New bathing facilities

[rcirmele]

So, I used to do all my bird maintenance on a weekly basis. That included water, food, and cage cleaning. The only problem was that the Gouldians made such a splash when taking their baths that the bedding (paper shreds) would get soaked and I worried about mold. I decided to switch from the paper litter to cage liners. That way I could eliminate the issue of mold with daily removal of the liners. In addition, I could embark on the higher education of "poopology". Unfortunately, my wife was now able to clearly see what those sweet little birds were doing in their cage. My new fix is to place their bath in an aluminum baking pan with litter. So far, so good. I wonder if the birds realize that a baking pan is not an ideal place to be if you're a bird.

[ac12]

Tape the edge of that baking pan.
The sharp edge could cut their feet.

[rcirmele]

Gary,

These are the cheap disposable pans. I probably will use tape for now, but I'm trying to figure out how I can put a perch around the edge and just swap it from pan to pan.

[cindy]

Here is an idea...go to Target or a pet store and get two plastic cat pans....you can buy two and save money in the long run and not risk them cutting their feet on the metal pan edges.

To put a perch through it..tape the area the perch will go through, drill, remove tape and mooth the edges of the whole. Use a piece of dowling to slide through. Do each tray this way and change out the dirty tray with a clean one.

[Piciorusm]

so much pink! I think green would fit much better!

[monotwine]

You onto something there. I'm sure that would make a big difference... only how often do you have to change the pan?

I use soft irrigation pipe which I split and then fold over rough edges of feeders etc. That may work.

[rcirmele]

Monique,

Great idea. Looks like I'll have to make another trip to Home Depot. I checked the edges of the pan and they are very smooth so I don't think there will be much risk to their feet, but I like the idea of giving them an easier perch. I change the bedding in the pan daily, and I plan on replacing the pan every week. It seems to be working.

[rcirmele]

Cindy,

I love the idea of having two permanent trays. Makes it easy for swap out and cleaning. Now I have to find the right size. Big enough to catch the water splatter, and small enough not to obscure too much of the cage bottom.

Romania,

The pink gives a nice contrast to the birds color. Besides, I can only get it in pink and blue.

[cindy]

Try the pet department at Target the pans are small or use a white dish pan from the kitchen deparment.

Another idea is to use stainless steel screws to secure the perch. Mark over the spot on the outside of the pan you want the srew to do through to. Using clear tape put tape oover the spot and on the other side of the plastic, it will prevent it from splintering. Then take the dowleing and drill a small hole into the end of the perch, don't go to deep just enough to stat it. Thread the screw from the outside of the pan and into the perch.

[rcirmele]

Just a heads-up. After a week it appears that the "bathing pan" is working. No wet bedding. I take the pan and their bath out of the cage every night. Cindy, I'm still looking for the ideal replacement for the aluminum baking pans. I want to customize it for their perching confort, but for now this will do. I'm back to a weekly schedule for bird maintenance now.

[nelloyello11]

I'm still looking for the ideal replacement for the aluminum baking pans. I want to customize it for their perching confort, but for now this will do.

How about small rubbermaid-type totes? They make them that are supposed to fit letter-sized paper in them, that are about 3" deep.

[rcirmele]

Nelissa,
That's exactly what I'm looking for. The trick is the depth so their spashing stays in the pan. I looked at Target this weekend, but didn't find exactly what I wanted. The search continues.

[nelloyello11]

Nelissa,
That's exactly what I'm looking for. The trick is the depth so their spashing stays in the pan. I looked at Target this weekend, but didn't find exactly what I wanted. The search continues.

I just saw some at the Target here a couple days ago. They are the kind with the flip up latches on each end, but I think those can usually be popped right off. You should also check the dollar stores near you. Stuff like that is hit or miss, but if you can find them, it would be a steal. Also try office supply places like Office Max and Office Depot.

[annague]

What about a dishpan? Too big??

I'm always wanting someone to invent a bird shower that solves that sitting/splashing water problem...

[rcirmele]

Now that would be great! If the shower had a drain.