newspaper substitute? ? ?

[crazy-bird-lady]

Hey all

I have a bird (a duck but practically the same) who lives inside with me. He originally became an indoor bird as a baby because of an injury to his beak, but now he's almost fully grow and makes MASSIVE messes. He has a bigger cage than any of my dogs and is only in it at night or when I'm not home, but he still makes it absolutely disgusting. He is housed in a large dog crate with newspapers that have to be changed at least twice a day, which is a bigger hassle than it needs to be. And now he's started ripping off pieces of paper and EATING them! I need a solution for this. What bedding is easier to clean than newspaper (or at least needs to be cleaned less often)? I CAN'T use any type of shavings because he will eat them and they will get ask over my floor.

I feel like I'm being a bit of a clean freak, but this mess is starting to drive me crazy. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[jetdog]

If he's eating and drinking inside why can't you build an outdoor pen and house. Doing that would solve the problem and make your house smell like a house not a duck pen.

 

[crazy-bird-lady]

If he's eating and drinking inside why can't you build an outdoor pen and house. Doing that would solve the problem and make your house smell like a house not a duck pen.

Well, when he was only three days old he had an accident which left him scarred. Part of his upper beak was torn off (by a predator I believe) and ever since he has been living inside. He is also imprinted, so being outside would be extremely stressful. He is afraid of other ducks as well, but a real sweetheart with people.

 

[RonP]

I guess moving outside with him is out of the question?

How about a lip or curtain type catch around his pen to stop the scatter of litter.
I used to have one around my parakeet's cage as a child.

 

[crazy-bird-lady]

I guess moving outside with him is out of the question?  

How about a lip or curtain type catch around his pen to stop the scatter of litter.
I used to have one around my parakeet's cage as a child.

Haha, no, not moving outside. But I could probably use some cardboard to build a lip if some sort. I'd just be concerned with him eating his bedding. I already have a problem with him eating his newspaper.