Cage Grill / Grates

[birdybabies]

Hi All, I was looking at another thread where some where showing their cage set ups and I noticed that some of you had removed the grill/grate at the bottom of the cage. Is that recommended? If so why?
I have left mine in and now I am not sure I should have. My budgies spend about 5% of their time on the bottom of cage, the cinn GCC about 1% and the tiel about 50%. I was wondering in the past if it was hurting their feet but then I thought it must be better than them playing in their poop and discarded food, which could harbor bacteria etc. What to do? Leave or remove?

 

[Mayden]

I've left mine in because if I'd have taken it out, Melin certainly would be able to squeeze his head out!

I think they're brilliant, stops the birds stomping in their dirt and stops them from picking up food they've dropped in their... droppings. The only reason I wanted to take Merlin's out was because he's got a bad leg, so walking on the bars are a bit difficult for him. Would love to have a grate on my budgies cage however!

 

[Colorguarder08]

It's up to the owner. I know I leave mine in because otherwise Halloween would shred her cage liners and because I really don't want her messing in her poo.

 

[Atwee921]

With my cage, the grate is part of the cage (as in, if the grate is out the bird is out!)

 

[Atwee921]

I am going to leave mine in because with the design of my cage if the grate is out the bird is out..
edit: didnt mean to post 2...

 

[suncon97]

I leave mine in because I don't like the idea of my bird stepping in it's droppings all day and tracking it back up to his perches,toys,etc. and contaminating everything.

 

[birdybabies]

Thats what I thought too. I am only "worried' about the tiel, cos he spends so much time down there, walking on the grate/grill, looks so uncomfortable, but the alternative is poo and discarded food. I will leave it in. Thnx guys

 

[HRH Di]

We've left ours in because...well, we just have. Our birdies don't walk around on the bottom of their cages but since they don't care we left them in.

 

[dna]

I leave mine in but what I do is place a paper on top of the area they poo the most (mine seem to have a poo spot in their cage lol) and right over top of the grate where they eat. It makes clean up and sanitation MUCH easier. I just replace the paper a couple times a day...simple!

Granted I have parrots that don't tend to go to the bottom of their cage for anything unless they drop a foot toy... and they spend most of their time outside of the cage as well.