What Is a Cuttlebone?

Cuttlebones are commonly found in pet stores and are a standard accessory in bird cages. But what exactly is a cuttlebone, where does it originate, and why are they placed in bird cages?

A cuttlebone is not an actual bone but rather the internal shell of the cuttlefish, a small, squid-like cephalopod.

In cuttlefish, the cuttlebone is filled with gases and helps control the animal's buoyancy in water. Although cuttlebones have been harvested and used for various purposes for years, their most recognized use is as a supplement and exercise toy for birds. Cuttlefish are not found in the United States but are common in the English Channel. They have eight arms like an octopus, plus two tentacles, and primarily eat crabs and shrimp, although they also consume fish. Interestingly, they have a "parrot-like beak."

The cuttlefish, from which the cuttlebone originates, is an intriguing animal. It is more closely related to snails than to fish and is a master of stealth. Cuttlefish prefer to eat small brine, shrimp, fish, crabs, and worms.

There are many more uses for this intriguing animal besides harvesting the cuttlebone for use in a bird's cage. The scientific name of the cuttlefish is Sepia officinalis, and the word "sepia" refers to a brownish-gray to dark olive-brown color. This is because the ink secreted by cuttlefish was historically used for that purpose. The ink's pigment was used to make writing ink during the Greco-Roman period, from the 1st century B.C. to the early 4th century A.D.

Other uses have been found for this fascinating creature's internal structure. Jewelers used the cuttlebone to create jewelry by carving patterns into it and pouring molten gold or silver into the designs. The cuttlebone, being lightweight and easily carved yet impervious to the heat of precious metals, was perfect for such use.

A cuttlebone is a lightweight, oblong, chalky object composed mainly of calcium, making it ideal for supplementing a bird's calcium intake. Composed of about 85% calcium, cuttlebone is effective for increasing a bird's calcium levels if the bird is interested in it. Companion birds either take to a cuttlebone or ignore it, and predicting their reaction is impossible. However, they are inexpensive, and offering these calcium-rich bones to your bird won't break the bank. Another way to introduce cuttlebone into a bird's diet is to use a sharp knife to scrape bits into their food. Scrape the bone along the edge and allow the powder to top their food. Birds might be wary, but they may be less bothered if you introduce the calcium source in very small particles.

If you keep turtles or tortoises, you can also offer them cuttlebone. It is an excellent calcium source, and these animals can benefit from its rich calcium content. Cuttlebones have a grainy texture, similar to pumice, helpful for parrots to wear down overgrown beaks. It's recommended to always keep a cuttlebone in your bird's cage to promote beak and jaw exercise. You can usually find cuttlebones in grocery stores' pet supply sections or at pet supply stores.