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Birds--General/Cuttle Bone
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Question
My Bird Bloo, loves her cage, but the only thing she wont touch is her cuttle bone. I haven't seen her even get near the bone, and her beak is growing! I don't want her beak to grow to long! What should I do?
Hi, Hannah. Thanks for posting!
You don't say what type of bird this is.
Cuttlebone is a source of calcium. It isn't really designed to help a bird keep it's beak trimmed down. Cuttlebone is soft and isn't made for this purpose. If your bird isn't eating the cuttlebone, evidently, it doesn't need calcium! What you need to purchase is a bird block or perch of some type designed to help a bird keep it's beak trimmed. There are specific types of things made for this purpose. Visit www.drsfostersmith.com for some products.
A bird's beak can be trimmed, but if you've never done this before, don't attempt to do this yourself. If you cut too far, you can hit the main vein in the beak and the beak will bleed. A bird can bleed to death if cut down too far or if you don't trim it correctly, you can cause more harm than good. Have an avian veterinarian trim the beak if it's too long. The vet can show you how to do this yourself in the future.
Come back with any questions.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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