THE CAGE

When acquiring a cage for your bird, it is advisable to invest in the largest cage that suits your budget and can adequately accommodate the specific bird species you own. At a minimum, the cage should allow the bird to extend its wings without touching the sides. Anything smaller is considered too confining.

Opt for a cage that is wider than it is tall but still tall enough to accommodate the bird’s tail. Avoid tall, cylindrical cages, as they are impractical and don’t provide the bird with ample space. Ornamental scrollwork should also be avoided, as birds can get caught in the loops with their leg bands or heads.

Powder-coated or stainless steel cages are highly recommended due to their practicality, durability, attractiveness, and ease of cleaning.

Bar spacing is a critical consideration. If the bars are spaced too far apart, smaller birds might slip through or get their heads wedged between them. This poses a danger, especially in homes with other predatory animals like cats and dogs. The cage should also feature horizontal bars to facilitate the bird’s movement.

The table below outlines the minimum recommended cage sizes for the various species we raise.

LINING THE CAGE

Several bedding materials are available for cage lining, with newspaper covered with a layer of ground walnut shell being our preferred choice. This combination effectively controls odor and is environmentally safe.

A grate with sufficient distance between the cage and lining pan is essential to prevent the bird from accessing droppings and discarded food.

PERCHES

Provide more than one perch of varying diameters to maintain healthy feet and offer good foot exercise. Perches should be appropriately sized to allow comfortable perching. Incorrectly sized perches can lead to foot problems.

Perches must be securely mounted, free from movement or vibration under the bird’s weight. They should be positioned at a height that prevents the bird’s tail from touching the bottom of the cage but not so high that the bird must bend its head to avoid contact with the top. Additionally, arrange perches to prevent droppings from soiling food, water, or other perches.

Sandy perches, used in conjunction with wood perches, assist in dulling sharp nails. However, concrete perches should be avoided as they can cause foot sores.

TOYS IN THE CAGE

Toys are crucial in a bird’s mental stimulation and physical exercise. Birds deprived of diversions can become sedentary. Provide a mix of destructible and indestructible toys.

Exercise caution when selecting toys, as there’s no quality control for pet bird products. Ensure toys are free of toxic materials, sharp objects, or small, easily consumed parts. Opt for toys that vary in shape and color, stimulating activity and fulfilling a bird’s natural tendency to chew.

For larger birds like Macaws and Cockatoos, choose toys made of strong materials. Wood toys for chewing and acrylic toys are recommended for their durability. Ensure toys are size-appropriate, avoiding small bird toys for large birds and vice versa.

Some toy components are safer than others. Avoid toys with open chain links, snap-type clasps, and bell clappers. Opt for toys with screw-type clasps and closed chain links.

Avoid overcrowding the cage with too many toys, creating an obstacle course for the bird. Since parrots are natural chewers, be prepared to replace toys and perches regularly.