Cage Question - Bottom grate or Not??

[carolinacanuck]

I have a large aviary cage for my 6 budgies, currently I am using the bottom grate but I am wondering if it is better not to use it and if not what kind of sustrate to use. I now put Carefresh pet bedding in the tray. Does anyone know if this is a good bottom cover to use without the wire grate, and if not what is better.

[Kalvin]

Whether or not to use a grate is your decision, if the birds tend to spend a lot of time on the floor with it out and can get to soiled food and such then it's probably best to leave it in.

Carefresh isn't safe to have without a grate, for all my birds (both in cages and the aviary) I use loose sand, every few days I sieve it so it lasts longer and I've never had any problems with it.

[Squawk and Howl]

i only have cage (not aviary) experience, but my vet says newspaper is the best liner, not pet bedding (it can be dangerous). and i would recommend a grate to keep them away from their droppings & such.

[Caique Crazy]

hmmmmmm well i have a cage with a removable one and well there pretty bad for lil babies coz there clumsy and trip over alot but i just use non toxic inked newspapers BUT some budgies eat there own poop so its a 50/50 thing but a grate wouldnt do no harm anyway so try it out