Birds are wonderful pets and like any pet they require suitable housing. Bird cages are just cages for keeping pet birds but there are certain factors that should be considered before purchasing a cage. The size of the bird cage is a very important factor. It needs to provide enough space for your bird to be able to walk around and be able to flap their wings comfortably. Remember that there will be things like perches, toys and bowls that need to be added and they all take up space.
The type of bird you have will determine the size of cage required, large birds such as parrots will obviously require a much larger cage than a budgie. If the cage you select is too small it can cause considerable stress in your pet bird leading to some very unpleasant problems. These may include your pet bird pulling out its own feathers or becoming very noisy and unhappy.
The bird cage you select should be of good quality, it should not have any sharp edges or parts that can come loose. It is much better to buy a cage that will not rust, is easy to clean and is non-toxic. Quality cages made from stainless steel are a good choice and will not chip. Because the cage will require cleaning on a regular basis, make sure it has a removable grid on the bottom for collecting bird droppings.
The shape of a particular bird cage may have more of a psychological affect on your bird than you realise. There is some debate on this subject but some vets believe round cages a not a particularly good choice. This may be because some shapes can restrict the amount of usable space the bird has.
Another critical factor to consider when buying a bird cage is bar spacing. Smaller birds like lovebirds should have a cage where the bars are no more than half an inch apart so that they cannot squeeze through them or get stuck between them. Vertical rather than horizontal bars are a good choice for larger birds that enjoy climbing.
You need to have a bird cage that has got ample room for an assortment of other items to keep your pet bird happy and entertained. It is important to have a variety of toys including a swing for your bird to play with, and it is necessary to have some perches, food and water bowls.
It is a great idea to visit a veterinarian because they should be able to advise you on any requirements that are needed for the particular breed of bird you need a cage for. There are veterinarians who specialize in bird care and they are an excellent source of information.
