Bedding - What to Use on Bottom of Cage

[Sally]

I had forgotten all about the kitty litter. I bought a bag and put it under my carport, then we had unexpected rain. When I went to pick up the bag, it fell apart and kitty litter went everywhere.

So I picked up a cheap bag of plain kitty litter today and willl try it in one of my cages. I'm finding that the sand is pretty heavy for my plastic trays, I may have to use something else in them.

[Sandra]

Just wondering, is it toxic or is there a danger of impactation if Gouldian or other birds nibbles on the sand, construction sand mix or kitty litter?

That's my main worry

[debbie276]

Just wondering, is it toxic or is there a danger of impactation if Gouldian or other birds nibbles on the sand, construction sand mix or kitty litter?

That's my main worry

I've used sand for over 6 years, the oil dri for 2 and kitty litter for 1 year. The birds have not had an issue with them yet.

[Sandra]

that's good to know. Am really anxious to try kitty litter out.

[Sally]

I put kitty litter in one of my plastic trays today, it looks very much like the oil-dri product. Much larger grains than sand, so won't be able to use the reptile scoop, but it is definitely lighter than sand. Most of my birds tend to poop while sitting on the perch, so I get lines of poop right under the perches, not too hard to clean. Both these clay products are dustier than sand.

[Sandra]

quick question ...

where can I find oil dri?

[debbie276]

Walmart in the auto section, it's used to absorb spills.

[Sandra]

Thanks for everyone's help! I decided to go with all purpose sand from Home Depot. Definately worth trying for the price. Cheaper than playsand.

[MissEdie]

I think sand and a reptile scoop is a good idea.
Fill as needed.

I will have to duct tape along the edges of my aviary ,because it just has a wooden board for the floor. The sand might seep thru.
Or how deep should I put it in an 8ft long 3ft deep aviary?

[debbie276]

We caulked all the corners so the sand didn't escape our aviary. You only need it deep enough to prevent the poop from sticking to the bottom. You'll have to experiment a little to see how much, I would think an inch or less would be fine.

[MissEdie]

Caulking! ,I like that Idea

[h2olilee]

I use newspaper in both my finch cage and my parrot cage. Very easy to change out and I can easily monitor their droppings on a daily basis. My Senegal parrot loves to shred his newspaper. I put in several layers and by the end of the week it's all shredded up. Cheap entertainment! I use sand for my chickens in their coop and love it. It really absorbs any liquids and the poop sorta just disappears. I scoop any large pieces each morning when I let them out and it stays very clean. I plan on using the sand in my aviary I will have in the sunroom of the new house my husband and I are currently building. Can't wait!

[debbie276]

I use sand for my chickens in their coop and love it. It really absorbs any liquids and the poop sorta just disappears. I scoop any large pieces each morning when I let them out and it stays very clean.

Sand in the chicken coop! now why didn't I think of that? I sure could use something out there to keep the mess down.
Good luck with your new aviary!

[carlamay]

Could someone recommend a brand of kitty litter?

[cindy]

I use an all natural, like Paws & Claws All Natural kitty litter (green bag) in some trays and plain white butcher paper in others.