I've read pros and cons on feeding your Budgie gravel. It sounds like a very small amount might be beneficial, but too much can be dangerous. I’ve got 4 books on Budgies and they don’t all agree.

I use to feed my Budgies gravel ... just had a small clip on dish that I always keep filled and they would eat as required. I don't know if it hurt or helped in the long run.

What do you do and think about feeding gravel?

I don't feed my budgies gravel. All I have read says they don't need it and it could actually be bad for them.

I'm not sure what you mean by gravel - is it the same as grit? If it is, I've read that they don't need grit because budgies hull all of their seeds and the purpose of grit is to aid in digestion of whole seeds.

Yes, "grit" and "gravel" are the same. Grit is very small, clean gravel (essentially rocks) that you can buy at the pet stores.

I wonder if Budgies eat grit in the wild? It makes sense that if they hull their seeds then they may not need grit … but maybe they still might depending on what kind of seeds they eat?

This is true, a finch type bird would need grit as it does not hull. Budgies may eat grit for fun, not a good thing as grit can cause crop injuries in budgies since they are not designed to eat grit. Birds sometimes do eat non food items when they are short of something in their bodies. Macaws eat clay for this reason.

Budgies should be provided with cuttlefish and or mineral block. They are primary seed eaters, which is limited to a small range of commercially available seeds.

Grit /gravel is actually very bad for the birds,The only birds that should really have hit our Pigoens and doves,I have seen a few birds die from being given grit,alot of times it compacts in their intestines,and they can't digest their food properly. I get so annoyed because when you look at the box of grit it has pictures of keets and teils on it,so its very confussing to people who just don't know.

I agree - maybe we should petition the manufacturers? - so it gets to the right birds. The producers are hoping all bird owners will buy it. Pet store owners often do not help either - same with the buying of cages - out of ignorance mostly.

Unfortunately the Finches are sold beside the parrots. The uniformed see them as the same. Their foods are put together. The photos are misleading.

yeah thats just it,the photos on these things make people think thats what they are suppose to buy.and petstores dont tell you any different to them its a sale.

Most parrot shell the seed before eating and grit simply isn't needed, grit can cause impacted crops and digestive track failure.
As Barbra has mentioned mainly Doves and Pigeons need grit as they eat the whole seed shell and all.
Take Care

Arty

Well I'm glad I read this thread today. I was told to give grit to my tiel from a employee of a pet store. I'll stop giving Tobi any right now. I usually just took a pinch and sprinkled it over her seed. I had no idea the harm it can cause. I wish that pet store owners and employees were more informed so they don't miss lead the public.