|
Post by lin on Jun 26, 2006 14:24:19 GMT
A lot of the information we get about our birds can be very outdated. Thought I'd put to rest some old wive's tales.
Milk is a good source of calcium for brooding hens Milk won't harm your birds, although it may give them diarrhoea. And they can't digest it, so it is of no nutritional value to them at all. The best source of calcium for birds, breeding or not, is cuttlebone, mineral blocks, dark green vegies.
Grit is necesary for Parrots Alot of controversy surrounds this one. Birds such as canaries, need grit to help grind the husk of the seed off, to ensure digestions. Parrots husk their seeds - remove the husks with their beaks, and swallow just the meaty part of the seed. Grit plays no part in their diet, and can compact in their crop, or further into their digestive systems, causing malnutrition.
Sandpaper perches and sheets help trim the birds nails - NO! If you ever have a look at a birds nails when on a perch, you will see that their nails would not really contact the sandpaper. In fact sandpaper can cause sores on the foot, which can easily ulcerate or become infected. If the sandpaper is eaten, it can cause problems internally. A quick trim with nail clippers (avian) is a much safer option.
Feel free to pm me with any old wives tales you want researched
|
|