Hello!
I would never buy calcium-, mineral- or salt- licks/blocks for a small pet (such as a rabbit or mouse for example) because they just don´t need it and it could harm them… but I feel rather confused regarding calcium-blocks, sepia shells etc. for parrots.
Some places state that it is unnecessary and hazardous and that a pellet-based diet will suffice. Thus far it seems like what goes for small pets regarding this subject is equally true for parrots…but then again, I´ve read in some places that parrots (some species more likely than others) is at a high risk of getting a calcium deficiency; and then it seems more like reptiles and parrots are alike regarding this matter, and that calcium supplements are necessary for their health.
So simply put, is calcium-blocks, sepia shells etc. unnecessary and harmful, or necessary in order to keep the parrot healthy? My question is manly regarding caiques (black headed and white bellied) since that is the species I´m most interested in.
/Animallover_84