Cuttlebones can be seen everywhere from pet stores to bird cages – they even seem to be part of their design! But what exactly are cuttlebones, where did they originate, and why do we use them in bird cages?
Cuttlebones are not bones but rather the internal shell of Cuttlefishes – small cephalopods related to squid.
Cuttlefish cuttlebones are filled with gasses, providing buoyancy control in the water. Over the years people have harvested and utilized cuttlebones for various uses; one widely recognized purpose being used as an exercise and supplement toy for birds. Cuttlefish don’t inhabit most US waters but can be found swimming commonly in English Channel waters – though not looking exactly like an octopus they still feature eight arms as well as two tentacles! Their main diet consists primarily of crab and shrimp but some have even been known to devour fish as well. Curiously enough they possess what has been termed “parrot-like beak.”
The cuttlefish from which bones come is an intriguing fish species. Closely related to snails rather than true fish species, cuttlefish have an incredible ability at being stealthy creatures that feed on small brine shrimp, crabs, crab eggs and worms for sustenance.
But this fascinating fish has many other uses besides harvesting its cuttlebone for bird cages. Its Taxonomic name, Sepia officinalis, and one definition for its word itself in a dictionary include “brownish-gray to dark olive-brown color.” At one time its ink was actually used to manufacture writing ink during Greco-Roman period history from 1st Century BCE until early 4th Century AD (The Greco-Roman Period of History from 1st century BCE to early 4th Century AD).
However, other applications were found for this interesting creature’s internal structure. Jewelers who made castings used cuttlebone as a method for crafting jewelry by carving designs into it and pouring precious metals onto it to form designs on it. Cuttlebone proved ideal as it could easily be cut away while remaining impervious to heat from precious metals pouring from it.
Cuttlebone is a lightweight, oblong chalky object made primarily of calcium that serves to supplement a bird’s calcium intake. At approximately 85% calcium content, cuttlebone can help increase their calcium levels significantly if they show interest in playing with it. Companion birds either enjoy playing with cuttlebones or they don’t, and there is no way of knowing which way they will react. However, they’re relatively inexpensive so offering one to your bird won’t break the bank. A less costly method would be using a sharp knife to chip bits off cuttlebone into their food — simply scrape along its edge to release powder that you can sprinkle into their bowl as part of their daily meals. Your bird might initially react suspiciously but will become less distressed over time by having this calcium source introduced gradually in very small doses.
If you keep turtles or tortoises as pets, cuttlebone can also provide an excellent source of calcium that your pets will benefit from. It contains lots of this vital mineral.
Cuttlebones boast a grainy surface similar to pumice. Their grainy surface can offer parrots some benefits as it helps them wear down overgrown beaks, helping with beak and jaw exercise. Therefore, it is advisable to always include one in their cage so they may take advantage of regular cuttlebone use for optimal beak and jaw health.
Cuttlebones can often be found at grocery stores in their pet supply section or pet specialty shops.