HARI Clay-Cal is a calcium-enriched bentonite clay supplement made from bentonite (montmorillonite clay), calcium carbonate and charcoal. It is designed to provide companion birds with a form of dietary clay supplementation inspired by natural geophagy, while also supplying calcium. HARI recommends it for all pet birds.

It can be particularly relevant for birds whose diets may be low in calcium, including some seed-based diets.

No. This is an important distinction.

Clay-Cal is a soluble clay supplement, not conventional insoluble grit. HARI specifically distinguishes it from traditional grit products that can remain in the digestive tract and potentially contribute to crop impaction.

So it should not be purchased simply as a replacement for grit because the two products serve different purposes.

HARI lists Clay-Cal for all pet birds and all sizes, including very small, small, medium and large birds. Its listed life-stage applications include adult, breeding and senior birds.

This makes it suitable for birds such as budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds, Indian Ringnecks, conures, African Greys, Amazons and macaws, provided supplementation is appropriate for the individual bird.

For daily supplementation, HARI recommends mixing or sprinkling 1 teaspoon (5 ml) onto the bird's preferred greens, vegetables and/or fruits.

Alternatively, up to 2 teaspoons (10 ml) can be mixed with extruded pellets or seeds. HARI recommends replenishing the supplement at least three times a week and replacing it when soiled.

For smaller birds such as finches, canaries and budgies, HARI provides an additional option of offering it in a separate bowl.

Yes. HARI actually recommends this as the preferred daily method.

Mixing or sprinkling approximately 1 teaspoon onto moist greens, vegetables or fruit helps the clay adhere to the food, increasing the likelihood that the bird consumes it. HARI notes that moisture also helps with the clay's cationic activity.

This is particularly practical for parrots that are reluctant to consume supplements directly.

Yes. Clay-Cal contains calcium carbonate and has a guaranteed calcium level of 7.5–8%.

Calcium is important for normal bone development, muscle and nervous-system function, blood clotting and eggshell formation. However, this does not mean every bird requires additional calcium; birds already receiving a properly balanced formulated diet may have different supplementation needs.

This is one of the situations for which Clay-Cal may be particularly relevant. HARI notes that seed-based diets can be low in calcium, and its feeding instructions specifically allow Clay-Cal to be mixed with seeds or extruded pellets.

However, Clay-Cal should not be used to make an otherwise nutritionally inadequate seed-only diet complete. Improving the overall diet remains important.

Do not use Clay-Cal as a substitute for veterinary treatment.

HARI describes bentonite clay as having adsorption/absorption properties and positions Clay-Cal as a way of binding certain toxins and impurities. However, if you believe your bird has ingested a poisonous substance, contact an avian veterinarian immediately rather than relying on Clay-Cal as an emergency treatment. HARI explicitly states that Clay-Cal is not a substitute for medical attention.

This is particularly important because the appropriate treatment depends entirely on what the bird has ingested.

Check with your avian veterinarian first.

HARI specifically warns that bentonite clay can interfere with medications prescribed by a veterinarian.

This is one of the most important FAQs for this product and should definitely remain on the Something Fishy listing.

HARI lists breeding birds among the life stages/conditions for which Clay-Cal can be used. Its calcium content can be relevant to birds with increased calcium requirements, including those producing eggs.

However, chronic egg laying or suspected calcium deficiency should be discussed with an avian veterinarian rather than managed with supplementation alone.

Yes, it can be used for suitable companion birds in India.

The more important consideration for Indian owners is what the bird is eating. If the bird's diet is predominantly seeds, calcium supplementation may be more relevant than it would be for a bird eating a nutritionally complete formulated diet.

It should nevertheless be treated as a supplement, not a replacement for a balanced diet.

Keep the container tightly closed in a cool, dry place. HARI specifically recommends cool, dry storage.

Because India's humidity varies considerably by region, prevent moisture from entering the container and avoid storing the product in a damp kitchen or bathroom.

Yes, acceptance varies. Some birds readily consume it when it is mixed into moist vegetables, while others may initially ignore it. A recent parrot-owner discussion specifically described adding Clay-Cal to vegetables and starting with a smaller amount before increasing it.

That makes mixing it into moist food a much more practical recommendation than simply telling owners to put a bowl of dry clay in the cage.