Cloth/washable/reusable cage liners- GOING FOR IT!

Kiwibird

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Jul 12, 2012
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I know I've seen a few posts on this subject of people wanting to try it, but have never seen the results of anyone attempting it. Just questions on whether or not it would work (which immediately get shot down). I know it's not everyones cup of tea, but for the past few years, we've pretty much replaced almost all paper products with cloth. Honestly, I have no issue washing it, and find it all around better than paper/plastic/disposable, and yes, I am somewhat of a (as my dad puts it) tree hugger/earth muffin/granola or whatever other term you may have for people like myself;) I actually feel washing Kiwi's cage liners would be much less gross than washing baby diapers, which plenty of people do, so I can't see where all the opposition to this concept is coming from. Theres nothing that goes in or comes out of him I find particularly nasty... I have been super frustrated with the newspaper on the bottom of Kiwi's cage since we got it since it:

A. Is too large for a single sheet to just "fit" so I have to cut down/overlap 2 sheets.

B. Every time Kiwi takes a bath (most days) he saturates the paper, which then dries, sticks to the tray and rips when you change it, making it near impossible to get all of it off without the scraper (which has started to chip the paint).

C. BOTH the above lead to a (IMO) unnecessary mess every time I change it (every other day unless he's made an especially large mess) and getting off stuck on paper is starting to damage the tray of his cage (and I'm trying to make this cage last a few more years until we have a home and I can get him a larger, stainless one).

So, I am going to take the plunge with washable cage liners! Don't care about stains on them, and I know from the rugs I keep his cage/stand on, that the bulk of dried poop just brushes off fabric, so I plan to shake it outside, brush off the dried droppings and put it in the "hot water" load I do every week anyways. I am going to use a green-print flannel top, absorbent layer of cotton batting and a waterproof PUL fabric on the back. I'm thinking of doing 4 liners, which should last a week of every-other-day changes (and of course I can always wash them if necessary;)). This shall be an interesting experiment and once I've made them up (waiting for next 50% coupon at Joann for the PUL fabric, it's expensive:eek:) I'll do an update and maybe a video since I think other people are interested in making reusable cage liners, but everyone keeps discouraging it because of the "yuck" factor:(

Me and my "green-minded" (and bodied!) friend may just be able to get this concept going:green:
 

Phlox

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I've thought about it since someone mentioned it...though I'd only do it no-sew fleece only. That's NOT expensive and would be more attractive than newspaper. I could even make 7-14 per cage with just a scissors (since that fabric doesn't fray) My main reason is my stupid dog who loves to pull out the papers under Phlox's cage (it's a flight cage with the tray on casters, right at floor level) and she LICKS THE NEWSPAPER and its just nasty and she flings stuff worse than the birds do. I think the birds encourage her too.

Let me know how it goes! I do a ton of laundry anyway. What's one more load?
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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I think that fleece would probably serve a lot of people's need well, especially when you need A LOT of liners for multiple cages:) It is easy to wash and comes in so many prints/colors you could easily find some that would look decorative and mask stains:) I would serge/zigzag/turn the edges though, because while it won't fray, it will curl and cause you grief that way.

With Kiwi's particular love of bathing, I really do want the waterproof fabric (and absorbent layer) since he really can create an astonishing mess with his water (not to mention the "joy" of "juicing" certain fruits in his beak) :52:. Being a tad of a fabric junkie :54: I actually already have the flannel and batting, so all I need is the waterproof fabric:). At $10.99/yd, I can wait for a sale though!
 

KimKim

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Interesting... I'll be waiting to see some pics, and how it works for you.
 

Dustbunny

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I can't wait to hear how this works out for you. It would be really cool to see bright, fun-colored liners in cages. :)
 

getwozzy

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Awesome!!! Can't wait to see pictures!!! If you're buying from Joann fabrics, I'm sure you could use 40/50% off coupon (they send them out regularly) and they're having a 60% off fleece sale right now
 

RavensGryf

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I've never heard of it. I can't wait to see a pic, and hear how well you like it :)
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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I'm pretty excited to try it! I have 2yds of flannel and batting, which is kind of irritating since I just need the waterproof material now:52: Joann does these text coupons that are often 20-50% off your total amount and you can print off a regular coupon too and combine them. I've gotten 70% off before doing that, so I'm hoping they send one of their texts soon (usually get a couple a month).

I hope my theory on this works out! I bet it would save a lot of people a lot of frustration. I can't be the only one who finds newspaper a major PITA to deal with (especially those of you with multiple birds).
 

RavensGryf

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I personally find that newspaper is really convenient. The only time it gets really inconvenient is when it runs out and have to go and buy more! :11: Were getting delivery now again so it's not bad lol.
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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I personally find that newspaper is really convenient. The only time it gets really inconvenient is when it runs out and have to go and buy more! :11: Were getting delivery now again so it's not bad lol.

My issues are the fact he bathes which makes the paper stick to the tray when it dries and the fact I have to use 2 overlapped sheets. Overlapping them means when it inevitably tears as I lift it up (from the soak/dry cycle), then loose debris slide down the seam in the overlapping sheets and fall out the hole (usually going all over the floor, despite trying to keep it over the tray). Then I have to go dump the tray outside, and he typically uses that time to DELIBERATELY poop (I swear!) whilst there's no tray to catch it:mad: If I've forgotten to move the basket I keep his nighttime covers in (stored under his cage), then I also have to go wash them because they now have poo on them... It's just a total pain...

I'm thinking with these being cut to size for the tray size and a solid piece, I can pull the used one out without spillage/sticking, replace it with a clean one, put up the tray THEN go clean off the used one without giving him the time to conjure up a devious poop:54:
 

4dugnlee

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Hmmm I've never seen/heard of these. They sound great though! My problem with Cisco's cage is the tray is in 2 separate pieces so I either have to cover the bottom in one piece to cover the bar between the trays (which is what I do), or put paper in the 2 separate trays which leaves the center bar exposed (which is no good). Doing it the way I do, I have to get the paper out from the inside of the cage...I can't just pull the 2 trays out because of the center piece. (hope this made sense) Anyway, the cloth liners would definitely work better for his cage. Let us know how it goes...I think I will be trying it also! Thanks!!
 

Dopey

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I totally understand the two tray thing but for me it still be better than having to fold the paper all the time.
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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Thank you Shirre (getwozzy) for sending me your joann coupon code:) I was able to run to joann today and get the backing fabric:D I ended up getting ripstop nylon instead of PUL, since it was already on sale, less expensive and serves the same purpose of waterproofing. I got a more suitable synthetic batting for this project with the coupon rather than the cotton I already had and was planning on using:) They aren't hard to make as I'm planning to do them, so I should have a update over the weekend on how my test run worked out (and photos!).

In other news- Kiwi actually came with me to joann in his bird backpack and was extremely happy being around all the bright colors. I could tell because he was fluffing and making joyful squeals. Got some strange looks from people that did not see I had a bird in my backpack because I appeared to be talking to myself and making strange noises:52:! O well, he really loves coming out and if strangers think I'm crazy, thats ok:D A few people did come up and say it was nice I brought him out with me and that he wasn't locked in a cage all the time (and how well behaved and quiet he was). He's such a good bird and I'm glad he can come out in public and not cause a scene!
 
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getwozzy

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So does the ripstop nylon have cute patterns like the PUL?? Have much cheaper is it?? I used PUL to make cloth diapers a couple years ago and was shocked at the yardage price- but it's great material!! I also have a couple laundry bags I made from it, that could be used as wet bags so it's great!

Looking forward to see what you make and hear how it works for you!
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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So does the ripstop nylon have cute patterns like the PUL?? Have much cheaper is it?? I used PUL to make cloth diapers a couple years ago and was shocked at the yardage price- but it's great material!! I also have a couple laundry bags I made from it, that could be used as wet bags so it's great!

Looking forward to see what you make and hear how it works for you!

Ripstop nylon only comes in basic colors, but I'm using cute flannel for the top so it doesn't matter if it's a plain color on the bottom;). I got dark green. It's usually used for outdoor gear, doesn't have stretch and makes "crinkle noises" as it moves (as opposed to PUL which is intended for diapers and such).The PUL is like $14/yd:eek: whereas the nylon was only $6 and either option would work for cage liners.

I can't say I look forward to the costs if we ever have kids, but I bet at the end of the day your cloth diapers were cheaper than disposables were:) And probably a WHOLE lot nicer than the old-fashion kind.
 

getwozzy

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Oh wow! MUCH cheaper!!

Cloth diapers are cost-effective in the long run, but here's the kicker (and you'll shake your head and laugh) I made about 3 dozen diapers of various sizes, but by the time I finished them he had outgrown the newborn ones (2 dozen) and the soaker pads I made didn't work right so I ended up using disposables LOL *face palm* but! I did end up selling them at the consignment shop, so they weren't a total loss 😊

I'm definitely anxious to see how your liners will work, because I need some too! And I need one for the sill of her window.
 
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Kiwibird

Kiwibird

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Well, at least you were able to sell them! I can see leak-proof liners being useful in a variety of places:) If you end up making them too, you'll have so many more options with Chili being a girl and all :D I foresee pretty prints in pink to match her pretty colors;) I have so much trouble picking out "boy" stuff for Kiwi :( He still gets pink and purple things on occasion lol!
 

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