Calcium is very important to birds since their eggs have a shell that is high in calcium. If not enough is available in their diet, they will take it from their bones to make that egg shell. If not enough is available in their bones for quick release they might try to lay soft-shelled eggs. This is a dangerous situation since it is very difficult for a hen to lay such an egg. It could result in her death from exhaustion. I'll have more to say on that later.
Calcium can be provided in a variety of ways. Perhaps the best way is to use egg shells from the eggs that you use for your own food. Egg shells supply the ratio of minerals that are needed to make more shells. Rinse the egg shells thoroughly and then heat for about 2 minutes in the microwave to sterilize them. Salmonella could be transferred to your birds if you do not sterilize them in this way. Crush the shells and give to your birds in a food cup.
I have also used oyster shells since they too provide a good mix of minerals in addition to the calcium. There are several mixes on the market that may be labeled as a mineralized grit. These products include a variety of trace minerals mixed with oyster shells and it has a blue to aqua color due to the addition of copper salts to the mix. Gouldian finches appear to need a higher amount of iodine than other finches and this mineralized grit has a good supply of iodine. Provided in a feed cup, birds will consume this mixture as needed. The hens will consume much more than the cocks.
Cuttlebone is frequently used for providing calcium. It's composed mainly of calcium carbonate while bones are composed of calcium phosphate. Seeds contain a high amount of phosphate, though, to provide a balanced supply for good bone building. As hens come into breeding condition, they will begin consuming large quantities of cuttlebone or other calcium sources.
You might also supply some additional calcium in the drinking water. If you have birds that are laying eggs, they may need the extra calcium from this source. If you have a bird that laid a soft-shelled egg, she needs calcium quickly and giving it in the water is a big help. There are several suppliers of Calciboost or Calcivet for this use. At the most it should be given only 5 days of the week with plain water given on the other two days. Outside of the breeding season, supply only about once a week.
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