Do Macaws Need Cuttlebone?

If you are a new Macaw owner, you have probably heard the word cuttlebone being thrown around.

So, what is it? And, does your Macaw need it?

What is Cuttlebone and Why Do Macaws Need Cuttlebone?

Cuttlebones are calcium-rich bones that Macaws and other birds use to help maintain their beaks and nails.

They also help with digestion and can be a fun toy for your Macaw to play with.

As mentioned above, cuttlebones are very rich in calcium; an essential mineral for your Macaw’s health.

A cuttlebone will help to strengthen their bones and minimize the risk of injury, while also promoting healthy digestion.

Why Do Macaws Need Cuttlebone, and How Much Should They Have?

Typically, the intake is not measured but instead, you should simply provide your Macaw with a cuttlebone whenever their beak or nails look like they need some care.

You can mount it in your Macaw’s cage using a cuttlebone bracket or holder, or simply place it in their cage.

Overall, cuttlebone is an important addition to your Macaw’s diet and care routine, as, without it, their beaks and nails may become both overgrown or weakened as the cuttlebone helps to combat Macaw beak grinding.

Can You Overfeed Cuttlebone To Your Macaw

As mentioned above, you will not need to feed or monitor intake as such, but rather provide your Macaw with a cuttlebone to use if and when they need to.

If you do, however, notice your Macaw is spending excessive amounts of time on the cuttlebone, or not eating much else, you may want to remove it from the cage.

In this case, you should discontinue the use of the cuttlebone and check with a vet to ensure that your Macaw is healthy.

Overall, if used properly as part of a balanced diet for your Macaw, there should be no issues.

How to Use Cuttlebone For Your Macaw:

Having a mounted cuttlebone in your bird’s diet is always preferable to avoiding nutritional deficiencies or weakening.

You may keep a consistent and constant supply of calcium available at all times by attaching the cuttlebone.

This also allows the bird to consume as much calcium as it wants, encouraging long-term and regular intake.

Finally, this will eliminate any food safety concerns as well as minimize the amount of dust and mess created by loose cuttlebone on surfaces.

Where Can You Find Cuttlebones?

Cuttlebones are very common in pet shops and online pet stores.

They are very inexpensive and you can often buy wholesale batches on Amazon. They also have a long expiry date and will last for months to years if unopened.

Cuttlebones also come in many different sizes, so they’re suitable for all types of birds including most reptiles as well.

They are pretty common across the US, Canada, and Europe.

How to Tell if Your Macaw Needs More or Less Cuttlebone 

If your Macaw has a calcium deficiency or is hyperactive, it’s probably because you’re not feeding them enough cuttlebone.

If they have a calcium-related disease like kidney stones or osteoporosis, they may be eating more cuttlebone than the amount that’s recommended for their size and health.

But if they are just a normal, healthy Macaw then you shouldn’t have any issues when leaving cuttlebone in their cage.

One way to tell if your Macaw needs more or less calcium is by looking at the density and thickness of its feathers; a bird with healthy bones will get stronger feathers.

You can also tell by how they move-if their bones are weak and fragile, then it will be difficult for them to fly around your house.

Too much intake is just as bad…

If your Macaw has too much calcium in its diet, it may develop kidney or liver problems, or even experience issues with bone density and fractures

To avoid these issues, it’s important to monitor the amount of cuttlebone that your Macaw consumes by only placing it in the cage at certain times in the day or week.

How do Cuttlebones Benefit Your Macaw?

As mentioned, cuttlebones are a great alternative source of calcium for birds who are not fond of vegetables like kale, bok choy or dandelion greens.

It does not replace them by any means, but nor is calcium its only function.

Cuttlebone also helps keep your Macaws beak and nails healthy and strong.

Since Macaws are unable to digest cellulose, they have difficulties absorbing calcium from vegetables and plants as a result.

Lastly, the cuttlebone also acts like a toothbrush for your Macaw and will help them to keep their beak healthy by removing any leftover food, plaque, and bacteria from inside their mouth.

The Importance of A Healthy Diet in Maintaining a Healthy Beak for Birds.

A healthy diet with an adequate amount of calcium is essential for pet birds who are out of their natural habitat.

Birds need to maintain a certain amount of calcium in their diet in order to keep their bones and beaks healthy and strong.

Calcium is especially important for growing chicks, as it helps them grow and develop properly into adults.

Without sounding too repetitive, you should pay close attention to your Macaw diet, beyond just calcium, as a bad diet is often the root cause of sudden death in Macaws