Sand Flooring In Outdoor Aviary

[Simon 0]

Hi

 

My aviary is nearly finished. Just have to put the wire on and let it sit for a couple of weeks for the paint smell to die down.

 

I want to keep quails as well and I was going to put down sand so I don't have to clean the concrete all the time. How much sand will I need for a 1.2m by 1.5m area. Also, does anyone have any tips on sand care? I heard something about lime or something?

 

Thanks

 

Simon

[**Liv** 0]

Lime is used under sand to help reduce bacteria growth on the floor. Use a thick layer (1 - 2 cm's) and compact it down as much as you can. Lime is also calcium so its not toxic to the birds.

 

Sand should be at least an inch thick over the lime. The sand should have the mess taken off the surface once a week and should be topped up as needed.

[Simon 0]

Where does one purchase lime and how much is it? Budget is already stretched...

[**KAZ** 0]

Dolomite is the better one to use and is available from any garden centre as is bags of white sand.

[renee 0]

Where does one purchase lime and how much is it? Budget is already stretched...

 

Whatever you do, do not use industrial lime! Kaz is right, buy garden lime from a garden center. Sometimes if you go to a garden center you can order a trailer of sand which works out cheaper than buying it by the bag.

[Simon 0]

I don't know if I need that much sand. I've only got an area 1.2m x 1.5m. Any help?

Edited May 18, 2009 by Simon

[Derek 0]

Multiply the two sides of the floor together then multiply that again by the depth of sand. This will give you the cubic metres you need.

 

If you want it 50 mil deep or 2 inches then it's 1.200 X 1.500 X .050 which comes to .09 of a cubic metre.

 

That's not a real lot of sand.

[**KAZ** 0]

I don't know if I need that much sand. I've only got an area 1.2m x 1.5m. Any help?

2-3 bags of sand will do it.

[mattdog2 0]

my aviary is made out of heavy 4 inch C section galvanized steel, so i am able to keep it on the grass floor (natural ground) rather then concrete without having a scare of the wind blowing it away

as for sand, i have used it before, my quails had a bath in it and plucked every single one of their feathers off due to severe itching and irritation.

Edited May 18, 2009 by mattdog2

[**KAZ** 0]

my aviary is made out of heavy 4 inch C section galvanized steel, so i am able to keep it on the grass floor (natural ground) rather then concrete without having a scare of the wind blowing it away

as for sand, i have used it before, my quails had a bath in it and plucked every single one of their feathers off due to severe itching and irritation.

You are taking a massive chance. Rats can dig into your aviary. A friend of mine also lost all her birds to a fox that dug in.

[Simon 0]

Thanks a lot for your help guys.

 

So is sand okay for quails?

Edited May 19, 2009 by Simon

[**Liv** 0]

mine have never had an issue with sand. its better for them than living on hard surface.

[**KAZ** 0]

Thanks a lot for your help guys.

 

So is sand okay for quails?

A quails favourite pastime is bathing in warm sand

[Simon 0]

I don't know of many places around me that sell quails. Anyone live in the Brisbane area? Towards Cleveland?

 

How many quails can you have in my 1.2m x 1.5m area? Stuff I've read says you can have two ladies to one lucky guy. I'm thinking I might just get one pair though. Anybody? I would like to get King quails too I think. Are they the native ones? Apart from lifting the feathers!, how do you tell boys from girls in quails?

 

This forum is so helpful!

[JimmyBanks 0]

they might also be known as chinese painted quails... and you can tell the boy and girl apart very easily. If you click here you can see a picture of them... the one in the front is a male the one in the back is a female.