Lately there has been some debate going on as to whether or not parrots are in need of grit. This is a common question of concern to bird owners, as well as a source of disagreement. Understanding what grit is, the purpose, and the possible problems that could result from its use, can help you, the reader, make an educated decision on whether or not to offer it to your bird.
The Purpose of Grit
“Grit is used by birds to aid in digestion of seeds” is a sentence seen over and over again, in both outdated parrot care books, or other related texts. What this sentence fails to convey, is that grit is used by birds to aid in the digestion of whole, intact seeds. Birds digestive enzymes work amazingly well in digesting the inner portion of the seeds, but can have difficulty in breaking down the hull (which is the fibrous outer coating). Grit, in the avian ventriculus, aids in grinding and wearing away the outer shell of the seeds, enabling the digestive enzymes to reach the nutrients within the inner portion of the seed.
What Exactly Is Grit?
The term grit is often loosely used and not entirely explained. There are two groups of substances that go by the name of grit- soluble and insoluble. Insoluble grit, as the type that is being discussed here, is composed of minute substances such as sandstones and other minerals often found in dirt and clays. Insoluble grit cannot be digested and will ermine in the body until expelled.
Soluble grit is organic, and can include crushes shells – often oyster shells- or cuttlebone. Since soluble grit is mostly calcium carbonate, it is easily digested by the acids found in the proventriculus and poses little danger of accumulating in the digestive system. However, while soluble grits can offer an alternative source of calcium, it does little in actually aiding the digestion of seeds.
Do Birds Really Require Grit?
In the United States, the general consensus seems to be a hearty ‘no’. The purpose of grit is to remove the outer coatings of whole seeds, so it seems reasonable to ascertain that only birds which consume seeds intact, such as doves, require grit in their diet. Birds such as parrots, and even finches and canaries, hull their seeds, therefore not needing the extra aid that grit would provide. In fact, some species of parrots have ridges on the inside portion of their upper beak that is believed to aid in the shelling of seeds. The seed is held in place by the ridges, while the lower beak is used to crack and remove the hull. Birds on a pelleted diet should also not require grit. In the US, the use of grit is generally discouraged, especially if offered freely, which may lead to obstructive gastritis. Although in Australia, grit is commonly given to pet birds, and few problems have been reported. As of the writing of this article, there is no explanation for these interesting geographical differences.
Potential Problems
If given freely, some birds may over-consume grit products, leading to a possibility of impaction. It is also recommended to check the contents of any commercially made and purchased grit mixtures, as some may contain charcoal. Charcoal can affect the absorption of vitamins, resulting in deficiencies.
In conclusion; the benefit of grit for parrots and softbills has not been positively demonstrated. Potential risks have been observed, as well as potential health benefits. If offered at all, we recommend offering it in moderation.
