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Eating the shell of a walnut

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Eating the shell of a walnut

Postby Sissy B » Sun Dec 11, 2016 11:01 am

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.
Thank you Elvis and Irish Blue's momma
Sissy
Sissy B
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Re: Eating the shell of a walnut

Postby dragonlady2 » Sun Dec 11, 2016 11:58 am

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.
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Re: Eating the shell of a walnut

Postby Wolf » Sun Dec 11, 2016 6:15 pm

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.
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Re: Eating the shell of a walnut

Postby Pajarita » Tue Dec 13, 2016 5:00 pm

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).
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