Bird Cage Buyers Guide

A healthy pet bird can provide a lot of enjoyment for you and your family. One way to ensure your birds' happiness and health is to purchase bird cages that offer safety and comfort. Bird Cages Size Your bird's home must be roomy enough for its size, and this includes tail feathers. It is important that your bird's tail feathers do not touch the cage while it sits on the perch, as this can damage its feathers. A round bird cage that is at least one-and-a-half times as large as your pet's wing span is a minimum requirement to enable your bird to stretch. Choose a flight bird cage that is wide rather than tall, because a natural bird flight pattern is from side to side, not up and down. Because your bird will be spending so much eating, sleeping, and play time within its cage, spend as much as you can afford. Bird Cages Construction and Material A wire metal cage is often durable enough for small birds, but larger birds need a metal or wrought iron construction to withstand avian curiosity. A powder-coated cage will remain attractive for a longer amount of time and is easier to keep clean than regularly painted cages.

Some wrought iron or metal bird cages are too decorative for your pet and have places for your bird to get caught and hurt itself. Small wire squares in cages can also catch feathers and restrict climbing capabilities for larger birds.

Many decorative bird cages are made of wood or acrylic plastic, and although these cages are beautiful, they are not durable or safe enough for your bird. A wooden cage is easily chewed and destroyed by bird beaks and claws.

Horizontal bars offer your bird the chance to climb up and down the cage. Vertical-only bars do not provide this type of natural exercise.

Bird Cages Bar Spacing
The bar spacing on your bird's cage cannot be too wide, or your bird's head will slip through the space and get stuck. If the spacing is too narrow, both the bird and people will have trouble seeing into or out of the small cage.

BirdCages.com has conveniently pre-labeled specific bird cages as ideal for small, medium, or large birds to assist you in your purchase. A general guideline for bird cage bar spacing would be less than a half-inch for small birds, a half-inch to 1 inch for medium size birds, and 1 inch or wider for large birds.

Bird Cages Accessories
A happy bird will have bird cage toys. These are a required accessory for every cage to prevent a bird from plucking its own feathers out of boredom and to avoid behavioral and health problems. Consider the amount of space that toys will take up when choosing the bird cage size.

For larger birds, a durable plastic-compound or stainless steel feeding cup are good options for durability.

A bird cage cover will help your bird sleep at night by providing darkness, which will encourage it to sleep for the 10 to 12 recommended hours.

Bird Cages Location
Place bird cages in a family room or office to provide the bird's interaction with people. Find a spot next to a wall or corner so your bird can be content and relaxed while viewing family activities. When in the center of activity, a bird can become stressed, especially when it is startled.

Elevate bird cages, rather than placing them directly on the floor. Birds naturally dwell higher than other animals and feel protected and safe when they live at an elevated level. A person's chest height is an ideal height for bird cages.

Place bird cages away from windows where pets can become overheated, as they cannot escape from their environment. Birds enjoy looking out windows, so if you are confident that your feathered pet is safe from heat, this can be a fine location.

These basic steps will help your bird feel safe and comfortable in its new cage when you bring it home.