Newspaper for "bedding"?

[Bettacreek]

Has anyone used newspaper to line cages, instead of using sand, shavings, hays or a wire bottom? I had planned on building nice, new cages for the rabbits and quail, until I realised that my tax returns will be MUCH less than what I had planned on. I do have my brooder still, and a few things that I had at one point planned on making into cages, but I am hoping to get away with modifying my items without spending ANY money. So, anyways, has anyone used newspaper to line their cages? How well does it work? What free or cheap and reusable item can I use for newborn quail chicks? Thanks in advance.

 

[SamG347]

Pine shavings..5 dollars a bale
Paper Towels...4-5 per 6 pack
Wire bottom...using paper in the tray CHEAP

I use all methods and I prefer shavings if not on wire...or papertowels under wire. I would never use news paper straight in the brooder for them to walk on. Unless you want a lot of chicks with splayed legs.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

I don't use shredded paper, but I do line the brooder for easier cleaning. I put shavings on top.

 

[Bettacreek]

I have allergies to shaving beddings.

I'm trying to find something inexpensive that will tide us over until we can get the cages built, so wire bottoms isn't an option right now. I'm thinking about using paper towels for the first few days, then using sand ($3.50/50lbs) and sifting the poo out to "reuse" the sand. That's probably what I'll go with, after doing a little bit more research on the matter.

 

[quailbrain]

Flat news paper can give buttons stradle legs and hip displacement cause it is slipperry and hard to grip.... maybe torn up like shavings.

 

[JJMR794]

betta I use a old towel for the 1st week of life in the brooder, after that i routinely use newspaper for lining and change it at least once a week or more if needed. I have done this for many a year with no ill effects----NOTE--- I USE COTTON TERRY TOWEL FOR LINING THE 1ST WEEK, AFTER THAT THE TENDONS AND LIGAMENTS IN THEIR HIPS ARE SET AND THEY DO NOT SPRADDLE LEG---- THEN I SWITCH TO NEWSPAPER

The newspaper is readily available and disposeable. the terry towels are rinsed vigorously by hose, soaked in bleach water --- rinsed--- soaked in bleach water ---- rinsed again, then laundered and put up for the next batch of lil fuzzybutts, so the towels are cleaned and recycled if you will...

to date this method has worked wonderfully with anything from emus to button quail and everything in between...

 

[Bettacreek]

Awesome, thank you! Did you have any issues with poop balls on their toes with the newspaper? After reading online, I was wondering if I'd have to change the newspaper daily just to keep the poop from building up on their toes, as I know that they poop a LOT. I love the towel idea though, that saves waste on the paper towels and probably works much better anyways.

 

[JJMR794]

I do not have foot problems with this method. i change papers every 5 days or so..... just depends on the number of chicks/ brooder size/ etc...

 

[redhen]

I would do it..
just put many layers down ...
and each day just take off a layer...so they always have clean paper. Easy clean-up!
I used to use newspapers on the bottom of my parrot cage... it made cage cleaning SO much easier..

 

[Bettacreek]

Thanks a million.

Redhen, I'll definately do that, it sounds much easier than totally replacing it each time. I'll use old bargain sheets, they should fit just perfectly, plus they're free, lol.