The moment you decide to house a pet bird in your home, it’s important to consider right away, where will it live. Giving it adequate space is crucial. Not enough sunlight, too much sunlight, and a small draft can all be solid reasons to relocate the cage. The bird has to live in perfect conditions. But before going out and buying the first cage you see, there are some things you should consider. These guidelines will help you make the best decision for you and your bird.
Types of Bird Cages
Plastic Coated Wire Cages
Wire cages are a necessity for many people who keep pet birds contained. Although the metal bars provide your bird plenty of room to walk around and spread its wings, they can be hazardous if they aren’t coated with some type of protective coating. The answer to this problem is plastic-coated cages. Of course, they have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The main advantage is their safety. Because they’re made of plastic, they prevent the bird from swallowing small metal pieces. It’s also easy to clean. All you need to do is wipe it with a damp cloth. But on the other side, it’s hard for the bird to get a grip on the cage and it’s difficult to climb them. The plastic coating can also get damaged and chip or peel and leave the bird exposed to metal.
Stainless Steel Cages
Stainless steel is one of the best materials, not just for cages, but for jewellery, cookware or machines. A spacious, high-quality cage and stand made of this material is a long-term investment that will last for many years to come. It’s very durable and easy to clean and maintain.
This is a non-toxic material so you can be sure the bird won’t swallow anything harmful. They come at a higher price point, which can be a drawback for some people. Plus, this material can be slippery sometimes, making it hard for the bird to climb.
Powder-Coated Cages
This type of cage became very popular in recent years. The powder coating process involves adding dry powder coating to the metal. Manufacturers do this to create a durable and smooth finish. Compared to the other types, this one is highly scratch and chip-resistant.
Plus, because of the extra coating, there’s minimal chance of rust appearing on the cage. One drawback can be its price because it’s a bit more expensive than the others. And if you need to replace some part of the cage, it may be harder to find it in the same finish as the original.
Floor Cage
When it comes to stability, the floor cage is the safest option. There’s no stand for the cage that you can tip over and injure yourself and the bird. This is especially significant if you own a larger bird that wants to play, and it’s excited a lot.
These cages are also simple to clean because there are no nooks and crannies where the dirt might hide like with the ones perched up on a stand. There are some disadvantages as well. For example, it may be hard for the bird to access it and get in and out. Plus, it can feel a bit confining because there would be less space to explore and move around.
Bird Flights
Bird flight cages are great for smaller bird breeds such as Canaries, Doves, Budgies, Cockatiels, Finches or Small Parakeets. They’re a great way for the birds to play and have some exercise while still being confined. They can be made of wire or mesh and are very easy to clean. A damp cloth will be enough. However, these cages can be more expensive because of their size, so consider them well before buying.
Aviaries
Aviaries cages give your pet lots of space to fly around and get some exercise. The most common material they’re made of is wire or mesh. Besides being durable, this material keeps them away from predators such as cats, dogs, foxes, owls, snakes, racoons or skunks. Depending on their placement, these cages may not provide enough protection from the elements, and they can be more difficult to clean.
What to Consider When Buying
Location
Before going out and buying the cage and stand for your pet bird, there are several things to consider. The first one is location. Where will the cage stand? Once you decide on the location, take measurements, length, width and depth and work from there. Make sure the area you choose is away from windows or drafts. But keep it in an active area of your household to encourage the bird’s social interactions and development. Make sure the location is safe and there isn’t high foot traffic near the cage.
Size
After the location, you should consider the size. If you bought a smaller bird like a Canary or a Finch, a smaller cage is alright. But if you buy a bigger bird, you’ll need to buy a bigger cage as well. It’s always a good idea to buy a cage bigger than you actually need. A large bird cage and stand give the birds more room for movement.
Keeping the bird in a smaller cage can cause biting, screaming, feather plucking or even psychological disorders. The animal should be able to flap and expand its wings freely and walk around without restriction. Keep in mind that you should insert some accessories such as perches, toys and food and water bowls.
Bar Spacing
The bar spacing should be taken into consideration when choosing a cage. The bars on cages for smaller birds, such as lovebirds, should be no more than 1.5cm apart to avoid the small birds from coming out or getting caught between the bars. If you have a larger bird, you should consider horizontal, instead of vertical bars. This will give the bird an easy way to climb up and down the cage.
Shape and Style
The cage’s design is a crucial element as well. Some vets claim that circular cages can be harmful to the mental health of birds and that angled cages are something that birds like and enjoy. There are plenty of choices on the market, and they come in different sizes, designs, shapes and colours. Some of them are constructed as a smaller version of a house, some resemble a cottage, and some are even animal shaped. Whatever you choose depends on your personal preferences and the bird’s size and playfulness.
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