Cuttlefish 'bone'

Is your finch sick or not well? Find out why.
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davlee
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Location: Richmond, S.A.

Should the salt be washed off prior to giving to the finches?
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Shane Gowland
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I give it a quick once-over with a rough bit of paper to detach anything that might be stuck to it. Don't know if it's necessary, but it makes me feel better.
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noah.till
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If its fresh I don't bother, little bit of extra salt doesnt hurt them
Downs Bird Breeders Association and Queensland Finch Society Member
2018 Australian Birdkeepers Magazine Young Birdkeeper
Javan Munia, Black Rumped Double bar and Aberdeen Breeding Project
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finchbreeder
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Location: Midwest of West. Aust. Coast
Location: Midwest of West.Aust.Coast

I give it a swish in water if it is wet when collected. If dry I assume excess salt has blown away with the wind. Almost time to go collecting again.
LML
LML
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Shane Gowland
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Quite a few responses to this question on our Facebook page.
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Rod_L
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I wash cuttlebone in the ocean when I get it, then let the salt water dry leaving the minerals behind. The birds seem to enjoy it.

Salt water doesn't just have salt (sodium chloride) in. It contains magnesium, calcium, iodine and dozens of other minerals, which are required by most animals and birds.
Last edited by Rod_L on 03 Nov 2020, 16:57, edited 1 time in total.
death to all cats & ants
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halcyon
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I started giving raw cuttlefish, to my birds beach sand & all when I was a 12 yr old & 62yrs later I still do the same. Washing it is like boiling your veggies & tipping the goodness down the sink. The salt & added minerals from sea water plus the raw cuttlefish is just what your birds require. A tiny bit of beach sand is great for the crop. People always have to fiddle to try & make it better. From halcyon
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finchbreeder
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Beach or river sand for the bottoms of the avairys and breeding cages at Mums for the past 50+ years also. Mine for a little less time.
LML
LML
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