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Calcium deficiency is the most common deficiency in cage and aviary birds 

Calcium deficiency is the most common deficiency in cage and aviary birds - despite the tonnes of cuttlefish bone fed every year! Most of the cuttlefish eaten goes straight out in the droppings. As with other minerals the difficulty is absorbing it into the bloodstream. So we developed a super-saturated calcium solution called Cacivet. Calcivet uses a chelated mineral technology similar to the Rapisorb minerals. So it is easily absorbed and quickly gets to the bones, nerves and muscles where it is needed. It is such an effective calcium source that most of the year you will only need it once or twice a week (definitely twice for African greys and eclectus).

This year we have cracked the trick of providing a highly bio-available calcium source in powder form. Our new Calcivet On-Food Powder is much easier to add to soft foods than Calcivet Liquid and has the same exceptional absorption properties. By now you probably understand why Daily Essentials (powder) and Calcivet are the two products that make up the supplements system for non-breeding birds. Powdered Calcivet has also enabled us to mix this with the vitamins and this is the basis of EasyBird Rest, Moult & Show, an all-in-one-pot product for you! Daily Essentials comes in a selection of grades for different birds. For information on exactly the right “Essentials” product for you ring our free helpline on 0845 130 8600.

Calcium is vital for the breeding season and improves egg production and chick health

When egg laying commences increase Calcivet to five times a week. You will get more eggs, fitter hens that don’t struggle with egg-laying and strong boned chicks. Hens require extra calcium to make good quality egg shells. As most birds only carry enough calcium stored in their bones to make about three eggs Calcivet normally increases clutch sizes, ensures good shell quality and minimises stress on your hens.

Young birds require plenty of calcium for strong bone formation and efficient nerve and muscle function. Insufficient calcium can lead to young birds having trouble flying and perching properly. Calcivet should be continued through the breeding season at the five times a week rate to maintain their natural reserves of this precious mineral. In very hard water areas it may be possible to use Calcivet at lower application rates or less frequently. Calcium is a crucial mineral for brain function and inadequate amounts in the diet can cause both physical and behavioural problems. These range from poor co-ordination and falling off perches to fits and seizures. Feather plucking, fear and aggression are common symptoms of calcium deficiency too.