sand for quail?

[animals1981]

i have never given my quail sand do they really need it ? what happens if they dont get it? for dust baths?

 

[Wifezilla]

It helps them keep pests off their feathers. They really love it too. Not letting them dust bathe is kinda mean. Like having a horse and not letting it run.

 

[animals1981]

will chunchilla sand be good? the kind we get at petsmart?

 

[Rozzie]

Mine will even dustbathe in sawdust. They have a great time in that, too.

 

[Rozzie]

Quote:
I just use playsand. Much cheaper...

Some would say to use a coarser sand, probably.

I mix their grit & oyster shell into the playsand. They pick that out and eat it.

 

[animals1981]

where do u buy playsand from?

 

[Rozzie]

Quote:
Depends on the time of year. Lowes & Home Depot might still have it. Last time I got it was at an Ace Hardware. It'll be about $3-4 for a fifty pound bag.

I know some people like a coarser sand. I like play sand because it's clean. I figure if it's sold as clean enough for kids to play in, it's reasonably safe for my birds. I don't trust construction sand this way.

I won't scoop sand along the river because, well, there is a lot of nasty stuff in the rivers around here.

 

[LostinQuailLand]

I use the play sand as well. My Bobs love it! I put mine in a kitty litter pan and watch the show!

 

[Rozzie]

Wal-mart should even have it in their garden section. Probably won't find it this time of year, though. I'd get on the phone and call around to save time.

 

[LostinQuailLand]

Quote:
Lowes sells playsand year round! Even in colder climates! About 3.50 a 50lb bag!