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Safierdrgn > Intel > Before you Purchase a Bird Cage for Your New Bird

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Before you Purchase a Bird Cage for Your New Bird

Before You Purchase That Cage

When you've made the life changing decision to purchase your very first parrot, you also need to take in consideration its mental and physical health. Birds can have the mental capacity of a 3-4 year old child.
The type of cage you purchase can affect your bird's mental health drastically if it's the incorrect type.

Self education is of the utmost importance when it comes to your bird. Try not to rely on employees at pet stores for cage suggestions you're likely to get a lot of blank looks, as they often know little to nothing about birds. The answer you could end up with could be something harmful for your bird. Instead, look to the internet. All the information about your type of bird is available for free on the internet; while some of it is incorrect you're more likely to find correct information. Try to find an experienced bird breeder or rescue to help you, most are more than willing to give you a hand via email or the phone.


Always keep safety in the back of your mind - do not purchase the cheapest cage available. While these cages will save you money, they do not hold up to time and they are made of cheap materials - often deadly to birds. Try to purchase the highest quality cage you can find. While a high quality cage may be a little pricey, it will last your bird's lifetime. Stainless steel or wrought iron powder coated cages are safer and more durable than the cheaper wire or plastic cages.

Don't fall victim to Parakeet and Cockatiel "all in one" kits, these are way too small for any type of bird. Smaller birds like finches and canaries, prefer longer cages over tall cages, these birds get their exercise by flying horizontal in their cage. Try to avoid any round cages (cylindrical cages). Birds like a shape with corners in their living quarters, and a round cage can cause insecurity as there's no place for it to truly hide.

Large parrots need a large cage, and all cages need to be wide enough to allow your bird to stretch and exercise its wings. The cage needs to be tall enough for climbing and tail clearance, and needs a secure locking latch. Your bird is smarter than you think!

Two very important questions to ask yourself before buying a cage for your new bird-

1. Is my bird going to spend more than 8 hours every day in its cage (do you work)?

2. Is my bird going to be out of its cage most of the time on a play area or bird stand?


If your bird is going to be in its cage for most of the day, then you will need to find the largest cage appropriate for your type of bird. This will allow for a little more exercise and room for toys. It is not recommended that your birds stay locked in their cage every day; this can cause severe mental problems which lead to screaming, feather plucking and biting out of frustration, this in turn leads to the bird being rehomed because it's "too loud" or "vicious". Even with the largest cage available it's still a tiny world to your bird...try locking yourself in a bathroom for a few hours and see how long it takes for you to get bored. Now try being in there every day for 24 hours a day!

If you've made a little space in your house to put a play area or a stand, your bird can come out when you're home and be with its flock. You'll notice a huge difference in attitudes if your bird gets to spend time with its family versus being locked in its cage.

Try shopping online for a bargain, often there are cages for sale way below the prices you'd pay at a pet store.

Finally, don't leave yourself out of the equation. The cage needs to be easy to clean and maintain. Try to find a cage that has a try that slides out of the bottom, this makes the cage quick and easy to clean. Wrought iron and stainless steel cages are also easier to clean than cheap cages, usually only taking a wipe with a cloth and some hot water.

There's a lot to keep in the back of your mind for this one item, but it's one of the most important items in your parrot's life besides you.

Images


new bird cage
new bird cage

Contributed by Safierdrgn on April 25, 2008, at 7:09 PM UTC.

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This intel was contributed by Safierdrgn


Safierdrgn

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