Yes, our vets are the same here. I use newspaper on the bottom of my budgies cage. They have often ripped it but haven't had any probs. I have also used a special sand which we could buy in the supermarket.
Don't you just hate it when they come up chirping...especially after they have nearly given you a heart attack. LOL. Think they do it on purpose...rotten little sods!!!

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The more people I meet, the more I like my dogs.