A Separate Mineral Source
Cuttlefish bone provides calcium and is commonly offered alongside the bird’s normal feeding routine.
Why Cuttlefish Bone is Good for Pet Birds: A Complete Guide
Cuttlefish Bone For Cage & Aviary Birds
Why Do Bird-Keepers Offer Cuttlefish Bone?
Cuttlefish bone has been used in birdrooms for generations as a separate mineral source. Its lightweight, porous structure also gives birds something they can peck at alongside their normal diet.
This guide explains what cuttlefish bone is, why bird-keepers use it and how Haith’s recommends offering it to cage and aviary birds.
The Basics
What Is Cuttlefish Bone?
Cuttlefish are marine molluscs related to squid and octopuses. Inside the animal is a lightweight internal shell known as the cuttlebone.
Once prepared and dried, cuttlefish bone is commonly offered to cage and aviary birds as a mineral source.
COMPOSITION
Primarily calcium carbonate.
Haith’s sells cuttlefish bone as a complementary feed for cage and aviary birds.
Why Bird-Keepers Use It
A Familiar Part Of Many Birdrooms.
Something To Peck At
Birds may peck or nibble at cuttlefish bone as required. Individual birds will use it differently.
Simple To Offer
Whole pieces can be placed securely in a cage or aviary so birds can access them as part of their normal routine.
How To Offer It
Keep It Simple.
Haith’s feeding guidance is straightforward: place the cuttlefish bone in the cage or aviary and allow birds to peck at it as required as part of a balanced diet.
For canaries, Haith’s product guidance recommends carefully flaking the cuttlefish bone with a knife before offering.
View Feeding Information
01
Position securely
Place the cuttlefish where birds can reach it easily.
02
Observe use
Different birds may use cuttlefish bone differently.
03
Keep it clean
Replace material that becomes heavily soiled or contaminated.
Cage & Aviary Birds
Which Birds May Be Offered Cuttlefish Bone?
Cuttlefish bone is commonly used by keepers of a range of cage and aviary birds. What is appropriate will depend on the species, life stage and wider diet of the birds in your care.
Canaries
Haith’s advises flaking cuttlefish before offering.
Budgerigars
Often offered as part of the wider birdroom feeding routine.
Finches
Can be offered alongside an appropriate species diet.
Parrots & Parakeets
Use should fit the species and individual bird’s overall diet.
BIRDROOM CARE
Diet is only one part of good husbandry.
Collected From The Beach?
Be Careful What You Bring Into The Birdroom.
Beach-collected cuttlefish bone may carry salt, sand, organic material or other contamination.
Rather than relying on a home cleaning method, bird-keepers may prefer commercially prepared cuttlefish bone where the product has been selected, prepared and supplied specifically for cage and aviary use.
PRACTICAL POINT
Birdroom hygiene starts before something enters the cage.
Haith’s Cuttlefish Bone
Prepared For Cage & Aviary Birds.
Haith’s Cuttlefish Bone is supplied as a complementary feed for cage and aviary birds and is available in whole and broken formats.
500g whole
1kg whole
500g broken
HAITH’S PRODUCT GUIDANCE
Place in the cage or aviary and allow birds to peck at the cuttlefish bone as required as part of a balanced diet.
Part Of The Bigger Picture
Cuttlefish Bone Is Only One Part Of Good Bird-Keeping.
A mineral source does not replace an appropriate diet, fresh water, good hygiene, suitable housing or regular observation of the birds in your care.
If you notice abnormal beak growth, weakness, changes in eating behaviour or other signs of ill health, seek advice from an avian veterinary professional.
Helpful Answers
Cuttlefish Bone FAQs
What is cuttlefish bone made from?
Cuttlefish bone is the internal shell of a cuttlefish, a marine mollusc related to squid and octopuses. It is composed largely of calcium carbonate.
Is cuttlefish bone a complete food?
No. Cuttlefish bone is a complementary feed and should be offered alongside an appropriate balanced diet for the bird species in your care.
How should cuttlefish bone be offered?
Haith’s recommends placing it in the cage or aviary and allowing birds to peck at it as required. For canaries, carefully flake the cuttlefish bone with a knife before offering.
Can budgies have cuttlefish bone?
Cuttlefish bone is commonly offered to budgerigars as part of a wider feeding routine. Always consider the bird’s complete diet and individual needs.
Can I use cuttlefish bone found on a beach?
Beach-collected cuttlefish may carry salt, sand or other contamination. Commercially prepared cuttlefish bone provides a more controlled option for use in a birdroom.
What should I do if my bird ignores cuttlefish bone?
Individual birds vary. Do not force use. Continue to provide an appropriate diet and seek specialist advice if you are concerned about mineral intake or the condition of the bird.