Buy a cage for your bird

When you have made the decision to change your life to buy a parrot, you should also consider your mental and physical health. The cage you buy can drastically affect your bird’s mental health if you don’t get the right size.

Self-education is of the utmost importance when it comes to your bird. If you turn to pet store clerks for cage suggestions, you’re likely to get a lot of “uhhhs” as they often know very little about birds. Large chain pet stores tend to hire anyone and what they know they learn from the store’s “guide”…if they read it at all! Most of this information is incorrect and tends to be worded to get the store to make more sales. All the information you need is on the web, you can email experienced breeders… most of them will be happy to answer any questions about your bird.

In general, you should buy the highest quality cage you can find.

here are two very important Questions to ask yourself when buying a bird cage.

1. Will my bird be in its cage every day for more than 8 hours?

2. Will my bird be outside most of the time in a play gym or bird stand?

If your bird is going to be in its cage for more than 8 hours a day, you will need to purchase the largest cage that is appropriate for your type of bird. It is not recommended that you keep your birds locked in their cage 24/7; this causes serious mental problems resulting in screaming, biting, and feather plucking in frustration. Even with the largest cage available, it’s still small… try locking yourself in your dresser for a few hours and see how long it takes for it to go crazy. Now try to be there 24 hours a day!

If you’ve made a small space for a play area or bird stand, your bird can come out when you’re home and be with his flock. You will notice an extreme difference in attitudes if your bird spends time with his family instead of being cooped up in his cage.

Always keep safety in mind: don’t buy the cheapest model available. While these cages will save you money, they don’t stand the test of time and are made of cheap, often toxic materials. Try to buy the best quality cage you can find. While a high-quality cage can be expensive, it will last a lifetime. Powder coated stainless steel or wrought iron cages are safer and more durable than wire or plastic cages.

Don’t fall victim to those parakeet or cockatiel kits, these are too small for the type of bird they are “made” for. Small birds (budgies, finches, canaries) prefer longer cages than tall cages, since they get most of their exercise by flying in their cage. And the birds fly more from side to side than up and down. Try to avoid all round cages (cylindrical cages). Birds like the shape of their homes, and a round cage can cause insecurity as there is nowhere to really hide.

Large parrots need a large cage, it should be wide enough to allow your bird to stretch out and exercise its wings. It must be tall enough to climb to clear the tail, and it needs a secure locking latch. Your bird is smarter than you think!

Finally, do not stay out of the equation either, the cage must be easy to maintain. Try to find a cage that has a removable tray on the bottom, this makes cleaning the cage quick. Cast iron and stainless steel cages are easier to clean than cheap cages.

There is a lot to consider for this item, but it is one of the most important items in your parrot’s life.