Ask Lafeber

Can I make my enclosure dirt floored?

I have an outside birdcage, it’s quite large being about the same height and width as it could be to fit through my front door (so pretty large,) it’s also quite long. Could I make it dirt floored and plant some birdseed -grass so my 4 peachface lovebirds could get more enriched by picking the seeds from the grass? Or better yet could I make the enclosure bioactive by adding isopods? They are aviary parrots and don’t enjoy my touch so they also don’t enjoy getting their cage cleaned and get quite stressed out everytime I clean their cage.

Hi,

A dirt floor is not easy to maintain and can end up infested with bugs, ants(which will attack the lovebirds) or grow bacteria or mold. I would recommend researching outdoor aviaries and find out what other birdkeepers use. But if it can be cleaned how, that is a better option than something that can’t be kept cleaned.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda