Substrate + Mold

[Owlet]

Hi, I've been having trouble with mold growing in Lincoln's paper tray. It only grows in his favorite pooping spot and it doesn't seem to matter how often I change the papers or what I wipe the tray down with, mold regrows. I do not have this issue with my other birds, even Aster who is constantly making soup and splashing gross water everywhere. I typically use butcher paper and lately I've been wiping the tray down with Rescue vetrinarian disefectant.

I've been considering alternate substrate for his litter tray but I have 0 experience with any of that. I've been considering sand or some kind of unscented, low dust kitty litter or maybe just paper small animal bedding. Any suggestions..? Pros and Cons appreciated.

 

[Tman]

Tray craft paper ( brown).
I use it. My yrys are 171/2 " wide. I buy craft paper that is 18" wide. I cut and fold it.
With the craft paper it will soak up the liquid.
With butcher paper it is a little waxy that doesn't soak up.
That's what I use.
Just a thought.

 

[AMD82]

I had the same problem with mold growing under the newspaper. I started putting shredded paper in the tray on top of the newspapers. That absorbs the liquid and the tray NO longer molds.

 

[osklvste87]

Kitty litter isn't recommended. Have you tried giving it a good scrub outside rinse with a vinegar solution to kill residual mold, rinse well and dry well. Make sure to clean along cage wherever it touches or may touch. Then follow advice above. Mold is sneaky. One little microscope spore and you have a colony.

 

[Owlet]

Kitty litter isn't recommended. Have you tried giving it a good scrub outside rinse with a vinegar solution to kill residual mold, rinse well and dry well. Make sure to clean along cage wherever it touches or may touch. Then follow advice above. Mold is sneaky. One little microscope spore and you have a colony.

When I say kitty litter i am more referring to the paper pellets or kiln dried wood. Not the clumping clay stuff.

Full pressure washing the entire cage doesnt seem to help.

I know some zoos / outdoor aviaries just use play sand... I've been considering that. The birdd have 0 access to their litter trays so I'm not worried about ingestion.

 

[Tman]

When I say kitty litter i am more referring to the paper pellets or kiln dried wood. Not the clumping clay stuff.

Full pressure washing the entire cage doesnt seem to help.

I know some zoos / outdoor aviaries just use play sand... I've been considering that. The birdd have 0 access to their litter trays so I'm not worried about ingestion.

One thing to think about is the dust. When the are at the bottom of the cage, and flap their wings it could create dust.
With all do respect, I realize your worried about your babies, try the craft paper or something more absorbent and see if that works. I hope this helps.

 

[AMD82]

I agree about not using the sand for the dust issues. Good Luck

 

[osklvste87]

When I say kitty litter i am more referring to the paper pellets or kiln dried wood. Not the clumping clay stuff.

Full pressure washing the entire cage doesnt seem to help.

I know some zoos / outdoor aviaries just use play sand... I've been considering that. The birdd have 0 access to their litter trays so I'm not worried about ingestion.

Sorry I meant tray bottom and where tray touches.