Sand Bedding?

[Coturnix Quail]

Alright, so, I have 2 parakeets and 2 finches. They're separated, so 2 cages in total. I've been using newspaper for the past 5 years, but now I feel it isn't convenient because it smells and gets dirty quickly. So, I was thinking, sand seems like a good bedding? You just dump it out when you're done. The only thing I'm worried about is them flying because the sand would go everywhere, right? Now, they live inside, and not in a giant aviary. Has anyone used sand before??

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

I use sand for my chickens. Best. Decision. Ever. It's easily cleaned with a kitty litter scooper. And it provides grit! Every now and then, you can wash the sand, dry it, and reuse it completely! I would highly suggest sand!

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm not at all fond of sand. I have a friend who uses it for his pigeons and his chickens. He took me in his pigeon aviary. He keeps both the aviary and his coop very clean, rakes out the poo on a daily basis. However, 5 minutes in his aviary had my asthma kicked into such high gear that my lungs did not settle down until the following morning. No matter how well you clean the sand, small particles of feces sift down through it. If the sand gets wet, it turns into a fecal mud pie. If the sand stays dry, it is still dusty, with lots of air born particles of feces. BTW, my friend has a life long respiratory illness from his life time exposure to his pigeon aviary.

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

I'm not at all fond of sand. I have a friend who uses it for his pigeons and his chickens. He took me in his pigeon aviary. He keeps both the aviary and his coop very clean, rakes out the poo on a daily basis. However, 5 minutes in his aviary had my asthma kicked into such high gear that my lungs did not settle down until the following morning. No matter how well you clean the sand, small particles of feces sift down through it. If the sand gets wet, it turns into a fecal mud pie. If the sand stays dry, it is still dusty, with lots of air born particles of feces. BTW, my friend has a life long respiratory illness from his life time exposure to his pigeon aviary.

My sand actually isn't dusty at all! If it gets wet, it just gets slightly damp and packs together. It dries extremely quickly though! Maybe we use a different type of sand? I've heard that some sands are much dustier than others. I'm sorry your friend didn't have a good experience! Best wishes!

 

[Coturnix Quail]

I use sand/dirt sometimes. But my chickens love to kick it everywhere, so it's not best as bedding unless it's a small area I have to cover. My chickens and quail do love it! Also, if you don't think sand isn't a good choice, then what is? Is newspaper good enough? What about Pine Shavings? Also, thats a good point. I do have asthma, and it wouldn't work otu well. Especially if it gets into the air. Thank you for the replies!

 

[Parront]

For cage birds, I have not found anything better than newspaper. Easy to replace, cheap, (because I read all the time and take 2 papers) and I like to see bird poop on some political figures faces!
I replace it often, and do poop inspection for the health of my birds.

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

I use sand/dirt sometimes. But my chickens love to kick it everywhere, so it's not best as bedding unless it's a small area I have to cover. My chickens and quail do love it! Also, if you don't think sand isn't a good choice, then what is? Is newspaper good enough? What about Pine Shavings? Also, thats a good point. I do have asthma, and it wouldn't work otu well. Especially if it gets into the air. Thank you for the replies!

I have asthma as well . I have never had a problem with it!

 

[Parront]

I use an exhaust fan in the room with Dylan. I have had asthma all my life, long before I got birds as an adult. Asthma is triggered by many different things: dust, dander, pollen, fur, etc. You can be fine with a bird like and African Grey -- lots of dust -- and not with cat fur! Just my personal experience. We all know what sets us off! I often lay another sheet of paper over the poop tray, easier than changing out the cage. No poop dust.

 

[Coturnix Quail]

Thanks! I guess I'll stick with newspaper.

 

[Parront]

Thanks! I guess I'll stick with newspaper.

For indoor birds, I have not found anything better since my first birds in 1977. I will say, flapping, which my birds like to do while hanging on the perch, will stir up whatever is in the cage! Dylan, the Grey in my avatar, shreds the paper into mulch, then flaps it into the room. I just sweep it up with a broom, it is easier than sand would be, I believe. A big, intelligent bird like Dylan you can potty train. They naturally hate to poop their nests. I hold her over the toilet in the morning when I get her up, 7:00 am, she poops, then she goes to her day cage and gets a treat. Saves about 1/2 of the poop clean up chore, she never poops in her night cage, not for the last 6 months. I am constantly impressed how smart she is (a little bragging here).