BIRDS NEED MINERALS
Extensive research with chickens has indicated that for proper nutrition and good health birds require quite a long list of minerals, some in fairly substantial amounts, others in only minute traces. The trace minerals and many of the others are present in sufficient quantity in the foods regularly fed.
Calcium is required in larger amounts and is best supplied by keeping a cuttle bone in the cage at all times. The cuttle bone is the backbone of the saltwater cuttle fish and provides a ready source of calcium and several other required minerals. If the cuttle bone becomes soiled or dusty, replace it with a fresh one. Add a tiny pinch of salt to a treat cup of Song Food or Sunshine Food once a week.
Occasionally dry and sterilize a few egg shells when you are using the oven. Crushed and sprinkled in with the gravel, these make good supplemental sources of calcium.