You've spent a lot of time picking out the right bird for you. Now spend some time learning what makes different bird cages better--or worse--for your new feathered friend.
Life behind bars
Most bird cages are metal, though wood is another popular material. Make sure the material is appropriate for your bird and thick enough to survive chewing. (For powerful chewers such as parrots, wood bird cages are out.) Metal bird cages are great, but stay away from using zinc as it is very toxic for birds.
Another aspect in selecting decorative bird cages is how far apart the bars are spaced. While humans look at several small bird cages and see little differences, parakeets and parrots see different stories. Too far apart, a bird can slip out. Too close together, you won't see each other. Besides these inconveniences, improper spacing in bird cages may cause wings, legs, or a head to get caught up, resulting in injury or death. |  |
Room to spread your wings
Next, the dimensions of small flight bird cages are important. In general, select from the large bird cages you can afford. A cage is suitable if the bird can sit on its perch without its tail feathers touching the back or bottom of the cage. Bird cages also come in a variety of shapes. Longer bird cages are optimum for smaller birds needing flight for exercise. Climbing birds such as parrots prefer height. Also, since parrots use their beaks for climbing, horizontal bars provide easy places for them to bite. Not all birds require bird cages with horizontal bars, so be sure to ask the local pet shop which type is right for you.
Bird cage perches, food dishes, and mess catchers
Breeder bird cages would not be complete without furniture, so slip in perches and other bird accessories. Bird cages follow simple design rules. Perches should be set close to food and water dishes. Varying diameters of perches help prevent foot problems if appropriately sized for your particular species. Food and water dishes should be easy to remove.
Medium-sized bird cages should also provide convenient access to mess catchers, making cleaning times that much quicker. And that door should latch securely shut. If it's easy for you to open, it's probably easy for birds to open too.
Your bird will appreciate bird playpens and bird toys such as mirrors or ropes, but mind what you slip into bird cages. Pay special attention to bird toys that can be eaten, broken, or are made of toxic materials. If a bird toy raises doubts for any reason, it's best to leave it outside the cage.
Ask pet stores, read all you can, and identify problems before they happen. Bird cages provide a safe environment for your pet, so consider carefully which one is the best one for your friend.
