Calcium Rich

Have you ever wondered what the white surfboard shaped bone in your birdcage is? This is a cuttlebone! Cuttlebones come from the internal shell of a cuttlefish. The cuttlebone is a gas-filled chamber that helps keep the cuttlefish buoyant and helps them navigate through the water. The cuttlebone is mostly made of calcium carbonate.

Cuttlebone has had many different uses over the years. Pulverized cuttlebone (ground up into a fine powder) was used as a polishing source for jewelry makers. They would also use the cuttlebone as a mold. The cuttlebone can withstand the high temperatures of the molten metal. Pulverized cuttlebone was also put in toothpaste for its polishing abilities and used as an antacid for medicinal purposes.

Today cuttlebone is primarily used as an extra source of calcium for birds, reptiles, chinchillas, and hermit crabs. Cuttlebones can be purchased in most pet stores and last for quite awhile before they need to be replaced. Birds use it to help clean and maintain their beaks. Female birds need the calcium to help strengthen their egg shells. Not all birds feel the need to groom themselves so don’t worry if they don’t use it. They have other ways to get their calcium!