Wooden shavings

Use pine shavings, this I find is the best. Also, Aspen shavings can cause skin problems.

I'm not too sure about the sawdust part of the equation. That would just get kicked around and create a lot of mess (probably matt up when wet). Certain woods are better than others as Oneonce2Many has mentioned. The wood should be untreated and should be soft to the touch. I suppose it might be ok if it's soft enough for you to crunch without getting cut or hurting yourself.

I'm not sure how sensitive a quail's respiratory system is, but pine shavings in the USA are not recommended for any small rodents due to the much higher levels of phenols found than the European pine...not a problem for Nils in Hampshire, but might be useful for those over the pond!

i wouldn't use it myself as sawdust can get into there eyes an cause untold damage! bu woodshavings would be fine.

Luke

Right just been back and if I had a lorry and a farm my animals would be the happiest.

There are shed loads of the stuff there.

It feels soft to the touch and their are 2 'tip like bins' - one with wooden shavings and other full of sawdust.

Grabbed 2 black bags full for myself and another for another member here. Wish I was closer to you all to share... ;-p

Thanks for the advice

Nils
x

i'd just like to add something to this.
i used to use the fine wood shavings, but found it to be messy, and yes it does tend to mat together and i'm sure it would stick to the birds feet
so i looked for something different.
i came across some cat litter, it's basically a wooden moulded pellet which is 100% bio degradeable, and i'm using that at the moment.
my Japs And CPQ are fine on it.
it is however a little exspensive, £50 fo 15 litres, it don't go very far, so i hope it lasts a long time.

i also found at B&Q some soft wood shavings, they are intended for childrens play areas, if they fall it softens the blow, i put some Japs on it, and they love it, the cost is £3.48 for a large bag, or you can buy 4 bags for £12
gotta be worth a try

keef