Providing proper nutrition, including calcium, is critical for keeping pet birds healthy. Calcium supports bone development, egg production, and other important bodily functions. Birds cannot produce calcium on their own, so it must be obtained through the diet. There are several ways to ensure your bird receives adequate calcium.
Why do birds need calcium?
Calcium is essential for birds for the following reasons:
- Bone formation – Over 99% of the calcium in a bird’s body is found in the bones and supports skeletal structure.
- Egg production – Female birds use calcium to create eggshells. Laying birds have very high calcium needs.
- Muscle function – Calcium allows a bird’s muscles to contract and relax properly during flight.
- Nerve signaling – Calcium regulates nerve impulses and allows the nervous system to function.
- Enzyme regulation – Calcium helps regulate enzymes that control digestion, vitamin D synthesis, and other processes.
- Blood clotting – Clotting factors in the blood require calcium to work correctly to stop bleeding.
Birds who lack calcium can suffer from issues like egg binding, brittle bones, muscle weakness, seizures, and poor growth. Providing the right amount of calcium prevents these problems.
How much calcium does my bird need?
The amount of calcium a bird needs varies by species. Below are general calcium guidelines for common pet birds:
Bird Species | Calcium Recommendation |
---|---|
Budgerigars | 0.3-0.5% of diet |
Cockatiels | 0.5-1% of diet |
Conures | 0.8-1.5% of diet |
Amazons | 1.5-2% of diet |
Macaws | 1.5-2% of diet |
African greys | 1.5-2% of diet |
Cockatoos | 1.5-2% of diet |
Lories/lorikeets | 2-3% of diet |
Breeding hens | 2.5-4% of diet |
These percentages reflect the total calcium content by weight that should be present in your bird’s overall diet. This calcium can come from a variety of dietary sources which will be discussed later.
What are signs of calcium deficiency in birds?
Watch for these signs that your bird may not be getting enough calcium:
- Weak, brittle bones – Calcium deficiency causes bones to become fragile and prone to fractures.
- Poor growth – Young birds will show slowed development and low body weight.
- Egg binding – Difficulty passing eggs is common in calcium-deficient hens.
- Seizures/tremors – Low calcium can cause abnormal muscle contractions and nerve problems.
- Lethargy – Birds deprived of calcium are often tired and inactive.
- Feather picking – Parrots with nutritional deficiencies may pick their feathers.
- Reduced fertility – Male birds need calcium for sperm health and motility.
Schedule a vet visit if your bird shows any of these signs to address potential calcium deficiency.
What human foods are high in calcium for birds?
Certain human foods are safe and effective calcium sources for birds. Some good options include:
- Cheese – Hard cheeses like cheddar and swiss contain ample calcium. Limit to small amounts.
- Yogurt – Look for unsweetened, plain yogurt with live active cultures.
- Kale – This leafy green is loaded with bioavailable calcium.
- Broccoli – A nutritional powerhouse with calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Carrots – Grated carrot pieces make an easy calcium supplement.
- Beans – Try rinsed and boiled chickpeas, lentils, navy beans.
- Figs – Dried figs provide a tasty, natural calcium source.
- Oranges – Full of vitamin C and decent calcium levels.
- Eggshells – Bake and crush eggshells to add to meals.
- Almonds – High in protein, fiber, and calcium.
Chop human foods into bird-sized pieces. Introduce new foods slowly and watch for signs of allergies. Offer a variety from this list to give your bird balanced nutrition.
What are the best sources of calcium for birds?
The best calcium sources for most birds are:
- Cuttlebone – Calcium-rich, abrasive interior helps trim beaks and provides optimal digestible calcium.
- Mineral block – Solid calcium supplement block for nibbling and beak conditioning.
- Calcium powder – Pure calcium carbonate powder to sprinkle on food daily.
- Calcium-fortified pellets – Nutritionally balanced pellets with added calcium.
- Whole prey – Feeder insects like crickets contain highly bioavailable calcium.
- Calcium-rich produce – Vegetables like kale, broccoli, carrots, okra.
- Calcium supplements – Liquid drops or syrups add concentrated calcium to water.
- Hard boiled egg – The white and shell offer calcium-rich protein.
Aim to provide multiple sources of calcium for the best results. Feed a base diet of calcium-fortified pellets, supplemented with cuttlebone for nibbling and calcium powder or liquid to maximize intake.
How often should I provide calcium supplements?
Most birds benefit from daily calcium supplementation in one form or another. Here are general guidelines for frequency:
- Cuttlebone – Leave cuttlebone in the cage at all times for free choice access to calcium.
- Calcium block – Replace mineral blocks every 4-6 weeks or as directed on the packaging.
- Calcium powder – Lightly sprinkle on soft foods 1-2 times per day.
- Calcium drops – Add drops or syrup to drinking water daily.
- Chews/treats – Give calcium-enriched bird treats a few times weekly.
- Pellets – Feed calcium-fortified pellets as 75-90% of the basic diet.
Increase calcium supplements for growing, breeding, or egg-laying birds to support higher needs. Adjust quantities based on diet and your avian vet’s recommendations.
What types of store-bought calcium supplements are safe for birds?
The following are safe, vet-approved calcium supplements for birds:
- Cuttlebones – Whole cuttlebones or cuttlebone pieces for chewing.
- Mineral blocks – Compressed calcium blocks that clip onto cages.
- Calcium powder – Look for pure calcium carbonate powder without additives.
- Calcium drops – Liquid calcium supplements to add to water.
- Calcium chews – Treats like mineral chews with added calcium.
- Calcium bones – Certain edible bird bones provide safe, digestible calcium.
- Multivitamins – Select multivitamins formulated specifically for birds with adequate calcium levels.
Avoid any calcium supplement that contains excessive phosphorus, which can prevent calcium absorption. Only purchase bird-specific supplements from reputable manufacturers.
How can I help my bird digest calcium supplements?
To aid calcium digestion:
- Give calcium supplements with food to slow passage through the digestive tract.
- Provide a source of vitamin D3 to facilitate calcium absorption.
- Offer midday sun exposure for natural vitamin D production.
- Leave cuttlebone in cage 24/7 for nibbling over the day.
- Sprout and soak high calcium seeds/grains to increase bioavailability.
- Select powder or liquid calcium sources that are readily absorbed.
- Have grit available to aid grinding and digestion in crop.
- Ensure adequate hydration since water aids calcium digestion and transport.
Avoid giving extra calcium within 2 hours of another supplement or medication, as absorption can be reduced. Work with an avian vet if your bird has ongoing problems absorbing and utilizing calcium sources.
What are the best calcium supplements for egg laying birds?
Egg laying birds have very high calcium needs. The best calcium supplements for breeding hens include:
- Layer feed – Specialized pellets formulated for hens with 3-5x more calcium.
- Calciboost – Liquid calcium supplement to add to drinking water daily.
- Oyster shell – Coarse oyster shell grit for increased calcium.
- Cuttlebone – Provides readily available calcium for eggshell formation.
- Full spectrum light – Boosts vitamin D to aid calcium metabolism.
It’s also helpful to offer fertile, calcium-rich soils and substrates for birds to ingest while foraging if possible.
Should I give calcium supplements if I’m feeding pellets?
Even if you feed a complete, calcium-fortified pelleted diet, additional calcium supplementation is still recommended. Here’s why:
- Pellet calcium levels can degrade over time after bag is opened.
- Heating during pellet processing can alter calcium bioavailability.
- Birds may not eat enough pellets to meet their needs.
- Supplements provide added nutrition insurance.
- Cuttlebones help wear down beaks and nails.
The best approach is feeding a base pellet diet supplemented with cuttlebone for free choice nibbling plus a liquid or powdered calcium source a few times weekly. This ensures adequate intake for optimal health.
Can I give my bird too much calcium?
Yes, excessive calcium intake can potentially cause issues for birds. Signs of calcium toxicity include:
- Depressed appetite, lethargy, weakness
- Constipation
- Muscle twitches, tremors, seizures
- Joint and muscle pain
- Abnormal molting
To prevent calcium overdose:
- Carefully follow supplement directions and vet advice for amounts.
- Get accurate dietary calcium content analysis for foods.
- Weigh bird weekly and adjust calcium intake if gaining excess weight.
- Watch for signs of toxicity and cease supplements if noted.
- Rotate supplement types for variety.
Routine blood calcium level testing can help monitor birds at risk of excess calcium due to diet or health conditions.
Can too little calcium be dangerous for birds?
Yes, calcium deficiency can put birds at significant risk for health problems. Effects of inadequate calcium include:
- Fractures
- Egg binding
- Seizures
- Heart arrhythmias
- Growth inhibition
- Paresthesia
- Poor feather quality
- Behavior changes
- Immune suppression
Ensuring appropriate lifelong calcium intake through a varied, balanced diet and targeted supplementation prevents these issues and supports optimal wellness.
Conclusion
Calcium is an essential nutrient for birds that supports several body systems. Pet birds require steady calcium intake from dietary sources and supplements. Provide a foundation of calcium-fortified pelleted food, with free choice cuttlebone for nibbling. Boost this with weekly calcium powder, liquid drops, chews, or treats. Target supplementation amounts to the individual bird’s age, size, and life stage needs. Aim for a balanced approach, not over or under supplementing calcium. With proper nutrition containing all necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, birds can thrive and avoid calcium-related disorders. An avian vet can advise on the ideal calcium plan for a bird’s needs.