should I have a cuttle bone in the cage for him? My last bird loved gravel. this one doesn't seem to care if it's in there or not. Maybe I should get him a cuttle bone? For his beak? I do have a mineral block in there but he hasn't touched that either.
2006-08-28 01:33:16 · 14 answers · asked by AMCgremlin 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
Yes it is necessary to have gravel in the cage with birds. Birds cannot digest their food on the own so they have to have gravel to help them digest their food. Yes they need a cuttle bone, it helps them to keep their beaks smooth and clean. GOOD LUCK
2006-08-28 01:59:14 · answer #1 · answered by cheryl b 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Parakeets do not need gravel hookbills of any kind do not).
I know that pet stores sell it, they say you need it, it even has a picture of a parakeet on the box sometimes, but trust me it is not necessary. They do not need it for digestion.
I would put in a cuttle bone. It will help him keep his beak trim as well as provide him with calcium.
As for the mineral block, maybe he doesn't like the way it smells or tastes, try a diffrtent flavor.
2006-08-28 09:31:28 · answer #2 · answered by Lisa 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes.! A teaspoon of Grit (Parakeet Gravel) should be sprinkled on the floor of the cage or placed in a separate dish. Grit is eaten by the bird and kept in its gizzard. The grit helps the bird digest its food. Parakeet gravel can be purchased loose, or as gravel paper which contains both gravel and paper for the bottom of the cage. You may think your bird is not eating the grit,but I can assure you he is/will.Cuttlebone should be attached to the side of the cage. It will help keep the bird's beak in good condition, and it will serve as a source of calcium and other minerals. Replace the cuttlebone when the soft part has been chewed away. ( About once every 2 months).
2006-08-28 16:45:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gravel once inside the crop helps grind down other things birds eat for digestion, small amounts are really good for them. Cuttle bone is used as a form of calcium, and does sharpen the beak.
2006-08-28 14:56:39 · answer #4 · answered by cantrellpets 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, they eat the gravel, and the stones go into a certain part of their body and help grind up the food. I think you get a cuttle bone for your bird. Maybe if you mic the gravel in with the food?
2006-08-28 10:46:53 · answer #5 · answered by yarnhces 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Do not use gravel for hookbills of any kind! That includes parakeets. They do not need it as they shell their seed. Gravel is only for songbird species, which parakeets are not. Gravel can cause crop impaction, which will either A) Kill your bird, or B) leave you with a VERY large vet bill for the surgery. If you parakeets are on a pelleted diet, they do not have anything that they should be shelling anyway.
2006-08-28 08:47:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
you should have a cuttle bone for you feathered friend anyway!
if your worried get those things you cover perches with has gravel on it... Keep trying remember your the boss not the bird just be loving!
Mad luv
2006-08-28 08:41:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
most parakeets are not used to gravel. try the cuttle bone and the paper liners for their perches. These work well for me.
2006-08-28 10:19:55 · answer #8 · answered by wchwa2go 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gravel assists in digestion. A must for most fowl and birds.
Cuttle bones prevent the beak from growing too long.
2006-08-28 08:39:53 · answer #9 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They need the gravel to digest there food. He may not seem interested but he does use it. The bone is ok for a while but that doesnt stay in there sysem like it should. Keep the gravel.
2006-08-28 08:37:38 · answer #10 · answered by bildymooner 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋