cage trays

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Derk
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Re: cage trays

Post by Derk » Mon Jun 15, 2015 1:57 am

debbie27
I have lots of practice with kitty litters! I am going to have to give this a try. Do you still use the sand then - kids play sand? - and remove the grates (if there are any)?
************************
Mary

zebras
societies
strawberries 1 pr, 2 F
gold-breasted waxbill 2 pr
cordon bleu blue capped, 2 pr, 1 M
cordon bleu red cheeked M
red-faced starfinch M
yellow faced starfinch M
Melodious Cuban finch M
gouldian red head norm. M, yellow white breast M
green singer M
canary, gloster, corona, blue pied, M
cut-throat 1 pr & 1 M
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debbie276
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Re: cage trays

Post by debbie276 » Mon Jun 15, 2015 4:49 am

My husband built all the cages/aviaries so they don't have grates. We used construction sand from home depot or lowes.
We have also used the oil dri from walmart in the auto dept. It's used to absorb spills, made of natural clay and even more like kitty litter. If you can find a clump free, scent free natural clay litter I'm sure that would work just as well. If the litter pieces are too big then you will have more waste because it will not sift through the screen as well but all are very good absorbents for cage bottoms.
Debbie
long time breeder of lady gouldians:
Green
SF Pastel (SF Yellow)
Pastel (Yellow)
Blue
SF Pastel Blue (SF Yellow Blue)
Pastel Blue (Yellow Blue)

GREAT articles on avian lighting:
https://mickaboo.org/confluence/downloa ... ummary.pdf
http://www.naturallighting.com/cart/sto ... sc_page=56
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Derk
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Re: cage trays

Post by Derk » Mon Jun 15, 2015 11:20 pm

debbie276
That natural clumping clay litter would cause me some concerns. If the finches were to pick at the sand - ie) as a source of 'grit' - I would be concerned moisture inside the birds would cause the clay to clump internally and cause all sorts of problems including death. :?:
************************
Mary

zebras
societies
strawberries 1 pr, 2 F
gold-breasted waxbill 2 pr
cordon bleu blue capped, 2 pr, 1 M
cordon bleu red cheeked M
red-faced starfinch M
yellow faced starfinch M
Melodious Cuban finch M
gouldian red head norm. M, yellow white breast M
green singer M
canary, gloster, corona, blue pied, M
cut-throat 1 pr & 1 M
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debbie276
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Posts: 14789
Joined: Fri Aug 28, 2009 7:30 am
Location: WV

Re: cage trays

Post by debbie276 » Tue Jun 16, 2015 12:40 am

I know many that have used the oil dri for years without a problem but you need to do what makes you comfortable. I personally have used kitty litter, recommended by many breeders, when I couldn't find the oil dri and it also was not an issue.
Debbie
long time breeder of lady gouldians:
Green
SF Pastel (SF Yellow)
Pastel (Yellow)
Blue
SF Pastel Blue (SF Yellow Blue)
Pastel Blue (Yellow Blue)

GREAT articles on avian lighting:
https://mickaboo.org/confluence/downloa ... ummary.pdf
http://www.naturallighting.com/cart/sto ... sc_page=56
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Sally
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Re: cage trays

Post by Sally » Tue Jun 16, 2015 9:10 am

I have used the oil dri without health problems with the birds. I stopped using it only because it is heavy, and it was bending my plastic cage trays out of shape.
3 Purple Grenadiers, 1 Goldbreast + 1 cat.

National Finch & Softbill Society - http://www.nfss.org
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Derk
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Re: cage trays

Post by Derk » Wed Jun 17, 2015 2:05 am

debbie276@Sally
Good to know. I guess the finches know not to eat it. I may give this a try. The finches really dislike the sound of the paper being changed.
************************
Mary

zebras
societies
strawberries 1 pr, 2 F
gold-breasted waxbill 2 pr
cordon bleu blue capped, 2 pr, 1 M
cordon bleu red cheeked M
red-faced starfinch M
yellow faced starfinch M
Melodious Cuban finch M
gouldian red head norm. M, yellow white breast M
green singer M
canary, gloster, corona, blue pied, M
cut-throat 1 pr & 1 M
Top
User avatar
Derk
2 Eggs Laid
2 Eggs Laid
Posts: 734
Joined: Mon Feb 17, 2014 9:09 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC

Re: cage trays

Post by Derk » Wed Jun 17, 2015 4:04 am

I looked up Oil Dri - they produce Cat's Pride and Johnny Cat - looks like it may be the same base product?
************************
Mary

zebras
societies
strawberries 1 pr, 2 F
gold-breasted waxbill 2 pr
cordon bleu blue capped, 2 pr, 1 M
cordon bleu red cheeked M
red-faced starfinch M
yellow faced starfinch M
Melodious Cuban finch M
gouldian red head norm. M, yellow white breast M
green singer M
canary, gloster, corona, blue pied, M
cut-throat 1 pr & 1 M
Top
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