The cuttlefish skeleton, cuttlefish bone, or cuttlefish boat, is a material composed of calcium and mineral s alts that forms a single, compact piece that makes up the skeleton of the cuttlefish or cuttlefish.
In some places it is called a cuttlefish boat, because it has a stylized and elegant shape that recalls a boat with a refined design. Only cuttlefish have this large skeleton, squid have a very different skeleton that resembles a long and very narrow cartilage called a squid feather.
If you continue reading this post, our site will inform you of everything related to the cuttlefish bone and its properties.
The composition of the cuttlefish bone
Apart from the enormous amount of calcium carbonate, cuttlefish skeletons are composed of various essential trace elements in greater or lesser percentage. It also contains calcium phosphate.
Sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and other mineral s alts are part of the composition of the cuttlefish, making up a wide range of essential trace elements.
The cuttlefish bone, perfect for birds
The skeleton of the cuttlefish is an element that we will often find inside many bird cages.
The reason why bird lovers have a cuttlefish bone inside their bird cage is due to the large amount of natural calcium carbonate with which the cuttlefish is formed. cuttlefish skeleton. This great contribution of calcium complements the bird's diet that is deficient in calcium.
Thanks to the contribution of natural calcium that is highly absorbable by the bird's body, their bones are fortified and regenerated The birds that peck at the cuttlefish skeleton, lay their eggs with more frequency and quality than birds that lack the great contribution of natural calcium provided by the cuttlefish bone.
Birds also use the cuttlefish skeleton to sharpen and wear their beak at the same time. Preventing their beak from growing excessively.
In addition, the richness in trace elements ensures that when the birds shed their plumage, they have their new, he althier, stronger and more beautiful feathers. With the most vivid and intense colors.
The cuttlefish bone, very important for turtles
Cuttlefish bone is a wonderful food supplement for turtles. Especially when they are in the growth period The composition of the turtle's shell and bones requires a sufficient supply of calcium, which the cuttlefish bone can provide.
Like birds, the squid bone allows turtles to sharpen themselves and in turn control the growth of their beak.
The natural way for turtles to absorb calcium is by eating the shells of the snails they find. The mineral s alts that the cuttlefish bone provides to the turtles are also very good for the organism of the turtles.
The cuttlefish skeleton can be placed inside the terrarium for the turtle to peck at. For turtles that do not live in terrariums, the cuttlefish bone can be grated with a grater on top of their usual food.
Where to buy a cuttlefish bone?
The cuttlefish bone, already sterilized, can be found in any animal feed store. It is a very economical product and more recommendable than the usual plastic parts due to its natural origin.
Also, if you are lucky enough to live near the seacoast, walking along the beach you will find cuttlefish skeletons. If you don't live near the sea, you can easily find cuttlefish bones in fishmongers.
If you are polite in asking for it, and also buy a small amount of cheap fish (sardines, horse mackerel, etc.), the fishmonger will give you a giftalmost certainly the cuttlefish bone. What cannot be expected is that the fishmonger interrupts her commercial activity to search for a cuttlefish bone and give it to your face without you being a customer. Obviously, if you buy the cuttlefish, it will easily give you its skeleton.
How to prepare and treat the cuttlefish bone
Cuttlefish bones should be boiled for about 10 - 15 minutes to remove their fishy smell and sterilize them. Then they should be Let them dry in the sun.
It is not advisable to accumulate too many cuttlefish bones. In the first place because its wear by turtles or birds is slow. Secondly, and very importantly, because the cuttlefish bone is hydrophilic (it attracts and absorbs moisture from the air). This can cause the appearance of fungi and bacteria in the cuttlefish bone and produce a bad smell. For this same reason, it is advisable to frequently change the cuttlefish bone in aquatic turtle terrariums, and not wait for it to wear out completely.
It is best to store them in vacuum jars of those used to store cookies.
