Versele-Laga Prestige Marine, 5 kg is white cage sand with crushed oyster shell (40%), small shells and minerals. According to the description, it is an environmentally clean product free of dust, hazardous substances, harmful bacteria and contaminants, sterilised at high temperature. Mineral sand is especially important for birds during moulting and breeding: it aids digestion, supplies minerals and calcium and supports healthy bones, beak and plumage. Anise seeds are added for a pleasant, fresh scent.
Ingredients
White sand, crushed oyster shell (40%), small shells, minerals and anise seeds. The exact share of the other components is not given on the card.
Oyster shell is mostly calcium carbonate, so the sand is an extra calcium source for the bird. Birds peck up fine grains of sand and shell particles, which help grind seed in the gizzard.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | mineral cage sand |
| For | birds |
| Oyster shell | 40% |
| Extras | small shells, minerals, anise |
| Treatment | sterilised at high temperature |
| Dust | dust-free |
| Weight | 5 kg |
Pros
- Plenty of shell. 40% crushed oyster shell is a good calcium source.
- Sterilised. Treated at high temperature.
- Dust-free. Important for birds' airways.
- Aids digestion. Birds peck up grains to grind seed.
- Pleasant anise scent.
- Large bag. 5 kg lasts a long time.
Cons and what to watch
- No instructions. How deep to spread it and how often to change it is not stated.
- No full composition. The share of sand and minerals is not given.
- "Anise is a rich source of minerals" is an exaggeration. There is far too little in the sand for that to matter.
- "Organic product" is unsupported. No certification is mentioned.
- 5 kg is a lot for one bird. You will need storage space.
How to use
The manufacturer gives no instructions, so follow normal practice: spread the sand over the cage tray in an even layer of about 1–2 cm. Remove droppings and husks regularly, and replace the sand completely at every thorough cage clean, usually once a week, or more often with several birds. Replace damp or soiled sand straight away.
Moulting and breeding
During moulting a bird grows new feathers, and during breeding a hen uses a lot of calcium to form eggs. Access to mineral sand and shell is especially important at these times. During a moult you can also add plumage vitamins such as Beaphar Paganol, while a mineral block such as Zernyatko Lemon helps wear down the beak.
Why birds need sand
Seed-eating birds swallow small stones and grains of sand, which work like millstones in the gizzard and grind the seed. Without them digestion suffers. Sand on the tray also absorbs moisture from droppings and makes cleaning easier. More on care in budgie food and care.
Calcium from food
Birds also get some calcium from their food. The Vitapol Karmeo parrot mix, for example, contains crushed oyster shell. Shell sand complements such a diet.
Which birds
The sand suits budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds, canaries and other seed-eating birds. For canary food, see the review of Versele-Laga Prestige Canaries. An example of a spacious cage is in the review of the Priroda Nimfa cage.
If a bird eats a lot of sand
Birds peck at sand a little at a time. If a parrot eats it greedily and in large amounts, that may point to a mineral shortage in the diet or a health problem, and it is worth consulting an avian vet.
Storage
Keep the bag closed in a dry place. Scoop out what you need with a clean scoop so as not to bring moisture or dirt into the sand.
Who it suits
Prestige Marine suits owners of parrots and other seed-eating birds who want to give their pet access to calcium and grit for digestion, especially during moulting and breeding. Other products are in the bird treats and vitamins section.
Verdict
Versele-Laga Prestige Marine is sterilised, dust-free white sand with 40% crushed oyster shell, small shells, minerals and anise that aids birds' digestion and provides calcium. The downsides are that the card has no instructions or full composition, the benefit of anise is exaggerated, the "organic" label is unsupported, and 5 kg is a big supply for one bird.
FAQ
How much shell does it contain?
40% crushed oyster shell.
Why do birds need sand?
Grains help grind seed in the gizzard, and shell provides calcium.
Is the sand sterilised?
Yes, at high temperature.
Is it dusty?
According to the description, no.
Why anise?
For a pleasant, fresh scent.
How often should it be changed?
The manufacturer does not say; usually at every thorough cage clean.
What does it weigh?
5 kg.
