Birds--General/Cage Linings

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Expert: - 7/24/2006


Question
What would you recommend I line my budgies cage with at the moment I am using sand sheets but these last few days he has started chewing them and I can't beleive this is good for him.

We have only had him for two weeks and is a baby this is the first time he has done this he is eating well and is fine apart from this - should I be worried
Thank you

Answer
Hi, Ann.  Thanks for posting.

Actually, the best cage setup for a parrot (your budgie is a parrot) is one in which the droppings can pass through the wire on the cage bottom into a catch pan so the bird can't come into contact with its droppings.  However, I use newspaper or paper towels in cages that don't have a catch pan.  Pet supply stores that cater to birds sell sheets specifically designed for cage bottoms (that are not sand sheets).  The sand sheets are not good for a parrot's feet, similar to sand paper perch covers...both can damage the bottom of a bird's feet.  Also, you do not want your budgie eating the sand...this can be harmful to them.

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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