Do starlings need grit?
You have brought up a controversial subject about the grit. Birds, with the exception of doves and pigeons, do not need it. The reason pigeons and doves need it is because they don’t have efficient gizzards, so they depend on the grit to help grind up their food. It is also implicated in the impaction of the digestive system and should never be given to sick birds. There are some people, especially in other countries, who feel it is beneficial, and don’t seem to have the problem that the vets do here with blocked GI tracts. I am not sure if the grit they are using is different from the kind in this country or not. My feelings on this are that if it is not needed, and it can cause a problem, then don’t use it.
