My canary won't eat cuttlebone. Is he okay? What can I give instead?

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.

As long as Ringo seems active and healthy, feeding him his regular food should be fine, assuming it's a balanced diet. Most commercial bird foods are formulated for optimal nutrition, and should be fine to give Ringo as he finishes the last of his molt. You can still offer the other items as treats, if you'd like.

Offer a fortified seed mix supplemented with cooked beans and vegetables (carrots, peas, etc). Fresh water should be available at all times. A mineral block and/or cuttlebone should also be placed in the cage. Keep the room at a steady temp and keep the cage away from strong drafts. You can mist him with warm water a few times weekly to promote preening and healthy plumage. Monitor for lethargy, decreased appetite and loose droppings. If necessary, have him physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian.

Thanks for reaching out about Spyke. Cuttlebone does not need to be offered unless the diet is not balances. Cuttlebone is not a source of calcium that is readily digestible/absorbable. Depending on the type of tortoise, calcium is provided in the diet in different ways. Aquatic turtles will sometimes eat green vegetables, but normally consume whole prey (fish) with bones, in the wild. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is also important for calcium metabolism. Check and correct these problems. Good luck.

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.

He may be eating it in an attempt to correct a nutritional deficiency. Place a mineral block in the cage and remove the sheet. Budgies do not require grit, so eating the sand sheet may lead to digestive issues. Provide a variety of toys to keep him engaged and distracted from the paper. Playtime outside of the cage should also be increased if possible.

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.