What is a cuttlebone?

[mikalabrynn]

What exactly is a cuttlebone and what is it for?

[Zookeeper]

It's from a cuttle fish. It's a source of calcium generally used for caged birds but since I've been on the forum have found out that it can be used as a source of calcium for tortoises as well.

[lindsayjk]

im so glad you asked about cuttlebone..i was just going to post to ask the same thing.  anyone know where i can buy some?

[Joe H]

Most pet stores have it in the bird section or get it here
http://www.carolinapetsupply.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=29&osCsid=6dbaaf28a4068d38f4e1cae9afbe669e

[lindsayjk]

so i just put it in my torts pen and let them eat it when they want?

[figcardi151]

Exactly, I put about a half piece in and let them munch on it when they feel the urge to do so.

[Phoebe]

Go the the page Joe placed.... the cuttlebone is pure and very good for your torts!

[gannoneye]

Luisa doesn't give a flip for cuttlebone. I've never seen her touch it. I have a few very large pieces that I put her food on like a plate. She does bite into it when she's agressive with her food - which probably helps her beak stay trim- but its never occured to her to actually knaw on it. I think the little guys like it more than older rt's. But then again, I only have one so can't say for sure.

[AW1971]

lol 
mine are the same. There enclsures are full of cuttlebone and they use it to climb on    i`ve never seen one touch any, even when i put it under their nose 

[David and Borris]

Yes, mine just crawls over it, It never occurs to Borris that he should bite it. silly tortoise
otonoh

[Zookeeper]

Borris

Mr. Tortoise was just a temporary name and now you've named him Borris?  Now you've got to get a little female and name her Natasha.

[David and Borris]

The scary thing is,  I am thinking about getting Borris a friend. lol Since Christmas is coming up and If I can get a bigger tort-terrain built.. perhaps Borris will have a girl friend for the holidays.

David

[AW1971]

I love the name cute.
If you get Boris a friend remember it`ll have to have 6 months quarantine, so unless you get it from the same group Boris came from he`ll have to wait a bit longer than christmas!
You`ve definately caught the tortoise bug, lol. I think we all have the bug on here,     

[David and Borris]

yes you are right about the quaranteen, perhaps I should run out this weekend and see if there are any left from the batch he was in. Of course couldn't get the table built by then I wonder if my container is big enough for 2

[AW1971]

hey good idea, i`m sure your tub would be fine for a temporary enclosure. Let us know if you get another one,