African Grey and calcium?

Question

Simple question-I try to feed my 5 month old African Grey a healthy and varied diet, but am wondering about calcium. I know that sometimes Greys need a bit more calcium than other species, or rather they don't process it as well. And I do try and give her veggies, almonds, etc that contain calcium. I read on a site somewhere a few months ago that it is beneficial to offer a cuttlebone to a Grey. However this is the one and only time I've read this, and would tend to think that if cuttlebones are really recommended for Greys then they would be mentioned more often in publications, websites, etc. And not one other African Grey website or book ( and I've read plenty!) seem to mention this. Anyone ever heard if there is any danger in offering cuttlebone??

Answer 1

We professionally breed Congo African Greys and we do not give them cuddlebone. We feed them Zupreme and give them peanuts for treats. It won't harm your GREY to give it a cuddlebone. But, it will probably destroy it in no time and simply crumble it up rather than eat it.

If you are concerned about calcium, there is absolutely no harm in giving your GREY a hard boiled egg which you have crushed throughly, shell and all.

Female birds lose calcium while producing eggs. Since your GREY is not, this shouldn't be a concern.

Answer 2

There' no harm in giving cuttlebone but if you prefer something else or you want to add more calcium to your grey's diet then give it chicken bones and some egg with the shell.