Do Budgies require grit? I have searched all over the internet and am as confused as I was before. Some sites say NO and others say YES and yet another says it doesn't hurt to have it in there in case they need it which sometimes they do. Yet some sites say that in can get impacted in their crop.



What is right - anybody know?

According to my birds' vet and from my understanding of the research, no budgies do not need grit. Only birds that cannot crack the shell of the seeds they eat need to have grit available to help them digest the seeds. Budgies should not require grit for digesting their seeds.

Jan

My opinion is no grit either.

Studies have shown that when necropsies are done on parrots in the wild there have been birds found with small stones in their stomachs. Having said that...

Grit has been known to cause crop impaction in parrots which can lead to death.

I'd have to say that about 85% of vets say no grit for any hook-bill while the remaining say provide it to them and the bird will only take it when s/he needs it.

Personally, I don't offer grit. I really don't think it is necessary.

No grit. Not having it will not hurt the bird, and it has been suggested that grit may impact in the crop, causing death.

I don't give my budgies grit either.

Thanks everybody. No grit it is!

Softbills = Yes.

Hookbills = NO.