button quail bedding questions

[taprock]

My little button is just under 4 weeks old. I have been putting down a piece of old sheet in her tank for the bedding. I decided it was time to go to a loose bedding. I used shredded paper. As soon as I put her in she started eating it. So I put the cloth back in. Is this just because it's new or do I need to find something different for her?

Also I have her in a 10 gallon tank right now. How do you clean it out without upsetting her or having her escape and hurt herself?

 

[TwoCrows]

I don't know much about Buttons, so I will bump this post up so that others will come along and help you out here. I would imagine you can use pine shavings for bedding as these are used with other quail. It is common for quail to eat new things that are put in the cage/container with them at first. They usually get over it fairly quick.

As far as cleaning the tank and having your quail not hurt herself, I do not know. Someone else will come along soon and lend you a hand. Good luck with your baby!

Edit to add: Are you familiar with Douglas Lake in the LP? I spent some time up there one summer.

 

[Stellar]

Quote:
Have you tried an unscented pelleted bedding? I use pine pellets or yesterday news and the buttons do fine in the tanks before moved to their cages. As for the fright thing, I find that tanks tend to cause that problem more since you are reaching in the tank.

 

[The Critter Place]

I have noticed my youngsters really frighten in the tank, and not so bad in a bird type cage.

Right now I just remove them from the tank, to a small travel cage to clean. That way I can give it a good wash and not freak them out.
They sure splash up the glass.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Honestly, I doubt the paper would hurt her. She'd eventually figure out that it is not food. Just make sure she has grit to help her break it down. They will pick at just about any type of bedding you use.

I reach into all my birds' pens and the ones in a tank are probably the ones who are the least skittish.