I just read in one of the questions that you do not recommend grit or gravel for cockatiels. Is this just certain types of grit and gravel or they really don't need it. I have three 'tiels and a parrakeet. They all use the same type of grit and gravel. Please let me know if this is harmful to the 'tiels.

Caroline

Caroline,

Cockatiels and parakeets can crack seed so they do not require any grit or gravel. Grit and gravel can cause the birds to have an impacted crop which could result in the death of the bird.

Birds that cannot crack seed such as finches and canaries do require grit and or gravel since they eat seeds whole and need the grit for digestion.