Picky Picky Parrot :/

[LemonLover]

My Sun Conure Dimas seems to have a problem eating cuttlebones. He chews on it but dosent really eat it. Like he's interested in it but dosent like the texture of it. Anyone suggestions?

[Eurycerus]

I heard from someone that cuttlebones are not necessarily good for parrots. I can not find any sources of this so feel free to discount that. Nika does not have one and she seems just dandy. The people I know with larger parrots do not have them or anything like them.

However, I do not believe that cuttlebones are necessary for parrots regardless. My bet is your sun conure does not need or want the cuttlebone so I would not worry about it.

[marie83]

If the diets good then cuttlebone shouldn't be needed anyway. I do provide one for my birds but neither of them are particuarly bothered by them since I put them on pellets. I do think most birds know what they need to a certain extent so I wouldn't worry too much.

[Grey_Moon]

If the diet is adequate it isn't needed.
I don't feed it.

Little insider tip in case you didn't know (and this is a reason as to why I don't feed it) its actually the skeleton of a cuttlefish (hence cuttlebone) and these guys come from some pretty contiminated water so I'd be worried about lead and mercury contamination. Particularly if its no-name cuttlebone.

[marie83]

Little insider tip in case you didn't know (and this is a reason as to why I don't feed it) its actually the skeleton of a cuttlefish (hence cuttlebone) and these guys come from some pretty contiminated water so I'd be worried about lead and mercury contamination. Particularly if its no-name cuttlebone.

You know something, I never really thought of that even though i know all the warnings not to eat more than 2 portions of certain fish a week for people. Does those heavy metals actually get into the bones though or just softer tissues? Think I'm going to remove them now to be on the safe side even though they rarely ever use them.

[Grey_Moon]

As far as I can tell, all living things store heavy metals and mercury in everything---tissues, bones, teeth, blood, hair...

[Wayne361]

I used one, or should I say my uses one. Keeps his beak trimmed up a bit and he enjoys it. I dont think contaminate issues are very relevent IMO....As mentioned probably more contaminants in the water/pellets consumed. I do know that you shouldnt get one with wire attachment as their might be possible risk of ingestion.

Wayne