Whats best to put on the bottom of an aviary? Rocks? Bark chips? Cement?

Question

My aviary just has dirt on the bottom & late today i noticed a mouse hole!!
What would be the best material to put in the bottom? Rocks? Cement etc.
Also, My bird ( galah ) never goes to the bottom of the cage, what is a good way to get her to do this?

It is a large cage, about 6 ft high, she usualy stays in the middle. about 4 ft up,
She has never gone to the ground, I just want her to be able to fly down and up, so she gets more wing exercise :o)

Answer 1

Defintely Cement .. or use cement patio blocks if you do not want to deal with mixing cement.. also if you do mix it remove your bird while it cures until its dry....

A solid cement floor is best because its soooooooo easy to clean and disinfect.. also helps wear toe nails down on birds with nails,..

IF you are going to use the blocks..I recommend getting a package of little tykes blue playroom floor tiles.. they are a durable washable foam product... you can cut them to fit and place them over the patio blocks .. this eliminates the cracks between the cement blocks that will catch poop and food and be trouble to keep clean..
Also since they are washable you can take them out and disinfect put right back in.. nd just wipe off in between..
They also provide a cushon.. and the blue color will intrigue your bird and be calming.. Also not slippery if it gets wet. Easier on the feet than gravel.

The tiles come in packs of 4 tiles that fit together and cover about 16 sq ft for about 15-20.00 a pack... VERY durable..
I dont recommend any other brand than Little Tykes or Step Two... the other brands are not ok for all pets and also not as durable... we have a lot of experience with these tiles!

To get your bird to got o the bottom of the cage using cement or patio blocks with covering

The covering alone will invite him down.. birds like clean soft places to hang out...

Put a mirror up down there ,,use a bird mirror or a non breakable locker mirror and secure it WELL tot he side of the aviary.

Also a shallow pan,..or saucer of water big enough forhte bird to hop aroun d in is good as well... like a plastic base for a plant pot.. never use the ceramic or clay pot bases though.. only plastic
clean and put fresh water in daily.

She may not go to the bottom now because of the mouse and may know its not ok to do..

You dont want her to the bottom in dirt anyway.. need to have a clean disinfectable surface..

Good Luck

Wismom

Answer 2

From personal experience I would stick with cement and/or large rocks. The cement would be easier to clean. We rescued a cockatoo that was taken from his home because he got very sick from ingesting sand and small gravel. The owners couldn't afford the medical bills needed to treat the bird. It may be fun for them to scratch around in sand/gravel, but if you're not sure how your bird will react (i.e. if he/she will not eat it/play with it), then I wouldn't use it. I wouldn't take the risk after seeing what can happen. Wood shavings can be dangerous if not well maintained. They rot and attract bacteria. If you live in a humid climate I would think this would only be worsened.

And, as for wanting your bird to be on the bottom of the cage, until you can get the aviary well sealed, I wouldn't even try. Rodents carry diseases. Once it's sealed though, an old phone book to shred or some yummy treats placed on the bottom shoudl do the trick.

Answer 3

you should think of putting a layer of cement on the bottom .Its easy to keep clean and you wont get anything digging through.Also you can put sand over the cement ,this will help absorb the droppings of the bird then you can just sweep it out and replace with new sand.
To get the bird to go to the ground put some toys down.They are curious and will investigate.

Answer 4

it depends on the bird nd its size etc., but i wud think dat put cement on bottom, den mayb wood chippings on top of dat in one half, nd gravel in another, den she has a choice. also mayb some toys 4 her to be amused with. u shud consider gtn another bird 2, so as 2 keep her company. dey always seem happier wit a m8...!

Answer 5

Food that has fallen to the ground attracts vermin. Keep it as clean as possible. Why do you want your bird to go to bottom of the cage?

Answer 6

Gravel not large about the size of a pea or a little bigger they love to scratch through it and it is very good for them. Also when you feed them they will take time and not be so bored to pick through it.

Answer 7

well i would advise to put wood chipping that would be more comfotible for the bird.