Out With The Old, In With The New

Monkey Biscuits (Protein)
Out with the Old	In with the New
Monkey biscuits were used to supplement protein in a bird’s diet. Commonly used to increase the growth rate in young birds.	Monkey biscuits and dog food-based products are not healthy for birds, because they do not go through the same checks for good/bad bacteria that are checked for in pellets and seeds that make up the pet bird diet. Companies marketing monkey biscuits and dog food do not recommend them for birds, nor is nutritional research on birds supported by the sale of these products. A better supplement is hard-boiled eggs (shell and all). They are the highest quality protein known, with a good source of vitamins.
Milk (Calcium)
Out with the Old	In with the New
Milk was used to supplement calcium in a bird’s diet. Commonly given to hens so they would not become calcium deficient during egg laying and when raising young. It would help the young to product strong bones.	Although not toxic, it would appear milk is of little or no value, since avian bodies lack the enzyme to digest lactose. Milk makes mammals different from birds; the word mammal derives from the presence of the milk-producing mammary glands in mammalian mothers. Milk has also been known to cause diarrhea in avians. Better supplements include cuttlebone, mineral blocks, collards, turnips, mustard greens, kale, peas, natural sunlight and/or full-spectrum lighting.
Grit (Digestive Aid)
Out with the Old	In with the New
Because birds lack teeth, grit acted as a digestive aid. When a bird swallowed bits of stone, this would help grind up food particles in its stomach. This may be true for softbill birds (e.g., pigeons, doves, and chickens) because they cannot hull seeds.	Hookbills (e.g., cockatiels, parrots, and parakeets) hull seeds and eat the softer seed meat inside, so grit is not necessary. Grit may be more of a problem than a solution for birds that gorge on it. Gorging impacts the digestive tract and causes serious illness or death. Better supplements include cuttlebone, eggshells, and raw vegetables.
Cedar, Redwood and Pressure Treated Wood
Out with the Old	In with the New
Cedar was used in nest boxes or as floor covering in large aviaries to help keep bacteria from growing and acted as a bug repellent for mites, lice, etc.	Cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated wood (including shavings) fumes are toxic and fatal. Better solutions include pine shavings or bedding products designed specifically for avians.
Sandpaper Perches and Cage Bottoms
Out with the Old	In with the New
Sandpaper perches and cage bottoms were commonly sold with cage kits and used to maintain trim toenails and beaks. First-time bird owners believed this product was necessary, since it came with the package.	Sandpaper perches and cage bottoms are not good for avian feet. They have been known to cause sores, ulcers, and orthopedic problems. If chewed and swallowed, this material can damage the digestion. Better solutions include trimming toenails with a pair of fingernail clippers and providing hard substances like tree branches and wood toys to help maintain a trim beak.
Mite Protectors
Out with the Old	In with the New
Mite protectors were (and still are) commonly sold with cage kits and hung outside of the cage to control mite infestation. First-time bird owners believed this product necessary since it came with the package.	Avians not exposed to outdoors don’t necessarily need mite protection. This product can be toxic if now kept in a well-ventilated room. Mite protectors on an indoor cage is like living in a room filled with mothballs. Most indoor avians are not exposed to mites. A better solution to control mites is to spray a pyrethrum-based product in the room. Remove birds to another area while this is being done. Infestation would also necessitate a thorough cleaning of the cages, cups, perches, etc.