What bedding should not be used for birds?

When it comes to housing pet birds, choosing the right bedding is extremely important for their health and wellbeing. The bedding in a bird’s cage not only affects their comfort, but also has implications for cleanliness, safety, and prevention of disease. While there are many options for bird bedding on the market, not all bedding is safe or appropriate for use with pet birds. Some types of bedding should be avoided as they pose risks ranging from toxicity to entanglement hazards. This article explores common bird bedding materials, factors to consider when selecting bedding, and which bedding options should never be used for pet birds.

Considerations when choosing bedding

When selecting cage lining and nesting materials for birds, there are a few important factors to take into account:

• Absorbency – The bedding should soak up droppings, excess food, and any spilled water to keep the cage clean.
• Odor control – It should not retain odors that could be unhealthy for birds.
• Dust free – Bedding that produces dust can cause respiratory issues when inhaled.
• Non-toxic – Check that bedding is bird-safe and does not contain harmful dyes, chemicals, or pesticides.
• Natural fibers – Avoid synthetic fabrics which could catch toes or be ingested.
• Affordability – Compare options to find something budget-friendly.

The ideal bird bedding is highly absorbent, controls odors, reduces mess, is completely safe if ingested, and is easy to replace frequently.

Types of bird bedding to avoid

While many materials can make suitable cage liners or nesting substrates, there are certain products that should be avoided. Birds may nibble at bedding out of curiosity or boredom, so unsafe materials can pose serious health hazards if ingested. Additionally, certain options do not provide enough absorption or odor control to maintain cleanliness. Here are some of the most common bird bedding choices that should never be used:

Cat litter

Cat litter often contains baking soda, fragrances, and chemicals that control odors. These additives can be toxic to birds if eaten, especially with repeated exposure over time. The dust from clumping clay litters can also pose respiratory risks. While plain, unscented clay litter may be safe in very limited quantities, it is an impractical choice since it lacks absorbency. Overall, cat litters should be avoided for bird cages.

Paper towels/tissues

While paper products are disposable and absorbent, they are not ideal for full cage liner use. Paper towels and tissues are too thin to properly contain messes, lack odor control, and need frequent total replacement. If birds ingest them, papers can clog digestive tracts. However, unscented paper towels can be used sparingly under perches to collect droppings. Full cage lining should consist of thicker, more absorbent materials.

Mineral-based clumping bedding

Products like calcium bentonite clay or crystalline silica used for reptile substrates are designed to absorb waste and form clumps. However, the dust and dried clumps pose respiratory risks and blockages if ingested by birds. The clumping action also sticks to feet and feathers. While these products efficiently manage odors and moisture for reptiles, they are hazardous as bird cage lining.

Pine and cedar wood shavings

While pine and cedar shavings are absorbent and inexpensive cage lining options, they are too hazardous for use with birds. These wood shavings release volatile organic compounds that are toxic to birds over time. The fumes can cause severe respiratory irritation and liver damage. Additionally, perches, toys, and food/water sources must be frequently cleaned to prevent contamination. Avoid aromatic softwood shavings, even if marketed as safe.

Corn cob bedding

At first glance, corn cob pellets seem like an affordable and natural bedding choice. However, the coarse, crumbly texture poses risks for birds who may peck at bedding out of curiosity. Eating corn cob can impact digestion, especially if large amounts are ingested. The small granules can also get lodged in nostrils. While corn cob bedding works well for absorbing moisture in horse stalls, it is not suitable for pet birds.

Loose synthetic fibers

Fluffy polyester fibers, scraps of fabric, threaded cotton balls, and other loose synthetic materials may seem cozy for nesting birds. However, these can become wrapped around toes and feet or accidentally ingested, causing dangerous blockages. Even natural loose fibers like wool and stringy wood pulp bedding can tangle toes. Though tempting for nest building, any bedding that is loose, threadlike, or stringy should be avoided.

Newspaper

Despite being readily available, newspaper is highly inappropriate for bird cages. The inks and chemicals used in paper processing and printing can be toxic. Newsprint also lacks absorbency for moisture and odor control. If birds chew it up, the shredded paper can become an impaction hazard. Never line cages with newspaper or printed paper of any kind. Plain, unprinted paper is marginally safer but still not very absorbent.

Recommended bird bedding

While the above options should be avoided, there are several excellent choices for safe, effective bird cage lining. Some of the best beddings for pet birds include:

Paper-based pellet litter

Paper litters made from recycled pulp or shredded newsprint are absorbent, biodegradable options. The pellets soften and expand when wet to contain messes. Brands like CareFRESH Natural or Kaytee Clean & Cozy do not contain baking soda, crystals, or clay. These paper-based litters provide odor control and comfort without hazards.

Hygienically processed softwood shavings

Pine and other softwoods can make suitable bedding if they are carefully kiln dried and processed without phenols, oils, or resins. Kiln drying and proper sanitization removes aromatic compounds. Brands like Purina Tidy Cage or Audubon Coastal Cypress bedding are safe, though more expensive than regular pine shavings. These are softer options appropriate for nesting material.

Recycled cellulose fiber

Bedding made from recycled paper, cardboard, or plant fiber is an eco-friendly choice. Brands like Eco-Nest, CORNCOB24, FiberCore Eco Bedding, and other reclaimed fiber products are highly absorbent and compostable. Cellulose fiber bedding is soft, fluffy, and ideal for nesting birds. Just ensure the processing is chemical-free.

Coconut coir fiber

The natural fiber from coconut husks, known as coir or coconut fiber, makes excellent cage lining. It has a fluffy, peat-like texture that absorbs liquid well and allows airflow. The coarseness helps prevent swamped or moldy bedding. Birds can dig and forage in coir fiber safely. It is completely natural and sustainable.

Fleece or cotton liners

Soft cotton t-shirt fleece, precut cotton liners, and cotton flannel can line cage bottoms, especially over moisture-absorbent litter. Smooth-textured cotton or fleece covers perches cleanly. Avoid loose threads, use dye-free fabric, and change frequently to prevent bacterial growth. This is more suitable for liner use than complete bedding replacement.

Tips for choosing safe bedding

Keep these tips in mind when selecting cage lining and nesting materials for birds:

• Avoid scented, colored, or bleached bedding
• Do not use clay, clumping, or loose particulate bedding
• Choose natural, organic, chemical-free materials
• Read packaging carefully and research product safety
• Find soft, non-abrasive options for sensitive feet
• Select highly absorbent bedding that conceals odor
• Provide cotton, fleece, or paper nest liners for comfort
• Change bedding frequently to prevent soiling buildup

Getting advice from avian vets, breeders, and bird owners can also help identify suitable products. With careful selection, cage lining and nesting materials can keep birds healthy, safe, and comfortable in their living space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t birds have loose stringy bedding?

Loose strings, threads, fibers, and hair-like materials pose a risk of toes becoming entangled or wrapped up excessively. This can cut off circulation or allow sores to develop. Additionally, birds may try to use these materials to build nests and could accidentally ingest them, causing impactions or seam tears in the digestive tract.

Are sand and gravel appropriate for bird cages?

While parrots and other hookbill species often enjoy digging in sand, it is too dusty and messy for full cage use. Ingested sand can cause crop impactions and respiratory issues. However, a shallow bird bath with clean play sand can make a stimulating digging activity outside the main cage. Smooth stones, pebbles, and gravel should also be avoided as cage lining since they can be accidentally swallowed.

Can birds have litter with baking soda or perfumes?

No, bird litters containing baking soda, crystal fragrances, or perfumes to control odors are not safe. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, which can cause electrolyte abnormalities or metal poisoning when consumed. Fragrances and perfumes contain volatile compounds like limonene that are toxic to birds when inhaled or ingested. Only plain, additive-free litters are safe.

Why is newspaper dangerous for bird cages?

The inks, color pigments, and paper processing chemicals used in newsprint and other printed papers can be toxic to birds. Phenols, hydrocarbons, lead, and other compounds can leach from newspaper. Printing ink in particular causes heavy metal poisoning. Unprinted butcher paper has marginal safety, but newspaper should never be used.

Can cotton balls or dryer lint be used for bird nests?

While both cotton balls and dryer lint provide soft nesting material, the tiny fibers can be dangerous if ingested. Birds often shred bedding extensively. If the fibers get wrapped around the tongue, esophagus or stomach lining, it can have disastrous results. The safest nest liners are fabrics like fleece or cotton flannel with minimal loose fibers. Monitor use of any shredded materials.

Conclusion

Providing safe, suitable cage lining and nesting material is key to maintaining bird health. While many bedding options like sand, newspaper, corn cob, and loose fibers seem harmless, they can pose serious dangers ranging from impaction to toxicity. Always avoid scented, chemical-laden, clumping, or stringy bedding. Instead, choose natural pulp-based litters, processed softwood shavings, cotton fleece, or other smooth fiber products. With non-toxic, comfortable bedding, birds can enjoy a sanitary, enriching living space.