Yes, there is a grate. I put the news paper on the TOP of the grate and i put tons of layers... like when im done reading the newspaper i just put it on layer by layer and it lasts a really really long time. I use the tray for storage and i put her food and treats on it. its very easy.

Because there are so many layers i just pic one up almost everytime i go to see her so its clean. But tiki never walks in her poop anyways... im not sure if other birds would though.