Before Buying or Building a Bird Cage, Ask These Questions

January 30th, 2009 Filed Under Bird Cages

All You Need To Know About Your Pet’s Cage

Many say home is where our heart is. We do every thing to make sure there is adequate space and ventilation in our home. Birds are no exception. Given their natural habitat it is crucial to take certain factors into account before selecting a bird cage for your pet. This is also likely to reflect on your pet’s health and life span.

There are 7 Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Bird Cage.

Is the cage you’re considering made of materials that are safe for your bird?

Toxicity levels of minerals like Zinc & Lead in the cage are your #1 priority. This is why some cages are priced so much lower than other cages. Some companies like AE Cage Company & Avian Adventures have discussed this issue with veterinarians and other bird experts and manufactured cages in a manner that meets or beats the standards!

Is the cage you’re considering large enough to keep your bird safe, happy, & healthy?

buiding a bird cage Here is the rule of thumb; studies have shown that the larger the cage, the happier & healthier the bird, as long as the bar spacing isn’t too wide. You don’t want your bird to be able to put it’s head between the bars, because this can cause major injuries or even death to your bird. We have created a chart that shows you what bar spacing & cage size is appropriate for your species of bird. Please keep in mind that all bird’s are different, even birds of the same species can be significantly different in sizes (for example, a small Conure might fall into the Small Bird Category & a regular-sized Conure would fit into the Medium Bird Category).

How easy is the cage to clean?

People tend to overlook this when shopping for a bird cage & this is arguably the most important factor to consider beyond the toxicity levels in powder-coated cages. It not only cuts down on the amount of time you need to spend on cleaning, it also increases the lifespan of your cage. Bird droppings can actually become an erosive chemical to your cage and the longer that sits on your cage, the more damage it can do. Even the best of cages will only last 3 or 4 years if not properly cared for. And on the other hand, a properly cared for, good quality powder-coated cage can last over 10 years. Look for a cage that is sturdy, but easily dismountable. You should also shop for cages that have
optional-use grates.

Don’t buy a cage to fit into a specific tight spot in your home!

This tends to ignore the well-being of your feathered friend! Birds are a lot like humans, they need space, they need sunlight, they need to be able to look around.

Does your cage give your bird enough stimulation?

The two best ways to give your bird stimulation are toy hooks & removable play tops. Give your bird a change of scenery, encourage it to exercise, and give it a chance to
get some sunlight.

What’s the quality-level of the materials used on the cage you are looking at?

Avoid hollow bars at all costs! Any decent sized bird can bend or even chew through a hollow bird cage bar. Quality bird cages are constructed of steel (the powder-coated cages should be steel underneath the powder-coating & the stainless steel cages should be 100% stainless steel, not plated) or iron.

The above is an excerpt from the free newsletter on “All About Cockatoos” published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.

Additional Resources:

Choosing The Best Bird Cage

Even if you have already bought a bird cage, there is more to do- you have to decide which accessories you will need.There is usually extra room in the bird cage, which is left to be used for the accessories.

Bird Cages – All About Bird Cage Covers

People use bird cage cover to allow their birds to sleep undisturbed. Your birds can rest peacefully then and they will not be disturbed by common household lights or noises.

Choosing The Appropriate Parrot Cages

Once you’ve got your parrot, it will become your immediate family member for a long time, so if you are ever care about your parrot, you should be very sure.

Large Bird Cage | Parrot Cages

Having a big pet bird has some challenges. One of the challenges having such a pet is finding a comfortable home for the feathered creature.