bag to dry and sterilise until use)

then the charcoal which if possible make yourself in the backyard.I burn tree branches i have pruned around the place or firewood.check out info on what you are burning as treated timber is poisonous.and i would imagine some trees in countries could contain toxins.use paper to ignite your charcoal not petrol etc.and then do the same with your cold charcoal as with the cuttlefish.Save a few larger bits to put in the aviary as some finches use it to line there nests,namely emblemas and pictorellas.

Then next is the eggshell.i bake mine in the convection oven for 20 mins on a high temp and store until ready to use.Same again crush and sieve to desired size.

once all of the ingredients are ready mix them up.If you want add a little mineral.I put in a sprinkle of bio cal.and then add to aviary in small coup cups or receptacles.

Note.if you want go quarters with a shell grit in the recipe.

This time i have saved some fine powdered cuttle bone as some of you guys sprinkle it on sprouts so i will try that.crushing with the hammer is quite effective.

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 6:33 am

That is very resourceful gomer! I will have to try that.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 8:56 am

Very very resourceful - way to go Gomer! I only wish I could do that. I don't live near the ocean and we're not allowed to burn anything. But I do use our eggshells!

So I supposed by my purchasing all this stuff - I'll be keeping somebody employed somewhere.

B CAMP · Post by **B CAMP** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:13 am

I have A old blender that I cut up the cuttle and grind it up don't take long same with egg shells mix together ,put in birdy bread ,sprinkle on soft food,sprouts

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:35 am

Great thread here Gomer....I will have to print and save some of this information and add it to my Bird Info Binder.

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 1:12 am

thanks Gomer

MalditoGorrion · Post by **MalditoGorrion** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 2:43 am

This post is very useful. I live near the sea but I never have seen a cuttlebone in the beaches near here.

gomer · Post by **gomer** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 4:39 am

From what i have been told cuttlefish die the same time each year in mass numbers.Then float around the sea until they are washed up,already have the flesh eaten by louse etc.I don't recall which month it is that they die.And it may vary around the world from different species.I would imagine if you live in a heavily populated area,they would be snapped up quick.I go to isolated beaches if its not around and seem to always find them.I always have a 20 gallon drum full.

http://www.dive-the-world.com/newslette ... lefish.php
found this site.Mick is in the best position out of all of us for them.Wyalla the cuttle fish capital of the world.

Also mercury was mentioned on another thread.Which I believe Hg is the symbol for it is not mention on this page.
http://www.ifremer.fr/docelec/notice/20 ... 330-EN.htm

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 6:24 am

a 5 minute walk on any of the local beaches and I have enough for another months supply.
other than being great for my birds cuttlefish have two other excellent uses. both occur a lot sooner after their death though. the first is as bait to catch fish and the second is as food for my belly. cuttlefish tastes almost the same as squid.

dfcauley · Post by **dfcauley** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 7:03 am

yuck!!!

MalditoGorrion · Post by **MalditoGorrion** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 2:29 pm

They only problem is that they are not present in the Americas

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 2:43 pm

I saw a documentary about the Cuttlefish a couple of months ago and was watching as the narrator was describing and showing them changing colours - it was quite fascinating! Then suddenly he mentioned that they were 'cuttlefish' and it hit me - WOW, this is what I'm giving to my finches!! It was a very interesting show.

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:55 pm

They only problem is that they are not present in the Americas

by this do you mean that cuttlefish is not to be found on the beach.
here I am thinking that it is something that everyone has access to.
wonder if it is an item that can be sent around the world or if quarantine laws would stop it being sent/recieved.

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My cheap grit mix

My cheap grit mix

Re: My cheap grit mix