Mineral blocks – do goos need them?

[yasmin]

Do degus need mineral/salt blocks?

Does anyone use these and, if so, which ones (white? pink?) are appropriate?

[deguconvert]

No, not really. Although I do give them to our goos once in a while. I buy them at the Petland store, and they come in four different colours . . . blue, green, pink, and yellow. They get devoured!! But like I said, I give them moderately.

OK . . . just as a thought . . . I don't think what I give is a salt lick . . . maybe not a mineral block either. It is very chalky and if the degus roll in the dust they make from eating it, they turn that colour. I have tried something that I think was called a salt/mineral block, and it was never touched. Total waste of money.

[mandymon]

Could you post a pic DC to see what you mean
Been meaning to try my boys with a mineral wheel or something but have been hesitant. But if there are ones you use that are ok for them then maybe try them

[yasmin]

My main concern would be vitamin/mineral overdose. This is a serious issue for budgies fed pelleted diets and given supplements. However, if it is necessary then I'd certainly provide them with a mineral block.

(I keep picturing your goos rolling around in the dust and turning blue/pink, silly critters. ;D)

[36riffin]

I got my lil fellas 2 and they used one as a sand bath and the other is shaped like a raspberry and they wont touch it! All though I did get them a brain training one that they love so it all depends on what type for my fellas anyway

[moletteuk]

I don't think they need them. Davx frowns on salt included in commercial feed, so that gives you an idea.

What's the brain training one 36riffin, sounds interesting?

[36riffin]

its got 2 pieces of wood put together and on one there is a mineral ball and to get at it they need to stop the base moving because its on a kinda pivot

They seem to enjoy it when there in the mood