What calcium can I give my pregnant female budgie besides cuttlebone?

Birds require calcium for more than just egg laying. It strengthens bones, aids in enyzme and hormone function, muscle development, nerve transmission and certain metabolic processes among other biological functions. A cuttlebone or mineral block should always be available. Limit dehydrated fruits that can be high in sugar. Fresh fruits, vegetables and greens would be preferred. They should make up no more than 25% of the diet. Pellets should make up the majority of her diet at 75%. Fresh foods can make up the remaining 25%. Generally, anything good for you is good for her except for chocolate, caffeine, alcohol and avocado.

For a complete and balanced diet for your parakeet she needs to eat more than just seeds. I would recommend giving her a high quality pelleted food (like Harrison's or Zupreme) and then supplementing with fresh fruits and veggies. Seeds should be given rarely and only in small amounts. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Feed a good quality pelleted diet (Harrison's, Roudybush, Lafeber, Pretty Bird or Exact) supplemented with a fortified seed mix and fresh greens and vegetables. Provide a cuttlebone or mineral block. Always have fresh water available. Provide an appropriately sized nesting box and suitable nesting material (straw, Aspen shaving, shredded newspaper, etc.).

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cuttle bones are great for keeping the beak naturally trimmed, as well as providing a source of calcium and an appropriate balance of other minerals. Budgies can consume boiled egg whites however, I have found that they typically do not go for new foods especially those that aren’t colorful. If you do decide to provide egg whites for your bird, I recommend replacing them every day to prevent them from spoiling.

Unless your vet recommended it specifically, I would be giving eggfood or even cuttlebone/oyster shell as a calcium alternative to the Tums if you need a long-term calcium boost (Tums is great for short-term after an egg-binding episode, but longer term eggfood or oyster shell may be easier on your bird's GI tract). Otherwise, her diet and routine looks pretty good!

Most birds will get curious over time and check items out, so he may just need a bit of time to take a look. Calcium is often more important in females that lay eggs as long as Gaucamole is on a balanced and nutritious diet already. If he doesn't like the cuttlebone at all, there are calcium supplements such as oyster shell and egg food that may be more interesting to him.

Thanks for reaching out about Peaches. Does the diet normally include any calcium sources, such as green vegetables? Calcium supplements do need to be kept within reason, as oversupplementation can lead to calcification of kidneys. Are the eggs soft? Photoperiod manipulation, removing nests, separating from mates, can all help to reduce egg laying. A veterinary visit is recommended as some hormones might help. Good luck.