Having a bird as a pet can be a wonderful and rewarding experience. Birds are intelligent, social animals that can form strong bonds with their owners. However, caring for a pet bird also comes with responsibilities, including keeping their living space clean. One important consideration for bird owners is what to put on the floor under the bird’s cage to catch droppings and make cleaning easier. There are several good options to choose from when deciding what to put under a bird cage.
Newspaper
One of the most commonly used cage liners is newspaper. Newspaper has absorbent pages that will soak up messes from bird droppings or spilled food and water. The ink in newspaper is non-toxic, so it is safe to use around birds if they chew on it. Newspapers are inexpensive and widely available, making them a convenient and affordable choice. They come in sheets that can be folded or layered to fit the cage base. Be sure to change the paper daily or whenever soiled to keep the cage bottom clean. The downside is that newspaper can appear messy or unsightly over time.
Paper Towels
Paper towels are another absorbent paper product that can work well under a bird cage. Paper towels designed for kitchen use are lint-free and safe for birds. They quickly absorb waste and liquids. Like newspaper, paper towels should be changed out frequently when soiled. Use multiple layers for extra absorbency. A potential drawback is that paper towels are more expensive than newspaper per sheet. Buying in bulk can help decrease the cost.
Puppy Pee Pads
Puppy pee pads are a popular choice to line bird cages. They are designed to absorb pet urine and feces. The thick, padded mats prevent waste from seeping through to the floor beneath. Pee pads have a waterproof plastic backing and often have a scent to attract pets to use them. For birds, look for unscented pads without chemical odor neutralizers. Pee pads come in packs of varying quantities. They can be trimmed to custom fit under cage bases. However, puppy pads tend to be more expensive than newspaper or paper towels.
Biodegradable Cage Liners
For bird owners looking for an environmentally friendly option, there are now biodegradable cage liners made from sustainable materials like bamboo fiber. These liners are designed to be absorbent and strong enough for daily bird use. They help minimize waste headed to landfills. Bamboo liners are compostable and can be found in packs of reusable sheets. The downside is they can be pricier than other disposable paper liners.
Vinyl Tablecloths
Washable vinyl tablecloths can also be used effectively beneath bird cages. The non-porous vinyl prevents liquids and droppings from soaking through. Look for textured vinyl with a skid-resistant backing to avoid sliding. After covering the cage bottom, droppings can simply be wiped or rinsed off the vinyl. Some vinyl cloths can then be wiped down with disinfectant. Be sure to choose vinyl that is non-toxic. With proper cleaning, vinyl cloths are durable and long-lasting. However, they lack absorbency for soaking up spills.
Utility Shelving Liners
For a neater look, reusable shelf liners made for utility or garage shelving work well under bird cages. These liners come in materials like rubber, textured plastic or polyester weave. They provide cushioning and can conform to the cage base. The textured surfaces help stop sliding. Utility shelf liners are washable and durable for repeated use. Choose liquid-absorbent materials. Check that liners are non-toxic if birds might chew on them. The liners may be prone to odors over time with daily bird waste. Proper cleaning is essential.
Interlocking Foam Mats
Interlocking foam mats like those used for kids’ play areas can be an option under bird cages. The foam mats are covered in non-toxic, waterproof material. They provide cushioning and have skid-resistant bottoms. The mats feature interlocking edges that hold them together firmly. Customize the fit by using as many mat sections needed to line the cage base. Foam mats are easily wiped clean of bird droppings, food and feathers. With regular cleaning, they are reusable for long periods. However, foam mats are among the more expensive cage liner choices.
Cage Tray Liners
For bird cages that come with trays or pull-out pans, disposable cage tray liners can help simplify cleaning. These liners fit neatly in the cage bottom tray. They act as protective layers that catch all waste and debris. After use, remove the soiled liner and replace with a fresh one. Discard the used liner. Some bird cage trays may accommodate reusable fabric liners that can be machine washed. Tray liners help limit contact with bird droppings during liner changes. But they do require frequently purchasing disposable liners or washing cloth liners.
Newspaper Pellets
Some bird owners prefer pelleted newspaper litter on the cage bottom. The pellets are made by shredding and compressing newspaper. The absorbent pellets soak up moisture from droppings and spilled liquids. Pellets minimize odors and naturally suppress bacteria growth when soiled. Replace pellet bedding each week during full cage cleanings. The pellets are safe for birds if ingested and easy to apply in cage trays. However, pellet litter can be dusty. Some birds may try ingesting it which poses a potential choking hazard.
Corn Cob Bedding
Natural corn cob bedding is another popular pelleted bird cage liner. The small granules absorb waste to help control odors. The coarse texture also allows excess moisture to fall through to the cage tray. Replace all of the bedding during weekly cage cleanings. Make sure to buy corn cob bedding that is organic and chemical-free. Lower dust varieties are better suited for birds. While effective at absorbing messes, corn cob litter can get messy when changing it out. The pieces tend to scatter outside the cage.
Sand
For certain bird species that enjoy digging and foraging, pools of sand can make an appropriate cage bottom covering. Natural play sand, free of any chemical dust or preservatives, is safe to use. Make sure the sand is not powdery fine which could be dusty or inhaled by birds. Install 2-3 inch deep sand pits in cage corners for digging. Avoid using sand in cages where it could easily get scattered out. The sand baths will need changing out approximately every 2 weeks as they get soiled. Overall, sand can be an engaging substrate but requires more maintenance.
Hard Surfaces
While not absorbent, some bird owners opt to use hard, non-porous surfaces beneath cages to simplify cleaning. For example, wide sheets of stainless steel or non-stick oven liners allow bird droppings to be easily wiped away with disinfectant. Hard plastic trays can also be fitted under cages. Scraping off debris takes minimal effort. The smooth surfaces then get sterilized with bird-safe cleansers. This approach prevents the need to replace soiled cage liners. However, some absorption is still helpful for cleaning spilled food and water.
Factors to Consider
When deciding what to put on the floor under a bird cage, here are some key factors to consider:
- Absorbency – The liner or material should soak up droppings, spilled food and water. This keeps the cage bottom dry.
- Traction – A textured surface prevents sliding around that could disturb your bird.
- Odor control – The liner should help minimize odors from waste.
- Easy to clean – Frequent replacement or cleaning should be simple.
- Non-toxic – Ensure liners are bird safe with no harmful chemicals.
- Affordability – Balance costs between disposable and reusable options.
- Aesthetics – Some liners simply look better than others.
- Pet safety – Avoid loose materials birds might ingest.
- Environmental impact – Consider recyclable and biodegradable products.
Prioritize absorbency, ease of cleaning and pet safety when making your selection. The type of bird cage and your bird???s needs can also influence your choice.
Recommendations by Bird Cage Type
For cage bottom trays:
- Disposable cage tray liners
- Reusable fabric tray liners
- Vinyl tablecloths cut to fit
For suspended cages without trays:
- Layers of newspaper or paper towels
- Puppy pee pads
- Biodegradable cage liners
For large flight cages:
- Sheet of stainless steel or other hard surface
- Interlocking foam mats
- Utility shelf liner
For cages with digging birds:
- Boxes of bird-safe sand
- Corn cob bedding
Tips for Setup
Here are some useful tips for setting up cage liners successfully:
- Cut liners to fit snugly against cage walls without excess overhang.
- Use binder clips on cloth liners to keep them taut and in place.
- Layer two sheets for extra absorbency and quick change-outs.
- Place food and water bowls on elevated stands to avoid contact with soiled litter.
- Set up protective plastic sheeting around the cage perimeter.
- Scotch-guard fabric liners to help resist odors and make washing easier.
- Replace soiled liners every 1-3 days for cleanliness.
- Wash or disinfect reusable liners regularly.
- Cover floor beneath cage trays as added leak protection.
With the right setup, cage liners can greatly simplify cleaning and maintain a healthy environment for birds. Change them frequently for the best results. Find liners that suit your cage type and bird???s needs.
Conclusion
There are many effective options for what to put on the floor beneath a bird cage. Absorbent paper products like newspaper, paper towels and cage liners are affordable, disposable choices that soak up messes. Reusable vinyl and fabric liners are longer-lasting and easy to clean. Interlocking foam mats provide cushioning and are non-porous. For certain bird species, substrates like sand allow for natural foraging behaviors. Hard, non-stick surfaces simplify waste removal. Consider your bird’s habits, cage type and budget to select the best liners. With regular changing or cleaning of soiled liners, they help maintain cleanliness and healthy surroundings for pet birds. A little trial and error can lead you to the ideal cage liner solution.
