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Post by dusty on Jun 8, 2012 11:48:04 GMT
Not sure if this is "diet and nutrition" but have seen a mention of calcium sticks? lava stones? I have no idea what these are or where to get any, is it something they must have, should have or could have? I'm asking cos the little one has taken a liking to my fingernails to the point where they are all rough along the surface and jagged around the edges. Just wondered if it was the calcium thing they are after or is it just fun for them. Will eating chunks of nail be harmful?
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Post by deguconvert on Jun 8, 2012 14:28:17 GMT
LOL! Fingernail grooming is a very common pastime with many goos, and many of the other members here can identify with your new manicure. Our degus will grasp my fingers and start to nibble on my nails . . . but then they quit. I think I don't have very tasty nails. Go figure!! I think it is just them making you a part of their colony. (Wait a minute . . . lol . . . does that make me a colony reject? LOL!) IF they are actually eating the nail bits . . . I don't think it will harm them at all. Kinda makes you wish they would learn how to use a file though, doesn't it? Maybe a nice colour of polish . . . .
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Post by moletteuk on Jun 8, 2012 15:34:52 GMT
They don't need lava stones or mineral stones/licks; lava stones or ledges are just for fun. Finger nail chewing is just them grooming you...cute until you see the state they left your fingers in!
Should you wish to, the way to supplement calcium is with things like dandelion, celery or fennel seeds, things which naturally have high calcium content.
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Post by dusty on Jun 8, 2012 18:49:53 GMT
Phew! its not just me then - yeah a french manicure would be nice ;D
They love dandelions fresh or dried, the garden is over run with them so this is a good thing.
Fennel?? Do you mean the seed heads of the herb or the vegetable - I have loads of dried herb seed as,I grow it as part of my herb garden outside....They are not keen on celery but we only tried that yesterday so will give it a chance.
I live near the sea and heard that they could have cuttlefish - would this be ok if I could go and get some and give it a soak etc.
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Post by deguconvert on Jun 9, 2012 0:27:02 GMT
Celery seeds may go down better than the veg, and the seed itself is a great source of calcium. Yes, fennel seeds from the seed head, from the . . . well . . . aren't the herb and veg the same thing? Cuttlefish are also safe and fine to give to them . . . although degus have a mixed reaction to them. Some LOVE them, and some completely ignore them. It's worth a try, though!
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