If you’re a bird owner looking to support your pet’s health naturally, cuttlebone is an essential addition to your bird’s environment. Commonly used in bird cages, cuttlebone is the internal shell of a cuttlefish and is packed with calcium and vital trace minerals. This natural supplement helps strengthen bones, supports blood clotting, and promotes beak health through gentle grinding and trimming. In this article, we’ll explain what cuttlebone is, why it’s important for birds, and how to use it effectively to improve your bird’s overall wellness.

What Is Cuttlebone and Where Does It Come From?

Cuttlebone is the calcium-rich internal shell of a cuttlefish, a marine animal related to squid and octopus. Found in oceans worldwide, cuttlefish have eight arms, two tentacles, and a unique internal shell known as cuttlebone. Composed primarily of calcium carbonate (about 85%), cuttlebone is a natural, mineral-dense supplement often used to support bird health. It also contains nearly 9% organic material, primarily carbohydrates, making it both a safe and beneficial option for enhancing avian diets and promoting overall well-being.

Why Is Cuttlebone Important for Birds?

Most people have heard the saying that calcium builds strong bones, but it’s important to realize that the same applies to birds. Cuttlebone is an important dietary supplement for birds because it is a great source of necessary minerals and calcium, which helps birds with bone formation and blood clotting.

Cuttlebone is an inexpensive source of calcium carbonate and other trace minerals for your bird. It is a natural product and doesn’t contain toxins or contaminants. On the other hand, most artificial mineral blocks are made from Plaster of Paris. It is also important to know that the artificial mineral blocks contain whatever the manufacturer added; this could be food coloring or seed.

Similar to calcium, trace elements are crucial for both people and birds. The trace elements found within cuttlebone benefit birds, as well. Iron aids with red blood cell formation and function, Potassium maintains normal heart and muscle activity, Zinc helps with the immune system, and Copper assists with proper circulation and healing.

Besides being an important dietary supplement, cuttlebone has a rough texture, making it an ideal tool to help support beak strength. Birds can use cuttlebones to help keep their beaks trimmed and sharp. Even finches and canaries will often improve their beak health if you provide them with cuttlebone.

How to Place Cuttlebone in Your Bird’s Cage

Hang the cuttlebone in your bird’s cage for your bird to chew on. Make sure that the soft side of the cuttlebone is facing the bird because the hard side might be too hard to scrape through.

All birds need calcium, but not all birds will eat normal cuttlebone. While most parrots will chew up cuttlebone, birds such as mynahs or toucans will not eat it in its raw form. However, you can simply scrape cuttlebone into their soft-food mix.

Creative Ways to Add Cuttlebone to Your Bird’s Routine

For a more creative way to provide your bird with cuttlebone, look for perches and toys that contain cuttlebone! The Cuttlebone & Calcium Perch and the Bamboozler Nature Cluster toy both contain cuttlebone and will provide a fun way for your bird to receive needed calcium and improve beak health.

Why Cuttlebone Is Essential for Your Bird’s Health