Should I get a cuttlebone??

[Atwee921]

Im kinda confused on how much calcium birds should get and wether or not they really need a cuddle bone/mineral block. I will be feeding my bird Zupreem and a variety of fresh fruits and veggies. I was also wondering if a Lixit water bottle would be okay for a Santa Cruz Cal cage.

 

[Colorguarder08]

Definatley get a cuttle bone. It's nice to know that the bird can get the extra calcium they need in case they are not getting enough in their diet. When I first got my bird I went through 3 cuttle bones in the first month alone since then I have had the same one in her cage since. When I got her she was on an all seed diet. I started the switch over the day after I got her. She has her cuttle bone and mineral block available at all times when she wants them she can eat them when she doesn't well she doesn't eat them. I feel better knowing that what her diet may be lacking she is getting through her cuttle bones and mineral blocks just in case.

 

[IolaniAviary]

Cuttle Bones are wonderful and always a good idea to offer in the cage. I have one Lovebird pair that will not go near it and I simply shave it into their water around the time I offer them a nest. It's more important during breeding, but it should always be in the cage otherwise.

 

[Pedro]

If it's for a GCC unless breeding it isn't a requirement however you can offer it because they may like to use it as a grooming aid for their beaks. I think you will find that the Zupreem would have ample calcium for your bird & of course some veggies have calcium.

I don't as a rule give any of my parrots any calcium supps unless paired off for breeding.

 

[mele]

I keep mineral blocks and cuttle bones in all my cages. They get what they need from the diet I provide but if they need it there. Also, as others have said its a great beak trimmer.

 

[Atwee921]

Thanks everyone

 

[Amber]

Alex gets mineral perches. Cuttlefish just become toys to be chewed up, thrown around, pooped on and destroyed.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

I've always kept a cuttle bone in Auggie's cage - but he doesn't touch it.

I'd agree with Pedro though that if he's on a good diet like Zupreem, it shouldn't be necessary.

As for the lixit, I think they're great - but don't fill them up too much at first.

I wasn't sure how quickly Auggie would learn to drink from his lixit bottle. I filled it up, put it in his cage, and he immediately ran over to it, looked at it, looked at me, at the bottle, at me, then he pushed in the little ball and watched all the water drain out onto the floor. He gave his version of a laugh, then went back to what he was doing.