The cuttlefish bone, what is it? Why is it so important to leave some available for the pet parrot?

What is a cuttlefish bone?

The Cuttlefish Bone, also called sepion , is a kind of internal float present in the body of the cuttlefish, cephalopod mollusk.

This marine animal uses it to adjust its buoyancy by adjusting the compression of the gases. It is, in fact, an internal structure that is both hard, brittle, and porous. White or pearly, it is recognizable by its elliptical shape, a bit like a boat hull or a surfboard.

The main constituent of Cuttlefish bone is aragonite, which is itself composed of calcium carbonate.

The calcium, in fact, is the main interest of the cuttlefish for most birds in captivity. However, some species, such as the Diamond Dove, are not interested.

What interest in the pet parrot?

Cuttlefish bone is an excellent source of calcium for the caged bird while providing other minerals and trace elements such as magnesium, phosphorus and sodium salts.

By drawing calcium by pecking the cuttlefish bone, the bird obtains valuable contributions for its bone health.

In addition, for the female, the calcium provided by the cuttlefish bone contributes to the good constitution of the eggs.

Cuttlefish bone is also important for the condition of the plumage.

Finally, in certain species of birds, notably parakeets, the cuttlefish bone allows the maintenance of the beak, both by cleaning and by limiting growth.

Simply place the cuttlefish bone in the cage, easily accessible to birds. It is hung on bars, at the level of a perch. Avoid placing it on the ground, as it may quickly be covered in droppings.

Where to get cuttlefish bone for pet Parrots?

Cuttlefish Bones are sold in pet stores, animal feed stores, and specialist departments in supermarkets. Often, we find copies sold with a clip, facilitating its attachment to the bars of the cage. The unit price is around 1.50 $. Cuttlefish bones are also sold in lots of 3 or 5. It is also possible to get them in fishmongers.

Bird owners who live near the coast can collect them directly from the beach. In this case, as in that of the cuttlefish bone brought back from the fishmonger, it is essential to prepare it before giving it to its birds.

Also read: “Feed a pet bird”

The preparation of cuttlefish bone for pet birds consists of immersing it in boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes. This process is used both to sterilize the sepion and to remove the fishy odor. Then it should be left to dry in the sun.

Furthermore, the cuttlefish bone should not be kept in the cage for a long time. In fact, it risks hosting fungi and bacteria, a phenomenon favored by its propensity to absorb moisture from the air. The worn cuttlefish bone must be removed and replaced with a new one.