Buying and Selecting a Bird Cage - Tips and Guide

If you are a new bird owner, choosing the cage will be the most important decision you make, other than the bird itself. Choosing the right cage will go a long way in keeping your new bird happy and healthy. There are many things to consider before you decide on a cage for your new pet.

Obviously, the first thing to consider is what type of bird you’ll be putting in the cage. A longer cage is required for long tailed species, such as parakeets and cockatiels. This will allow them to get the exercise they need by flying from one end of the cage to the other. Birds such as Senegal parrots and lovebirds have stocky bodies, and get most of their exercise by climbing. This requires them to have a cage that is taller, and not as wide.

When it comes to cages, many people would think that bigger is better, no matter what kind of bird you have. While most of the time this is true, it’s not a good idea to place a recently weaned baby bird in a large cage. This bird might become frightened in such a large space and may not be able to find his food and water. Put your baby bird in a small cage for the first couple of months and move him to the larger one when he is older and more stable.

Consider the spacing between the cage bars when making your decision. The most extravagant cage in the world is useless if the bars are far enough apart to allow your bird to slip right through. Always factor in the size of your bird’s head in comparison to the spacing when choosing a cage. The same holds true for cages made of wire mesh. A cockatiel’s head can fit perfectly through a cage made with one inch mesh. Many cockatiels have injured themselves by sticking their head back into the cage through another hole instead of pulling back through the same one.

There are other things to consider as well, after the size of the cage and bar spacing have been decided upon. Find out if the cage has some type of grate to prevent the bird from escaping when the tray is pulled out. Will the depth of the tray be sufficient to contain the mess that your particular bird will make? Even a deep tray may not be able to catch all of the seed husks and feathers that your bird will throw around.

Without a cage apron, these will end up scattered on the floor. A built in metal apron is advised, but you can place the cage in a plastic apron base or use a cloth apron to cover the bottom of the cage if need be.

Finally, take into consideration the placement of the cage cups. You should be able to access the cups easily without having to open the main cage door. Larger bird cages should have the cups secured to the cage somehow to prevent your bird from tossing them to the bottom. This will prevent you from having to reach down into the bottom of the cage to get them every day when it’s time to refill them.

         

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