Ive just learned that it's not wise to put sanded sheets on the cage floor for a budgie?

Question

I didnt realise, and had been doing so. Ive been informed it can be harmful due to the grit, and which budgies don't need.

What is the best alternative to use? Im concerned about using newpaper due to the ink may be harmful. Would paper kitchen towel be alright to use?

The cage dosen't have a grate. I'm not sure whether i can buy one to fit the cage.

I don't trust in what the pet shops say Joan H. When i asked about food pellets as well as seed they told me they don't even stock them as seed is adequate for budgies. They did say if i brought in the packet they would get some for me. I'm finding better information from the internet rather than pet shops.

Answer 1

Hey Toby
The pet industry tries to commercialize any thing that the public buys.In the case of sanded sheets of paper to line the bottom of the cage,or the perches that are also covered with the same stuff,those are NO NO' S,for your feathered friends.Have you ever played volleyball in a swimming pool,for a couple of hours?If you did,you will for sure remember how sore your feet were when you came out of the pool.
Now think about your lovely bird,that as no place to go,but on top of your sanded paper sheet if he is eating or drinking,on the bottom of the cage,or if he decides to jump on the perch,ouch again,more sanded perches.Poor Bird !
Cover the bottom of your cage with newspaper,like most of us do,you can even arrange a stock of pre cut paper and keep in at a convenient location for future use.
Your bird enjoys a mineral grit with ground oyster shell,to eat.not to stand on.So you can supply a small cup with this grit for his enjoyment,it helps him digest his seed,and also supplies him whit Calcium.
Best wishes to you and your feathered friend,and when not sure,please ask,and you will be shown how.Keep the faith


The Canaryman

Answer 2

I've not had any concerns with newspaper ink. If you do, you could find a cage with a grate at the bottom. This usually prevents the bird from chewing on the paper. If not, you could use rolled oats as a little (completely safe, aside from bacterial growth) or just regular computer paper. Paper towels also don't pose an issue.

Grit can be harmful to birds. In the wild, birds use grit to digest food in their crop. In captivity, there is no need for it and it can pose issues to the digestive system.

It's great that you have concerns like that - don't stop asking questions. It's how I learned all that I have.

Answer 3

Newspaper works great. It's used by humane societies, veterinarians, bird rescues and breeders to line cages. The ink is non toxic, it won't harm your bird.

Grit, gravel, corn-cob or other shredded litters are not only messy, but can be ingested by your bird, and can cause serious health problems. Many also hold water and are subject to mold growth, like corn cob.

Use newspaper. It really does work best.

As far as I know, budgies shouldn't have grit. Grit is for birds who eat the seeds still in the shell. The grit helps to grind the shell in the bird's crop. Hookbills, who crack the seed shells open and only eat the seed inside, do not need grit.

Budgies do need calcium and other minerals, which can come from cuttlebone, mineral blocks, or oyster shell. They should have one of these available, and clean in their cage.

Answer 4

I use plain white paper towels. Or news paper, If you use news paper make sure you have a grate in the cage or they will get all black on the feathers. No parrot needs grit, it causes obstructions. Parrots shell their seed so they can digest it. Doves and pigeons need grit. Finches and canaries don't. Parakeets and lovebirds don't. I am glad you discovered this. Many don't til the birds die.

Answer 5

Newspapers shouldn't be a problem, but if you're worried, paper towels will work just as well.

Hook beaked birds don't need grit because they crack open seeds with their beaks and spit out the shells. Straight beaked birds swallow the whole seed, so they need grit in their gizzards to grind it all up...

Answer 6

Newspapers no longer use any toxic inks or substances (even for color printing), but paper towels work fine if the bird doesn't just rip them up. Besides seed and water, keets also need a cuttle bone or mineral block and fresh greens. Here's a good site...

http://www.budgieplace.com/

Answer 7

Budgies do not need gravel or grit, but the pet stores will tell you that they do, just to sell it. You can use newspaper, it will not hurt them, and they do not eat it. They will chew it, but the do not eat it. It is ok to give them charcoal and crushed oyster shells, but not gravel and grit. I really believe that is what caused my first one to have a cancerous tumor in her belly.

Answer 8

Newspaper or a kitchen towel is just fine! Do you have a grate? Just never used any other type of litter or corn cob, because it makes it easier for bacteria to grow, and its harder to monitor your 'tiel's droppings!

Answer 9

I have used newspaper for 6 years with my cockateil it it perfectly OK to use it. Seeing that birds dont crawl around on the floor much or you could get Crack Corn pellets!

Answer 10

just put gravel ,oyster shells on the floor they will eat the paper