you didnt stir anything. You brought up a very important topic, and I added my experience so NO one would consider using it. What good is a lesson if you dont share it? Its a tough lesson I learned.

It's still sad nonetheless

yeah, Otis was a real good boy.

LOL no problem! I knew you were having trouble with your smilies earlier - thought maybe something was really crazy with your computer. Either that or you really have become a crazy stalker and you're trying to be me!!!


Lisa - I'm so sorry about Otis. Thank you for sharing your story, I'm sure it's not easy. But maybe by telling it you'll save a bird and a parront from going through what you and Otis did.

Yes, thanks, Lisa!

Lisa, I'm so sorry. Thanks for sharing Otis' story.

Just plain newspaper here too. I've heard too many bad things about the corn cobs too and I have never even seen it for sale here.

I used to use it in one of the play stands but I only used it for a bit until I heard different stories one of which was about Otis. Now it's newspaper all the way, when I lived in FL we were very near the newpaper co. and we would get the end rolls...they work really well for the large cages. Also when we moved in here there was a HUGE roll of craft paper that they used for something (think the wood floor and that was the bomb)

never saw the point in replacing something that's cheap, safe and easy to handle (aka newspaper)

Nope, never used it. I'm suspicious of dried field crops like corn, hay and the like. None of the ladies I worked for back in the day would allow hay or dried whole grasses in the aviaries or breeding cages because they felt it was a risk for bacterial infections since it couldn't be guaranteed that cattle had not defecated or urinated on it. I have never used it in any horticultural applications (at least in the greenhouse or indoor displays) because it is a source of various fungal and bacterial problems that multiply rapidly in warm, moist conditions. As a mulch outdoors, it is ok and does a good job, but take off your shoes and wash them well with Lysol or other sterlizing agent before you go in the bird room.