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My Canary, Ringo, won't pick at his Cuttlebone. He is 1-1/2 yrs. old, and has never picked at it. I bought a different type of Cuttlebone, in a Block form, and tan in colour. The first 2 - 3 days, he picked at it, and I thought everything would be Okay now. But, he stopped picking at the new one, also. I understand Cuttlebone is a Staple for Birds. Will he be Okay, the rest of his life, without eating his Cuttlebone? Is there something else I can give him, in place of the Cuttlebone?

My Canary, Ringo, won't pick at his Cuttlebone. He is 1-1/2 yrs. old, and has never picked at it. I bought a different type of Cuttlebone, in a Block form, and tan in colour. The first 2 - 3 days, he picked at it, and I thought everything would be Okay now. But, he stopped picking at the new one, also. I understand Cuttlebone is a Staple for Birds. Will he be Okay, the rest of his life, without eating his Cuttlebone? Is there something else I can give him, in place of the Cuttlebone?

Updated On January 20th, 2018

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | unneutered

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Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

Veterinarian

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The cuttlebone helps to provide the bird with minerals, but they don't really tend to eat it massively. As long as it is available in the cage the bird will pick at it as necessary. One cuttlebone could last a small bird years. Ensure you are feeding a good quality seed mix and Ringo should be great.

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