Indoor aviary substrate and plant soils

[bach326]

Hi,

This is my first post. I have been converting a large indoor hutch into an aviary for waxbills and am in the process of furnishing the structure. The floor is a removable drawer that I would like to fill with a substrate. I am hoping to use a sand-based substrate to complement the plant life I plan to include (a jade in a large pot, snake plants in a trough-like pot, and a hanging spider plant). But I don't know what problems might arise. Will the finches ingest the substrate? What about bacteria growth? And how can I combat these problems? Would I be better off choosing pine shavings?

Also, what should I do about soil for my plants. I would rather not put mesh over the soil. The different soil mixes I have read about for my chosen plants include peat, loam, coarse sand, perlite, and "cactus mix." I imagine covering the soil with some sort of rock or pebble surface would suffice to keep the birds from digging or eating, but I would appreciate any comments regarding potted-plant soil options.

Like I mentioned, I am hoping to keep waxbills in this flight, though the varieties are still up in the air. I would love to find have a couple pairs of St. Helena's or Goldbreasts, though I am also interested in Owls and BCCB's. So, I might try either a pair of Owls or BCCB's with some St. Helena's. The flight dimensions are 38"L X 22"D X 60"H, so I only have room for a handful of birds.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to reading your suggestions.

[cindy]

I use kiln dried pine shaving and silks in my owl aviary. this is a list of safe and toxic plants and herbs. http://www.cockatielcottage.net/houseplants.html

[tinysparrow]

hi bach326 and welcome to the forum it sounds like you have some great ideas for converting your hutch into an aviary. hopefully you will be able to post photos for us to see as you go along!

[carlamay]

Hi Bach, I am looking forward to the responses you get on this post as I also have live plants in my aviary. I have planted each in organic potting soil. Put a Basil in and they devoured it but noticed that the owls were picking in the dirt. Don't think that is good so I put those decorative marbles on the soil of the next 2 dracenas and plan on doing the same with a bunch of herbs I bought as end of season and will soon introduce. Don't like the screen idea as I would fear nails catching. As to the substrate, there are several posts on this forum regarding same and Sand seems to be popular..also mentioned is natural kitty litter. refer to the housing segment.

[cindy]

Natural kitty litter (some brands) when wet can turn to mud....in the bath area you may want to consider something else.

[bach326]

Cindy, thanks for mentioning that list. I didn't see the jade on there, but it was listed on another page as being bird-safe. I imagine pine will be a little easier on clean-up especially if there's a mess. Do you have any comments about problems in dealing with pine shavings or a recommended source?

Tinysparrow, I don't have a camera of my own, but perhaps my roommate will help me post some photos. I am quite excited, we constructed a false ceiling with a wooden frame and fine mesh over which I have placed two fluorescent light fixtures and a gentle fan for ventilation.

Carlamay, let me know how the dracaenas fair. That is a plant variety I was also considering. How long have you had the marbles? I think I will probably put a layer of small stones over organic soil/sand but should ask someone at a local nursery for plant care details.

[debbie276]

When the sand gets wet it gets stinky but the natural clay litter works very well without any smell. Haven't had an issue with it turning to mud, I use the cheap clay litter from petsmart or petco.

[bach326]

Thanks for the tip, Debbie.