Do Parakeets Need Grit?

[redhen]

My parakeets are eating seed... (i'm trying to switch them over to pellets)..
But anyways.. if they are eating seed..do they need grit?
Thanks for any advice!

 

[Akane]

No. They shell their seeds so they don't need grit to digest them and grit often causes impaction issues in hookbills.

 

[redhen]

Thanks, Akane!

 

[ScissorChick]

Exactly what Akane said. Parakeets can get their crops compacted full of grit.

No need for it, they hull their seeds

 

[markbirds]

35 years of breeding keets, YES they do need oyster shell to help with digestion. Hulling or not they do need it.

 

[Tony K T]

If I recall I think they need a cuttle bone.I think it has something to do with minerals,not positive.
In N.H.,Tony.

 

[VioletandBodie]

minrol blocks/cuttle bones ok, grit is a no no though beacuse in can compact in there crop and kill them

 

[Akane]

For every person who says they need grit you'll find 5 just as experienced who say they don't and most of those say it could cause health problems. Which is why I went with no. They should have a cuttlebone or other source of calcium though.

 

[redhen]

Thanks everyone! They do have a cuttlebone...
I dont think they use it yet though...

 

[ScissorChick]

Try scratching the cuttle bone over their food until they learn to use it.