Cuttlebone, enough calcium source?

H2015 · Post by **H2015** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:36 am

I was wondering if a cuttlebone would be enough as a calcium source? My birds nibble on it all day which made me wonder if there's any need for more calcium supplements?

williep · Post by **williep** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:11 am

The cuttlebone should be fine. I always add crushed eggshell as well (alone and in my "wet food mix"), it is an easy and cheap supplement so it wouldn't hurt.

Post by **Sally** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 12:02 pm

I bought a bag of poultry-grade oyster shell at the feed store. I ground some of it to a powder in my mini chopper (it can tear up your chopper), then I put a combination of the powdered and regular oyster shell, charcoal, eggshells, and the trace mineral mix sold by fairestfinches in each mineral cup. Each cage also has a cuttlebone. If these guys aren't getting enough calcium, I don't know what else I could do! If you are breeding, I would give a bit more than just the cuttlebone.

Fancie Flight · Post by **Fancie Flight** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:02 pm

Like Sally i bought a huge bag of oyrter shell at the feed store * Large animal store* I supply cuttle bones, grit, oyster shell and charcoal free choice all the time.

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:26 pm

Sally...what is the nutritional advantage to adding charcoal?

hilljack13 · Post by **hilljack13** » Thu Feb 21, 2008 11:32 pm

Isn't is possible the charcoal helps disinfect or something? It does a good job on my tap water!!

williep · Post by **williep** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 1:41 am

I'm confused too. What does the charcoal do? Also if you read the article on the FIC it "clearly" instructs not to use grit for various reasons.

http://www.finchinfo.com/diet/grit_is_not_necessary.php

It makes sense to me so I removed it from my bird's diet - anyone else care to comment?

Fancie Flight · Post by **Fancie Flight** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 3:47 am

http://www.efinch.com/grit/grit.htm
There are 2 sides to each story. hope I am linking correctly,

I have been using grit for over 15 years and never had a problem, My birds are not going to eat something they dont want or need. its like herb salad they will pick out what they need when they need it.

Fancie Flight · Post by **Fancie Flight** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 3:59 am

Sorry I forgot about the charcoal question, lol

Gouldian finches need pet grade organic charcoal daily to maintain a healthy digestive tract! This is a must For me atleast and I make sure i tis available to my birds in a separate cup or crock at all times. The birds will eat it as needed.

williep · Post by **williep** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 4:14 am

Tx FF, it’s always good the have another objective opinion about the matter. The link you provided helped me much more than you think.

I recently had a Gouldian hen die and the previous 2 - 3 days observed her consuming a great amount of grit (almost more than food) and I was convinced the grit killed her (Ok, that’s maybe a bit harsh but I certainly felt the grit had an impact on the eventual death).

Maybe some more research and comments would help.

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 9:55 am

Thanks for the info....I didn't realize that Charcoal was that important!

hilljack13 · Post by **hilljack13** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:36 am

williep- I didn't read any links but I use the gravel paper and if that counts as 'grit' then its OK. I have even bought the gravel (grit) from the pet shop and put it in with the seeds. It's supposed to help with digestion and bird do it in the wild too.

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 11:35 am

I read we were NEVER supposed to use grit for our birds. Because they hull their seeds they don't need the grit. Only birds that eat the whole seed need it. So it is hard to know if we are doing the right thing!

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 11:38 am

I read we were NEVER supposed to use grit for our birds. Because they hull their seeds they don't need the grit. Only birds that eat the whole seed need it.

But even Avian veterinarians disagree on this one!

Fancie Flight · Post by **Fancie Flight** » Fri Feb 22, 2008 2:40 pm

FH did you know you only needed to post that once?? lol Just kidding.

I know I can edit I was being lazy SORRY

Now is when we must agree to disagree, lol what will work for one of us MAY not work for another.

Birds arent stupid and ya cannot force feed them, I offer MANY different things and they pick and choose what they need at that time.

lets face it If i toss a squash in there and trhey dont want it they wont it it.

Its like a dog or cat needing grass when they have a tummy ache,, The animals KNOW what they need and will search it out.

Im glad the link was helpful and it does show a different side to the story,