Quail bathing help non emergency questions

[Ravenlover]

So i think i want my quail to grow up knowing a sand bath what are the types of sand u can buy or buy online that are safe for quail since i know they will eat it plus sand bath also good for grit for them to digest right. Asking for buttons and coturnix

 

[Xouie]

My young coturnix use mixed dirt and play sand from Home Depot. I figure kid-safe is the closest thing to quail-safe.

 

[LJHC]

I understand that construction sand is the best. My girls love it!

 

[Xouie]

I understand that construction sand is the best. My girls love it!

is that the one with more variable sized pebble type grains? I bet that would be a better grit than the play sand.

 

[Ravenlover]

is that the one with more variable sized pebble type grains? I bet that would be a better grit than the play sand.

Maybe play sand for buttons and construction sand for coturnix if u want grit

 

[Nabiki]

Play sand tends to clump when it gets wet. There is a chance it will cause crop issues.

 

[Ravenlover]

I see so construction sand is best ? What about reptile sand

 

[Fishychix]

Play sand tends to clump when it gets wet. There is a chance it will cause crop issues.

I didn't know that. I van vouch for it never really drying out if it gets wet though. But I didnt think construction sand would be good due possibly getting it mixed up if you don't pay close attention.
Reptile sand is very expensive.

 

[007Sean]

Play sand isn't the best to use. Play sand is silica based, can cause Silicosis.
Just use plain dirt from your yard or potting soil without perlite.

 

[HillGuy]

Play sand tends to clump when it gets wet. There is a chance it will cause crop issues.

Please advise on crop issues? I don't want to harm my birds.

I keep my quail on a substrate of the local soil covered with all purpose sand, but I've been topping it off with play sand after the last two cleanings. There's also straw in certain areas where they like to lay eggs.

The sand does stick together on top when it gets wet & mixes with bird dirt. It gets pretty solid, but cleaning isn't too bad. I take a heavy duty kitty litter scoop, and can peel up the dirty stuff. Then I add some new sand. The birds go crazy when I'm pouring it. It's shower time for them.

The sand does seem to drain pretty well.

OP, sorry for the unintentional hijack.