Using dirt in cages ??

[fwc]

I've been thinking of using some sort of dirt on the bottoms of my cages. I keep quail in with my finches ,so paper is no good ,and corncob is expensive and it smells bad pretty quick.

I was think perhaps a good peat moss (like soil) or something like that. It looks like this :

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... t_Moss.jpg

Or are the other ,better ,options for a good cheap bedding ??

[h2olilee]

When I get my aviary up and going, I plan on using sand as a substrate. I use it in my chicken coop and it works great--just scoop any poop like you would in a cat litter box. It drys out the droppings and keeps everything pretty clean and easy to maintain.

[Lisa]

I remember reading something just recently about most soils are unsuitable for aviary flooring because they are treated. I can't remember where I read it or I'd post the link. Been looking at lots of links for DIY aviaries lately!

[Sally]

I have been using sand in my cage trays, at least the ones that are metal and deep. The plastic trays don't handle the weight as well, so I have used Oil-dri in those. For my breeding cages, I use hay.

[debbie276]

I have been using sand in my cage trays, at least the ones that are metal and deep. The plastic trays don't handle the weight as well, so I have used Oil-dri in those. For my breeding cages, I use hay.

I also use sand and oil-dri and think they work great. Also use clay kitty litter which is just like the oil-dri only smaller pieces.

[kenny66]

soil is totally unsuitable as it harbours pathogens and in a medium for transmission of parisitites, it also sours quickly. All of my canary cages have either sand or hay as a substrate. Kitty litter also works fine in the trays.

[cindy]

I am just starting to use unscented natural kitty litter clay in the trays of my flights and cages. I like the idea that if it gets wet it dries out. I line the trays with white butcher paper or paper towels and put the litter down.

I have a few cages that are grateless and not sure about adding it directly where they walk.

Depending on where you live (your location is missing) I just bought 160 lbs of kitty litter (4 - 40lb bags for $16) at Tractor Supply Plus.

I tried corn cob bedding yrs ago but if it gets wet and does not dry out well it is molds. I also tried aspen but it blows out of the trays or the pull it up and it is either in water cups or nests.

[dan78]

I agree with Kenny as soil isn't the best option, the only time I would use soil is if you were growing grass for the bottom, all plants should be placed in tubs. I personally use sand, packing sand which goes rock hard in the aviery and washed white sand in cages as both are cheap and easy to clean or refill. I do know people that do use soil based avieries and do treat soil frequently. Best to use tubs of soil if a dust bath is what your looking towards.

[Sally]

None of my cages have the grates left in, I removed all of them. My birds are often at the bottom, foraging through the sand (or Oil-dri or hay). One advantage to the Oil-dri or kitty litter is that it is designed to absorb liquids, so spills from baths simply dry up.

[cindy]

Thank you Sally...I was wondering about the litter directly where they walk, I pour it out outside or in the utlity room to get let the dust blow off before taking it into the bird room.