Introduction: Choosing bedding for comfort, hygiene, and your birds’ well-being

An outdoor aviary offers birds freedom, fresh air, and natural stimulation. But without the right bedding, this safe haven can quickly become a source of moisture, bacteria, and stress. Choosing suitable ground cover is therefore essential to your birds’ health. It not only affects hygiene but also their comfort, safety, and ability to exhibit natural behaviors like scratching, dust bathing, and foraging.

In this blog, we explore in detail what makes good bedding for an outdoor aviary. We’ll look at which materials are safe, what to avoid, and how to keep your birds’ habitat clean and healthy.

Why bedding is essential

The floor of an aviary comes into daily contact with droppings, spilled feed, moisture, and possibly even parasites. Good bedding helps to:

• Keep feet clean and dry
• Prevent unpleasant odors
• Reduce mold and bacterial growth
• Cut down on maintenance time
• Encourage natural behaviors

What materials are safe for aviary bedding?

1. Hemp fiber (or flax)

Hemp is low in dust, compostable, and excellent at absorbing moisture. It remains relatively airy even after rain and is soft on birds’ feet.

2. River sand or shell sand

Ideal under perches or feeding areas. Sand absorbs well and allows birds to take dust baths. Shell sand also contains minerals like calcium.

3. Bark or wood chips (no conifers!)

Use only hardwood chips (e.g., beech, chestnut). These give a natural look, drain water well, and encourage scratching.

4. Gravel or drainage sand as a base layer

Often used under top layers for optimal water drainage.

What should you avoid?

• Sawdust: Too dusty, can cause respiratory issues
• Coniferous wood: Contains resins that are toxic to birds
• Garden soil or clay: Stays wet and attracts parasites
• Hay/straw: Prone to mold and mites

Combining different layers

A smart bedding setup often consists of:

1. Drainage layer (gravel or lava rock)
2. Filter cloth (prevents mixing of layers)
3. Top layer: hemp, sand, or bark depending on the bird species

Which birds prefer what?

• Quails: Hemp fiber with fine bark areas
• Zebra finches and canaries: Sand or flax fiber
• Budgies: Mix of sand and bark

Hygiene tips

• Replace hemp or flax every 1–2 weeks
• Remove wet spots or droppings daily
• Use a rake or sieve for sand
• Use a bird-safe biological disinfectant

Doika’s advice from experience

At Doika, we often get questions from customers about odors, damp floors, or mold in the aviary. Our experience shows:

• Covered aviaries are much easier to keep clean
• Combining materials works better than using just one type
• Investing in drainage solves 80% of problems

Case study: customer in Leuven

One customer initially used garden soil in their aviary. After rain, it became a mud pit, resulting in wet feet and sick quails. After switching to gravel + hemp, the problem was solved. “The birds are more active, it smells better, and I scrub far less often.”

Frequently asked questions

What’s the cheapest option?

Play sand or river sand is cost-effective but needs more frequent replacement.

What if it rains?

Provide a roof or choose materials that drain well, like coarse bark or hemp fiber.

Can I use leaves?

Only dry, clean leaves from non-toxic trees. Don’t let them compost in the aviary.

Conclusion

Good bedding for an outdoor aviary should be safe, hygienic, absorbent, and natural. Materials like hemp fiber, river sand, and bark work very well, especially when combined with good drainage and smart layering. Avoid garden soil, straw, and conifer wood to prevent health risks. By combining wisely and cleaning regularly, you’ll offer your birds a healthy and enriching living space.

Ready to set up your outdoor aviary the right way? Explore our range at the online aviary specialist from Doika.

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