Robust cleanup crew suggestions.
I am undergoing an experiment with a bioactive bird enclosure because it seems there's very little readily available information on this.
I know some people think it can’t or shouldn't be done, but they don’t seem to have a compelling enough reason to why it shouldn’t be tried. I'd at least like to give it a shot. If it fails, at least I'll have more information to work with.
I have a giant Borneo 2 cage for a single European starling.
It's cleaned about every other day, and not more than three days between cleanings. I don’t mind this schedule, and I understand that bioactives require upkeep and don't eliminate my needs for cleaning. I just hate how wasteful it currently gets.
Also I think a healthy bioactive floor is a step up husbandry wise, and will look cool as hell.
In the bottom of the cage, I can fit three storage bins lined up to develop into a bioactive floor. They can be easily removed if needed.
I currently have one bin with rosemary, thyme, and some sunflower seeds ready to sprout (sunflowers are most likely going to get destroyed and that’s the point).
There’s about 3 inches between the top of the soil and the top of the bin. The soil layer (no fertilizers) is about 4-5 inches deep.
I have a small drainage layer underneath the soil and so far so good with watering, nothing is too moist.
I have wild isopods and springtails in here and want to develop a super robust cleanup crew.
I have some ideas for the other two bins, was also considering having one bin with just play sand and I could spot clean the poop out.
Would love to hear thoughts, good or bad, and would love suggestions on how to achieve a clean up crew that would be up for the job.