Gravel or Cuttlebone??

[linzlee143]

Just curious, I have a dusky conure named Java
and he's still a baby 3 years old. The pet store I got him from told me to give him bird gravel so I've been sprinkling it on the bottom of the cage. I moved and started going to another bird store and they told me he doesn't need that, just the cuttlebone. He has had the cuttlebone in his cage the whole time. It doesn't seem like he even eats it. Ive been trying to remember to scrape some of it into his bowl so he gets some calcium or i give him well cleaned egg shells. He has been without the bird gravel for a few weeks now. 2 nights ago he choked on mango :11:that I had to pull out of his mouth and he has been having a lot of diarrhea lately. He is doing good after the choking episode! Does this have anything to do with him not having the bird gravel? If he is already used to the bird gravel should I just continue to give him that? Or should I make sure he nibbles some of his cuttlebone everyday even if I have to shave it into his dish??

 

[Spiritbird]

Welcome to our forum. Conures do not need gravel. He may have choked on that. If you give him enough calcium rich foods and pellets he will not need the cuttlebone. They are really ineffective. I would not listen to any adivce given to you from a pet store employee, please do not be offended if you work in one.
There is a very good book out there with basic information called Parrots for Dummies. It is a good resource for long term also.
I have been to several classes on nutrition for parrots and both the cuttlebone and mineral blocks are not advised.

 

[wildheart]

A lot of diarrhoea is not good and I will suggest that you take him to a vet for a check up. They hide ilnesses VERY well and by the time that you notice that something is really wrong it is usually already too late.