Button Quail Eating Bedding

[DK newbie]

I agree with JaeG, I've tried many kinds of bedding and the buttons have probably eaten some of them, but it has never been a problem.
If it works for you and keeps their feet clean, it's highly unlikely it'll be a problem that they taste it.

 

[spiffyvanspot]

I agree with JaeG, I've tried many kinds of bedding and the buttons have probably eaten some of them, but it has never been a problem.
If it works for you and keeps their feet clean, it's highly unlikely it'll be a problem that they taste it.

I'm just a bit worried as I noticed one of my boys actively stuffing his little face with it. Perhaps I should keep an eye for a little longer - maybe they will get bored of it. Are there any problems associated with eating bedding, though?

 

[DK newbie]

I guess there would be two worries (assuming the bedding is not actually poisonous): Either that they eat so much bedding there is no room for proper food and they starve to death, or that the bedding causes an impaction.
If the bedding is very fine, I doubt it can cause an impaction though, and I also think the birds will realise that it doesn't satisfy their calory needs before they starve to death. But yes, make sure you keep an eye on them - if they start acting sick or weak in any way, put them on a different bedding at once.

 

[spiffyvanspot]

I guess there would be two worries (assuming the bedding is not actually poisonous): Either that they eat so much bedding there is no room for proper food and they starve to death, or that the bedding causes an impaction.
If the bedding is very fine, I doubt it can cause an impaction though, and I also think the birds will realise that it doesn't satisfy their calory needs before they starve to death. But yes, make sure you keep an eye on them - if they start acting sick or weak in any way, put them on a different bedding at once.

Thank you! I'm pretty sure they're eating their crumble as well as millet and other treats so that's reassuring.