Cuttlebone shortage??

[Skyandkiwi]

I haven’t been able to find cuttlebone in the 4 pest stores around me for months and months. Is been so long and my budgies love that stuff. I bought them mineral blocks in the shape of a heart but they won’t touch it. Does anyone know how I can get them to use it?? They don’t understand that it is cuttlebone hahaha . They aren’t interested in the egg shell technique either. I’ve bought cuttlebone online once. Never again. It smelled like urine so I threw it out and got a refund. Any help??

 

[Skyandkiwi]

Also is anyone else having a cuttlebone shortage?? I live in Canada and some bird friends told me they haven’t been able to find it either…

 

[expressmailtome]

Have you tried contacting a local parrot society or budgie breeder to see if they could refer anyone who has some?

 

[Momof3litt]

I'm in Canada too and there have been a few times I haven't seen it in the store, but have always been able to get one online. What part of the country are you in? I'm in the Ottawa area and just saw some in a local store a few days ago.

Just FYI, cuttlebone is actually a bony structure from a cuttlefish, containing mostly calcium, while mineral block is made of a variety of mineral salts. They are not interchangeable, nor are either necessary for birds with complete diets. My birds do love to groom their beaks on the cuttlebone though, so I feel your pain on not being able to find it!

 

[Ark]

I noticed this too in the USA. When my bird was laying eggs a few months ago, I tried a Petsmart, Petco, and Walmart and couldn't find any. I actually did manage to find a single pack left on a bottom shelf in a different Petsmart but it was mango flavored and my bird wouldn't touch it. There are lots of shortages going around right now (wet cat food as well in my area) so this seems to be just another item hit by it.

 

[Skyandkiwi]

I’m in Ontario. I do want to buy online but I’m worried they’ll arrive spoiled. I am aware it isn’t a must, but my birds love it and it’s like a toy for them!! Any recommendations to buy online?? Maybe somewhere on Amazon so I can get it shipped within a few days…

 

[Skyandkiwi]

I noticed this too in the USA. When my bird was laying eggs a few months ago, I tried a Petsmart, Petco, and Walmart and couldn't find any. I actually did manage to find a single pack left on a bottom shelf in a different Petsmart but it was mango flavored and my bird wouldn't touch it. There are lots of shortages going around right now (wet cat food as well in my area) so this seems to be just another item hit by it.

Yess the only ones that are barely in stock are the mango fruit ones as well. I don’t like buying them because I’m pretty sure they’re loaded with artificial colours and possibly sweeteners???

 

[Sparkles99]

Mine like the strawberry beak blocks. They polish their beaks on them. I believe they have both calcium & minerals. Unfortunately, my birds won’t eat a balanced diet yet.

 

[Zara]

Cuttlefish bones are just toys or grooming tools. Not a part of the diet. A laying bird needs a heavy pellet leaning diet and/or a supplement.

I don´t buy them, but when I go to Cadiz the beach is usually full of them so I fill a bag full and bring them home, give them a good, good boil and let them dry completely in the sun before giving them to my birds to play with.

If you were worrying about the shortage because of dietry reasons, I owuldn´t worry about it. If you want them for toys/grooming, try buying online and boiling them.

 

[SunTruth]

I was not aware that cuttlebone were a thing for bird.

Is this some kind of supplement and should I give it to my senegal parrot?

 

[Zara]

Is this some kind of supplement and should I give it to my senegal parrot?

Does your bird eat pellets? Fresh vegetables and fruits ?

 

[SunTruth]

Does your bird eat pellets? Fresh vegetables and fruits ?

He is starting slowly to eat pellet and he eats fruits.

 

[Skyandkiwi]

Cuttlefish bones are just toys or grooming tools. Not a part of the diet. A laying bird needs a heavy pellet leaning diet and/or a supplement.

I don´t buy them, but when I go to Cadiz the beach is usually full of them so I fill a bag full and bring them home, give them a good, good boil and let them dry completely in the sun before giving them to my birds to play with.

If you were worrying about the shortage because of dietry reasons, I owuldn´t worry about it. If you want them for toys/grooming, try buying online and boiling them.

Alright will try the boiling and sun technique. Thank youu

 

[SunTruth]

If you buy them online you need to boil them?

 

[Mizzely]

Yes, there is a worldwide shortage due to COVID. Most cuttlebone is processed and shipped from China.

 

[Momof3litt]

I’m in Ontario. I do want to buy online but I’m worried they’ll arrive spoiled. I am aware it isn’t a must, but my birds love it and it’s like a toy for them!! Any recommendations to buy online?? Maybe somewhere on Amazon so I can get it shipped within a few days…

Parrot Trends is one of my go-to places. In Ottawa, Critter Jungle, but I dont think they have online shopping.

 

[StellaLuna]

Also is anyone else having a cuttlebone shortage?? I live in Canada and some bird friends told me they haven’t been able to find it either…

I did for a while, but it seems to be available again in my area.

 

[Lady Jane]

I think birds will do fine without them.

 

[fashionfobie]

Late to this thread. I see wild cuttle bones washed up on the beaches so I had no idea there was a shortage over there. I personally don't supply cuttle bone to my birds.

Water soluble calcium grit is likely a better option than cuttle bone for those searching for an alternative. Parrots DO NOT need insoluble grit. This link may be of interest.

Oyster Shells Finely Crushed Soluble Grit For All Pet Birds - Hari

100% Digestible Grit for Pet Birds Birds have behavioral and/or nutritional needs for ingestion of soluble grit. Specially ground for all cage and aviary birds,

hari.ca

 

[Zara]

I see wild cuttle bones washed up on the beaches

Do you collect them for the finches?
I find them when I visit Cadiz, so I bring a few handfuls home, wash them and let the birds rub their beaks on them.