When it comes to choosing the right bedding for your bird’s cage, there are a few key factors to consider. The bedding you select should be absorbent, safe if ingested, easy to clean, and help control odors. Some popular options for bird bedding include recycled paper, pelleted paper, corncob bedding, wood shavings, and natural grass or hay. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages when used for birds.
Benefits of Proper Bird Bedding
Using an appropriate bedding material in your bird’s cage provides some important benefits:
- Absorbs moisture – Bedding soaks up droppings, spilled water, and any other liquids that accumulate in the cage bottom.
- Odor control – Good beddings help minimize unpleasant odors from the cage.
- Comfort – Beddings like paper and grass allow birds to satisfy natural foraging instincts.
- Cleanliness – Fresh bedding keeps your bird healthy by preventing bacteria growth.
- Safety – Non-toxic beddings prevent health issues if accidentally ingested.
- Easy cleaning – Paper and pellet beddings can be dumped out easily for cleaning the cage.
By using a suitable bird bedding, you can help keep your pet’s environment clean and comfortable.
Recycled Paper Bedding
Paper bird beddings, usually made from recycled newspaper, paper towels, or other waste paper, are extremely popular options for bird cages. There are several reasons paper makes an excellent bedding material:
- Very absorbent – Paper soaks up messes and liquids exceptionally well.
- Dust free – Paper bedding is low dust, unlike wood shavings.
- Soft and comfortable – It provides a cushioned surface for birds to walk on.
- Odor control – The absorbent paper helps minimize smells.
- Easy to replace – Paper bedding can simply be scooped out when soiled.
- Biodegradable and eco-friendly – It is made from recycled materials, so reduces waste.
- Inexpensive – Paper bedding is very affordable compared to other options.
The biggest downsides are that paper bedding is not very durable, so needs frequent replacement, and some birds may try ingesting it, posing a potential blockage risk if eaten in large amounts.
Ideal for:
Paper bird bedding works very well for most caged birds including:
- Parakeets
- Cockatiels
- Lovebirds
- Finches
- Canaries
Pelleted Paper Bedding
Pelleted paper beddings for birds are made from absorbent paper waste that is reprocessed into small pellets. The pellets are very similar to the popular pelleted wood stove beddings used by many people. Benefits of pelleted paper include:
- Very absorbent – The pellets can soak up even more liquid than regular paper bedding.
- Reduced scattering – Pellets don’t get kicked out of the cage as easily as loose paper.
- Good odor control – The high absorbency minimizes smells from the cage.
- Soft cushioning – Gives birds a comfortable surface to stand and sleep on.
- Low dust – Pelleted paper is lower dust than wood shavings.
The drawbacks of pelleted paper are increased cost compared to loose paper beddings, and some birds may still try consuming the pellets. But overall pelleted paper can be an excellent bedding choice for many pet bird species.
Ideal for:
Like regular paper bedding, pelleted paper works well for smaller birds including:
- Finches
- Parakeets
- Lovebirds
- Cockatiels
- Canaries
Corncob Bedding
Corncob bedding is another popular choice made from the center of dried corncobs. The light and fluffy texture of corncob bedding provides some advantages:
- Very absorbent – Corncob efficiently soaks up moisture from the cage.
- Natural odor control – The absorbency helps minimize odors.
- Dust free – Corncob bedding is low dust, unlike wood shavings.
- Soft and cushiony – It feels comfortable for birds to walk on.
- Minimal scattering – The granules are too large to get kicked out easily.
Downsides of corncob bedding can include cost, and potential for mold growth if allowed to stay wet. Proper cage cleaning is important when using this bedding. Some birds may also try to eat larger pieces.
Ideal for:
Corncob bedding works well for many caged birds, including:
- Cockatiels
- Conures
- Parakeets
- Finches
Wood Shavings
Wood shavings, usually made from pine or aspen, are a readily available bird bedding option. Benefits of using wood shavings include:
- Good absorbency – Wood shavings soak up spills and droppings.
- Nesting material – Some birds enjoy digging and burrowing in the shavings.
- Inexpensive – Wood shavings are very affordable.
- Easy availability – Can be purchased at any pet store.
Some downsides are that wood shavings can be dusty, may contribute to respiratory issues, and some birds may try ingesting them. Cedar shavings should always be avoided as the oils can be toxic to birds.
Ideal for:
With some precautions taken, wood shavings can work for:
- Chickens
- Ducks
- Pigeons
- Some larger parrot species
Natural Grass or Hay
Grass hay or hay made from timothy, oat, or other grains are also common bird beddings. Benefits include:
- Foraging enrichment – Birds enjoy digging through and playing in the hay.
- Nesting material – Useful for birds to build nests or burrow.
- Odor control – Natural smell helps cover droppings odor.
- Low dust – Hay is lower dust than wood shavings.
Disadvantages can include increased moisture retention compared to paper beddings. Hay also needs to be replaced frequently as it breaks down. Mold growth is a risk if the hay stays wet.
Ideal for:
Grass hay or timothy hay bedding is well-suited for:
- Chickens
- Ducks
- Pigeons
- Finches
- Canaries
Sand
Sand makes a good bedding choice for some bird species that enjoy burrowing and taking dust baths. Benefits include:
- Allows natural behaviors – Birds can dig, roll, and burrow in the sand.
- Low cost – Sand is an affordable bedding option.
- Good drainage – Sandy bedding stays drier than other materials.
Disadvantages are that sand offers little absorbency, can easily be kicked out of the cage, and requires frequent raking to keep clean. Ingesting sand may also pose an impaction risk for some birds.
Ideal for:
Sand bedding is best suited for:
- Chickens
- Pigeons
- Doves
- Parrot species that need sand baths
Factors to Consider
When selecting bedding for your bird, keep these key factors in mind:
Absorbency
The bedding material should soak up moisture, droppings, and other liquids. Highly absorbent bedding keeps birds drier and living spaces cleaner.
Odor control
Bedding that helps minimize odors will keep the cage smelling fresher. Paper, grass, and corncob beddings typically reduce odors best.
Safety
Ensure bedding is non-toxic in case a small amount is ingested. Avoid sand for small birds prone to impaction issues. Don’t use aromatic cedar.
Dust content
Minimize dust to reduce risk of respiratory irritation. Paper and corncob beddings are lower dust than wood shavings.
Affordability
Bedding can become a recurring cost, so balance benefits with affordability based on your budget.
Allergies
Use dust-free paper or pellet bedding if bird dander or bedding dust triggers allergies.
Ease of cleaning
Choose bedding that can be scooped out or dumped easily to simplify cage cleaning. Paper and pellets are simplest.
Cage Bottom Liners
While loose bedding placed on the cage bottom is most common, some bird owners opt to line the bottom with sheets of paper or other materials. Some options include:
- Newspaper – Simple and inexpensive but requires frequent changing.
- Paper towels – More absorbent than newspaper but pricier.
- Recycled shelf liner – Provides cushioning butlimited absorbency.
- Corn husks – Natural and biodegradable but retains moisture.
- Fabric – Washable and reusable though expensive initially.
The benefit of cage liners is they can be emptied less frequently than loose beddings. But soiled liners allow prolonged contact with droppings, which can lead to unsanitary conditions.
Recommended Beddings by Bird
Here are suitable bedding choices for some common pet bird species:
Bird | Recommended Beddings |
---|---|
Parakeets | Recycled paper, pelleted paper |
Cockatiels | Recycled paper, pelleted paper, corncob |
Lovebirds | Recycled paper, pelleted paper |
Finches | Recycled paper, grass hay, pelleted paper |
Canaries | Recycled paper, timothy hay, pelleted paper |
Parrots | Recycled paper, pelleted paper, corncob |
Pigeons | Wood shavings, grass hay, sand |
Chickens | Wood shavings, grass hay, sand |
Ducks | Wood shavings, grass hay, sand |
Bedding Depth Recommendations
Aim for these depths when adding bedding to your bird’s cage:
- Finches – 1 to 2 inches
- Budgies – 1 to 2 inches
- Cockatiels – 1 to 2 inches
- Lovebirds – 1 to 2 inches
- Parrotlets – 1 to 2 inches
- Parrots – 2 to 3 inches
- Chickens – 3 to 4 inches
- Ducks – 3 to 4 inches
- Pigeons – 2 to 3 inches
Add less bedding for smaller birds that may get buried. Add more for larger birds that enjoy digging and foraging.
How Often to Change Bird Bedding
Replace soiled bird bedding completely at least:
- Twice weekly for smaller birds like finches and parakeets
- Weekly for medium sized birds like cockatiels and parrotlets
- Every 5-7 days for larger birds like parrots and chickens
Spot clean droppings in between full bedding changes. Use your nose as a guide – if bedding smells, replace it sooner. Increase cleaning frequency for multi-bird cages.
Choosing the Best Bird Bedding
When choosing bedding for your feathered companions, consider absorbency, safety, dust content, cost, and ease of cleaning before making a selection. Paper and pelleted paper are great options for many small birds. Larger species may do better with wood shavings, grass hay, or even sand. Avoid scented, dusty, or non-absorbent materials. With the proper bedding, you can help keep your pet birds happy, healthy, and comfortable in their home.
Conclusion
Providing appropriate bird bedding serves several important functions, like absorbing messes, controlling odors, and giving birds material for nesting or foraging activities. Papers like recycled newspaper and pelleted paper are excellent choices for many pet birds. Other suitable options include corncob bedding, grass hay, wood shavings, and sand for certain species. The ideal bedding depends on the type of bird, cage size, budget, and your preferences for cleaning and maintenance. Regardless of bedding type, aim for a depth of 1-4 inches, depending on bird size. Completely replace soiled bedding at least weekly, or more often for small birds. With the right bedding material, you can help keep your feathered friend’s living space clean, healthy, and comfortable.