Talk about bird illnesses and other bird health related issues. Seeds, pellets, fruits, vegetables and more. Discuss what to feed your birds and in what quantity. Share your recipe ideas.
I noticed Elvis was eating the outer shell of a walnut. Is this normal and is it ok for them to do so? I have not seen him eat the shell before? If it's good for him should i add it to his chomp. Witch I'm giving a try for the first time.
This brings to mind a story of a cockatoo who died and when they did the necropsy (sp?), they found walnut shells in the crop which is what killed him. I would rather be safe than sorry...give him the walnuts shelled, jmo.
I am not up on how much protein that a cockatoo needs in its diet, but the eating of the shell may indicate a vitamin defiency or that the bird needs something that is found in walnuts. The eating of the shell is not good for them so I would offer only shelled walnuts and perhaps give him an extra one during the day for a while to help correct any defiency that may be present. It could also be that he just really likes walnuts and/ or is not getting enough woody things to chew on and destroy. Just my best guess.
My birds would, sometimes, entertain themselves breaking up nut shells into tiny pieces but, as far as I can tell, they don't swallow them. If yours does, just give him shelled nuts - and maybe some chewing toys or just pieces of wood (my toos chew huge amounts of wood regularly).