1. Forum News
    NEW SOFTWARE & SERVER IS COMING!
    Please click on the link below to get the most up to date information: CLICK HERE

Cuttlefish bone uses

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by Thevictorian, Dec 30, 2025.

  1. Thevictorian

    Thevictorian Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2024
    Messages:
    1,190
    Location:
    Norfolk
    Ratings:
    +2,404
    On Christmas day we went for our normal beach walk. I normally collect seaweed for the garden but this year it was so stormy, 40mph winds blowing onshore and blasting sand at us, that the seaweed had been washed away by the tide. Instead the beach was littered with cuttlefish bones, higher up near the dunes. I collected quite a lot because I thought I could make use of them but was wondering if anyone had any ideas that perhaps I hadn't considered.

    Ps I don't have a budgie:smile:
     
  2. Tidemark

    Tidemark Total Gardener

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2024
    Messages:
    2,173
    Occupation:
    Long retired
    Location:
    Near Buxton
    Ratings:
    +5,918
    Do you know any jewellery makers? I seem to remember they use them. For what, I don’t know.:)
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Plantminded

      Plantminded Total Gardener

      Joined:
      Mar 13, 2024
      Messages:
      3,018
      Gender:
      Male
      Occupation:
      Retired
      Location:
      Wirral
      Ratings:
      +9,898
      I did a bit of research @Thevictorian and found that they can be ground up to produce a calcium rich powder which can be used in the garden, for example for calcium hungry crops like tomatoes, peppers, broccoli and cabbage. One video I looked at recommended soaking them in clean water then drying them out before grinding. Calcium can also be used to alter the pH of soil by reducing its acidity. No budgie? How about a pet parrot, parakeet, tortoise or snail? :biggrin:
       
      • Like Like x 2
        Last edited: Dec 30, 2025
      • Philippa

        Philippa Gardener

        Joined:
        Aug 3, 2019
        Messages:
        1,654
        Location:
        West Somerset
        Ratings:
        +3,361
        I was left with cuttlefish when I lost my parrot and tortoises some years ago. The Great African Land Snails also made use of it. I finally used it up by making it into a powder to sprinkle on some of my GH edibles as @Plantminded suggests.
         
        • Like Like x 1
        • infradig

          infradig Total Gardener

          Joined:
          Apr 28, 2022
          Messages:
          1,725
          Gender:
          Male
          Occupation:
          Freelance self preservationist
          Location:
          Solent
          Ratings:
          +2,054
          Cuttle bones are composed of mainly calcium carbonate and minerals etc including heavy metals ,such as strontium, lead,mercury etc in low concentrations.
           
          • Like Like x 1
          • Thevictorian

            Thevictorian Total Gardener

            Joined:
            Mar 14, 2024
            Messages:
            1,190
            Location:
            Norfolk
            Ratings:
            +2,404
            Thanks everyone. My initial thoughts were to grind it up and use it like lime on our brassica's but we do have a decent amount of lime left, which we were given some time ago. My second thought was to grind and add it slowly to the worm bin as I now they need calcium. The last thought I had was to make some bone char with it when I do my next biochar burn. I think it may be the best use for it but I appreciate the ideas.

            Not sure a parrot would help much, I got enough to keep a pterodactyl happy for awhile.
             
            • Funny Funny x 1
            • Thevictorian

              Thevictorian Total Gardener

              Joined:
              Mar 14, 2024
              Messages:
              1,190
              Location:
              Norfolk
              Ratings:
              +2,404
              I believe they use it for molds when casting metal but I believe it also polishes metal quite well.
               
              • Informative Informative x 1
              Loading...

              Share This Page

              1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
                By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
                Dismiss Notice