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Birds--General/Sand Sheet Eating

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Expert: - 10/27/2006


Question
Thanks for coming back to me Chris, ther cage is big, but has a plastic floor (hence the sandsheets) - what can I replace with ? - newspaper ?
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hi Chris,

My Lovebirds have started to eat their sandsheets ! - they strip all of the sand off the paper and then spit the paper out of the cage ?
They are in good health, eat well and are very vocal !
Is this normal ?
-----Answer-----
Hi, Pippa.  Thanks for posting!

Don't let your lovies have access to sand sheets.  The sand can become impacted in their crops and surgery would be required in order to fix.  In addition, sand sheets are not good for their feet.  Don't use sand sheets or sand paper covers for wooden perches or give your lovies grit to eat or anything like this.

Chrys

Answer
Hi again, Pippa.  With a plastic floor, I recommend Rubbermaid drawer liners or something similar.  These are rubber and can be cut to size.  The rubber allows the bird to have needed traction under his feet.  They can be easily washed and disinfected and are not expensive.  You could also use newspaper.

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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