Cuttlebone is the internal shell of a cuttlefish who are related to squid and octopus.They have two tentacles and eight arms and when in danger they eject a black ink like fluid.You may notice the ink on the hard part of the bone you are serving to your budgies. 

Where does our cuttlebone come from you may ask , they are found in oceans all over the world and most set off on a long journey from Asia,especially the Philippines and Taiwan before reaching our retail outlets.

Most countries eat cuttlefish and when they are cleaned in preparation for eating the only bone in their body is discarded,washed and then sun bleached ready for export.

Calcium and Phosphorous.

These two minerals form a very important part of a bird’s diet. Calcium is used for the formation of bones and eggs. It is also needed for adequate nervous and muscle function. Phosphorous is also important in bone and egg formation. The uptake of both of these minerals (from the bird’s intestine) is dependent on vitamin D₃.

In birds that are on a calcium deficient diet then the natural hormone systems have to work harder over time. These hormone systems regulate the level of calcium in the bloodstream. Excessive levels of phosphorous or a lack of vitamin D₃ can make this worse by reducing the availability of calcium from the intestine, but also the amount that can be used from the blood.

The result of this dietary imbalance leads to a number of clinical conditions. Birds may become weak, drink excessively, vomit or refuse to eat.

Breeding females may have further complications when egg laying. These birds may lay fewer eggs or eggs which are ‘soft shelled’. Some females may be unable to pass these eggs as their oviduct (the reproductive tract) may be unable to push on the shell due to poor muscle contraction (as well as the soft-shell). Fragile bones are another long-term complication. Most hens have sufficient calcium reserves (in bone) but are unable to mobilise this fast enough when it is needed for eggshells. They cannot rely on food sources at this time as in most cases they are brooding the eggs in the nest! ). If left untreated these birds will die. An egg bound bird is an emergency.

African grey parrots are particularly prone to calcium deficiency. In this species the main presenting sign is fitting. This is because the low blood calcium leads to nerve endings becoming more excitable and so the bird’s muscles contract leading to the fit. Most birds are two to five years of age when these fits start.

Young birds can suffer growth deformities as a result of imbalances of this nature. Bird’s can have deformities in their long bone structures, which can be incompatible with an adequate life. Surgical correction is possible in some cases.

So what can we do? Firstly we need to confirm a diagnosis, so treatment can be given properly. This is quite simple by taking a blood screen, this can be performed conscious or under anaesthesia, depending on the nature of the patient! Once the sample is obtained then tests can be run on our ‘in house’ blood analyser or sent to a laboratory. This will demonstrate the low blood calcium and in most cases a high blood phosphorous.

In egg bound birds we need to solve the secondary problem of the stuck egg first. In these the egg needs to be removed manually, with or without anaesthesia. Fluids, calcium and oxytocin (a hormone to contract the womb down) are needed. Once recovered, then we can deal with the calcium deficiency long term.

The underlying cause is diet. The ideal ratio of calcium:phosphorous in a birds diet is about 2:1. Millet seeds and sunflower seeds have a ratio about 1:7.

SO THE WORST DIETS ARE ONES THAT ARE SEED BASED.

Seed is high in phosphorous and low in calcium. What calcium is available is often poorly absorbed into the bird, due to the nature of the calcium and in some cases a combined vitamin D₃ deficiency as well. Some seeds are also high in fat, which may also reduce calcium uptake.  

Is there any hope? Well there are many ways that the calcium levels in a bird's diet can be addressed: -

Why not make your own mineral block for the avairy,this can be used along side your iodine block and cuttlebone.

You need a mould about the size of half a common brick,this could be made out of 12mm ply or we could search the garage or garden shed for a suitable container,i use the bottom 6" of a 2 litre plastic milk bottle.

Mix  dry a quantity of cement,oyster shell grit,lime,sharp sand,charcoal,ground eggshell,crushed iodine block,powdered cuttlebone and some dried kelp.Now add water until it is moist and can be pressed into the container,do not have it to dry or it will crumble when removed from the mould.

Iodised Condition Blocks

Traditional peck blocks made with iodine, grits, seaweed extract, calcium, yeast vitamins and minerals etc.

Never be without iodine blocks in cages and aviaries.

Oyster shell grit.

When discussing grit, it is important to realize there are actually two types: soluble and insoluble. Soluble forms of grit include cuttlebone, oyster shell, limestone, and gypsum. Soluble grit is dissolved by acids as it passes through the bird's digestive system, therefore there is little danger of it accumulating in the digestive system or causing an obstruction. Because it dissolves, it does little to aid in the digestion of whole seeds. It does, however, serve as a source of calcium and other minerals.

Insoluble grit is generally in the form of silica, and may range in size from sand to small pebbles. Insoluble grit remains in the gizzard and is thought to aid in the mechanical breakdown of food.

Calcium Liquid