Ground Walnut shell bedding

[Andreya]

I was recommended this for the bottom of my fids cages. It is below the grate and to where they cannot access it, so it is simply for trying to make their cages easier to clean. Does anyone know if this could be at all harmful to them?

[imported_BigChicken]

Ground Walnut shell bedding is real easy to change, I'm sure, but I wouldn't use it myself, anything that can hold moisture is a great place to grow bacteria. Plain old newspaper is the best. I use 4 or 5 single layers and remove a layer every morning for 2 days, then change the whole stack on the third day. Might not look natural, but it's the safest (and cheapest). You won't be tempted to leave it in too long.

[imported_David]

Another fact about newspaper as opposed to other types of bedding----newspaper is the best item to be used because it easily allows a person to see if there's any problems with droppings which can allow a bird to be treated if there's a problem.-----Dave

[Andreya]

Also good points, thanks. I usually do use newspaper because it's easy to get. Now that everyone has grates (I had some crappy cages temporarily without them) I shouldn't be going through quite as much newpaper as I was.