Just wondering which do you like better? Lulu's cage does not have a grate on the bottom- I've always had one with the grate on the bottom but when I needed to out her in the smaller cage- this is what I had from a friend.
If you like them without a grate, what do you use in the bottom of the cage. I've just been using newspaper and changing it daily but was wondering if there is something better.
There's a lady in our area who has used cages for free or new ones for very cheap- she was a breeder and has had to get out of the business for health reasons. I'm going over there in few days to see what there is and wanted to see which would be better to look for.

I prefer cages that have the grate on the bottom. Both my fids like to walk accross the bottom of the cage numerous time a day, and if there wasn't a grate they would have mighty poopy feet. I clean the cage every night, but if there wasn't a grate I feel I would be cleaning it 2-3 times a day. I know some people on here just put newsprint over the grate. I personally like to keep the mess and the fids seperate.

Mine have a grate BUT I cover it with a full newspaper and roll up a sheet at a time as needed , as the cages are open most of the day they are usually on the play stand which also has paper on the bottom that I roll up when needed ..
I don`t like the fids walking on the grate its got to be uncomfortable , mine don`t seem to get extra poopy ...

Play top on cage..

Mine all have grates on the bottom. The Quakers' grates are covered with newspaper that I change daily, and the budgies' is not because Bonnie's in breeding condition and I don't want her to be able to use the newspaper to start a nest -- she's too young for babies and I don't want her to lay eggs. But the budgies don't walk around on the bottom of their cage, either. The Quakers occasionally do -- Clyde very rarely does that, but Jade goes down there to retrieve food she drops. Clyde is wasteful. If he drops food, he just leaves it there and gets a new piece. I have really thought it would be easier for all of us if I just removed the grates and had the newspaper in the tray. I'd still change it every day, and I usually have to clean the trays several times a week even with the grate above it. I may try that for a few days and see how it works.

I did remove the grate in my old cages because they did not have a guard on them and it helped keep the food scraps inside the cage as it was deeper ..but haven`t found the need to with the new cages ....

Hello, I'm a new member as of a few minutes ago. I just purchased a baby Quaker yesterday. He/she is still at shop b/c still being weined. I'll visit this week and hopfully baby will b able to come home in a week or two. I love your cage set-up and was wondering where you ordere the bluc globe balls in the cages. I live in New York City and can order online.

Thank you for your help.

I got mine from Monica at Grey Feathers..There are other Jolly balls and someone may come along with links for them ...I prefer this place mainly because all the metal used is Stainless Steel and that is the ONLY safe metal for birds ..don`t buy metal bells and toys from toy shops they are not safe...

Welcome to the group and share some piccys when you get your baby fid (feathered kid)...


The 10inch is the correct size...
Here are some links on Metal poisoning and some of the dangerouse items..
http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww14eiii.htm
http://www.avianweb.com/heavymetalpoisoningbirds.html
http://www.multiscope.com/hotspot/metals.htm

Thanks! I ordered a plain 10" Jolly Ball yesterday. Will add extra's to it later. Cage will be here Wednesday. Very excited.

Yes it is exciting when waiting for your new baby...... I line the ball with a furry seat belt strap cover (bought in a pack of 4 in a cheap shop) wash them when needed ..some people use flanels/face washers but I find the furry mat to stay put better....
Where did you get the plain ball from ..?? Have fun setting up the cage ....and share piccys ..
Good night from downunder off to bed....

I use the grates also, have also from time to time covered with the white sheets that are cage liners-so I can see poop changes.

But after just cleaning everybirdies grates an hour ago I may go back to covering. Quaker Paulies was not so bad but I do believe that EVERY piece of sweet potato I've ever given Poco, the peachfront conure, was stuck to the grate. LOL He hates them with a passion and they are not easy to clean. Bren

With those two slobs I have to use a grate. I have one bird that loves walk around on the bottom of the cage and so the grate helps prevent her from walking in her own poop or soiled food.

I hate cleaning the darn thing but I find it very benefitial for the girls to have a grate.

I layer the grate with newspaper and peel some away every night to keep a clean floor. My red belly and Tag like to walk around on the bottom too.

Me too my boys will play on the bottom at times also I just roll up a sheet when necessary ...