Grit- Bird gravel

[i<3mrchirpydoodlebirdy]

I have heard that grit helps the digestive system. Do you have to use it? :budgie: x

[Star]

Grit for what? Lining the bottom of a budgies cage? I use newspaper for that. It's much less messy and you can just wrap the bird droppings, hulls, excess feathers, ect. up in the newspaper and throw it out.

[BUUZBEE]

nope, you dont have to.
there are many thoughts on this topic. most budgie owners are adamant that it is dangerous. that their birds can get a crop impactation, but the FEW birds that have died from this, had other problems to begin with. a sick bird will keep eating the grit to make them feel better. when given properly, it is benneficial to them, it does aid in their digestion, pluss has the minerals they need.
people say that because they hull their seeds, they dont need it, but vets that have studdied this show that they do need a little grit to grind up the seeds. this is why wild budgies will eat sand & small stones.
i personally use grit will all my birds, breeding or not, and have never had a problem.
but do what you feel best doing. and if you choose to, follow the instructions on the bottle, and dont leave it in the cage

[Bea]

I don't think you should use it with hookbills cause they remove the husks from seed before eating. The grit can actually cause health problems so it's safer not to use it. For birds like canaries and finches who don't remove the seed husks i can see how it would be benificial.