Re: Dirt in Cages..Would like to have live plants.

[carlamay]

Was reading about the dirt not being a great choice for the bottom of the cages...as a newbie who doesn't even have her first finch as aviary is being built...was very happy to find that kitty litter is appropriate! BUTI want plants in my aviary-how do you do this without exposing the birds to the dirt? Maybe a thick layer of larger pebbles?

[dan78]

Carlamay you have a very good question, dirt isn't the best type of flooring which is correct as there are so many better options which is safer. The way which I have gone around this due to my aviery having a concrete floor and packing sand on top is to place and plants which I want alive in pots. The pots only allow a small amount of surface to the soil and I like the self watering types which doesn't allow water to just leak all over the floor which would be another problem. With grass types of plants I use a wider gauge wire over the top to allow the foliage to grow through but not allow the birds in, while the bushes its a bit harder and I'm still tying new ways to get the best. I also like to place down some bark on the top so I can easily change it when needed.

[cindy]

Great idea Dan in regards to the plants!!

[Sally]

I like the idea of potted plants, using only organic soil (some of the potting soil mixes for sale have lots of chemicals in them). When I have used artificial plants, I cover the surface of the pot with small rocks, which I can then take out and wash periodically. With live plants, be sure to have extras, so you can rotate the pots in the aviary. Finches can be destructive with some plants, so if you rotate them, they have a chance to recover, and your aviary always looks nice.

[carlamay]

Thanks - Organic soil may be the way for me to go. I will probably remove to water them. I have decided that the kitty litter is the best way to go for the bottom but want live plants for fun and a snack for the birds. I will cover the dirt with pebbles so they can be cleaned but the idea of wire over the grasses is great!

[DanteD716]

Is your aviary indoors?? Have you considered patio or outdoor carpetings? It is green, and absorbant, and can be vacumed.. Plus you can put plants on top of it.. I would not feel safe with my birds eating kittie litter, maybe even pea gravel is a good idea?

[carlamay]

Dante...now I am really confused as the unscented kitty litter idea came from this forum (would have to search around to find post)and was considered to be better than ground corn because it absorbed liquid. No, my avairy is inside or will be when finished. It is the top of a china hutch with the back removed and extended and the bottom is fashioned in a way to have a metal tray which pulls out for cleaning. Inside access from sides and back. I guess I could do pea gravel but it would be heavy and probably not easy to dump? The unit will be 54" x 28" X57".

[carlamay]

Dante: The link was on this line and was "Bedding - what to use on bottom of cage" dated July 23 by Emilyhurd. There they speak of the kitty litter and a product called Oil Dry. It appeals to me due to the dryness but would love a brand recommendation.

[cindy]

I think Sam's Club carries large bags of Oil Dry, I will check next time I go and can get a price on it to.

[DanteD716]

I haven't really read about oil dry... I will look into if it safe then! I would like to try it.. I just though maybe it was dangerous if the brids ate it.

[debbie276]

The oil-dri can be found in walmart in the auto isle. Here's a link to it:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Oil-Dri-Premi ... s/16930215

I have used both the oil-dri and kitty litter. The oil-dri has bigger pieces so was a bit difficult to sift with the reptile scoop I use. The kitty litter is smaller pieces and works great. They are both clay products. If you use kitty litter use the ones without scent or additives, usually the cheapest store brand. My birds have access to the bottom of their enclosure and play around and peck in the litter. I've never had a problem with either product for many many years.

[Sally]

I have used all three--0il-dri, sand, and kitty litter--and I like the sand best because it is easiest to scoop with a reptile scoop. The disadvantage with it is the weight, it is heavier than the other two. My birds have access to the bottom tray too, and they peck around in all three of these products with no problems. I can't monitor poops in this type bedding as well, but my hospital cage is lined with white paper towels.