I just read somewhere that you can give steak and rib bones to birds to chew on, is this true, is it safe?

"Beak Trim - Most birds, if provided sufficient material to chew, will keep the beak at a normal length. Chewable items include: soft wood, sugar cane, chew bars, hard biscuits, nuts, bones (steak or rib),cuttle bone, lava rock and mineral blocks. Some flaking and shelving of the beak is normal however excessive flaking, shelving or overgrowth may be a sign of internal disease."


Oh and what about sugar cane and lava rocks?

I've heard of people doing it (seen pics with ribs), but for me it's a bit freaky. And I am afraid that the bone will splinter and hurt them. Sugar cane is a kewl treat I think I saw it in the ultimate mix from Bird Paradise (please correct me if I'm wrong) and I've done Lava Rock and that rocks
They make toys with lava rock, I had a rock that bolted on the side of the cage similar to this one but it looked more like a real rock:

Here's a toy too

Wendy - I don't think there is sugar cane in the mix - perhaps cinnamon sticks? (Although I know you know what they are).

Anyway, Glider, you don't want you birds to have too much animal protein. Not really good for them. I personally stay away from these items with my birds. I also worry about the splintering issue.

Okay, thanx, I was just curious, I will stay away from the bones.

I have offered my birds steak bones before,but only like the large T bones one and only when supervised.I also offer them chicken legs,they love to break thm open and eat the marrow. Sugar cane I personally wouldn't use,why offer them sugar of any kind?? Ialso don't like the lava rocks,I just don't see how you can get all the little crevices clean.One other thing do you have any pedicure perches in his cage?? Mine will also use them to wipe their beaks to help keep them in shape.

I've given Ollie a small rib bone to chew on one time and she went crazy! She was also supervised, but didn't go any further than chewing on some of the meat still attached and putting a few gnaw marks in the bone. That girls loves her meat! Just remember, everything in moderation. A rib bone every day is bad, but as a chew toy every few weeks/once a month should be perfectly fine.

I too have heard of giving Rib bones, but have never tried it. I don't think a beef rib would splinter. I know people give there dogs beef rib bones. I know chicken bones are prone to splintering, but I thought beef bones were safe.

Aren't rib bones kinda soft on the inside like chicken bones are?

We give our dogs T bones and rib bones, and our GSD can't even break into them. They will have them for a few days before they get lost, and they look the exact same as the day they got them.

I don't think they're soft inside Karen. Maybe that is why they are dog safe, but chicken bones arent.

I've seen birds (not mine) eat both rib & chicken bones, but I personally wouldn't feed them to my birds I am just too paranoid, it's a personal choice