Before feeding grit to any bird, you need you know the species of bird you want to feed grit to. Parrots and finches (psittacines and passerines) do not need grit.

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Did you know that feeding grit can even be harmful for these birds? Never feed birds grit. Keep reading to learn more.

To better understand the importance of why you never feed bird grit to parrots and finches, let’s explain the purpose of grit and why some birds may need it.

Never Feed Bird Grit to Captive Birds

In the wild some birds eat sand and tiny pieces of gravel to help break down indigestible items like hard seed husks. If you have a species of bird that knows how to crack seeds – such as parrots and finches – then stop feeding grit to your birds. Parrots and finches do not need grit.

Label Mis-information

When talking about bird grit with a member of the Healthy Bird Project she gave me the bottle she had been using. Before reading any further, take a look at the birds on the label – a Cockatiel and a Zebra Finch. This should raise a red flag alert for you. Why? Because both of these bird species (psittacines and passerines) know how to crack seeds.

The truth is, you need to avoid feeding parrots dry seeds, more info on that in my video, “Why Bird Seed is Bad for Your Bird”.

Label Claims – Proof Your Birds Don’t Need Bird Grit

This label says, “Designed to provide additional calcium and other important minerals to birds fed a seed based diet.” Now let’s explain why this information is inaccurate. First, minerals from rock sources are the most difficult form of minerals for the body to digest. Second, it’s very easy to provide your parrots and finches minerals from the most easily digested source there is: a Nutritionally Balanced Sprouting Blend. The sprout germination and growing process ‘chelates’ minerals. This means sprout growth and germination makes these minerals super easy for the body to digest and use. Plus a properly grown, Nutritionally Balanced Sprouting Blend also provides many other Essential Nutrients your birds need.

Dangers

If your bird eats too much grit it can become impacted in the digestive tract causing obstructions. And, in doing the research for this article I discovered there are many more dangers directly linked to the ingredients used in making bird grit.

If you feed your bird grit – please stop – and just throw the it all away. Or dump it into your garden or compost pile.

Healthy Grit Alternatives

If you’re concerned about your parrot or finch being able to digest the foods you are feeding  while receiving all the essential minerals they need, then lets review healthier food choices. The foods your birds can most easily digested are the foods that are as close to nature and as natural possible. Feed wholesome, natural, organic, REAL FOODS. Learn more about this – download your FREE copy of my Report: “Why Your Parrots Need Balanced Nutrition”

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Be sure to read my next post in this series on ‘Never Feed Bird Grit’: ‘Bird Grit, Harmful Ingredients’

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Do you feed your parrots or finches supplements?

If so, make a comment or send us an email, and let us know what you feed and why. 

if you’d like more information on that particular supplement, email us photos of the label.

Or let us know your thoughts on this blog post.