Welcoming a new feathered friend into your home is an exciting time! However, choosing the right aviary to house your bird can seem overwhelming, with so many styles, sizes, and materials to consider.Â
Considering Your Bird’s Size and Needs
The first factor to consider is your bird’s size and typical behaviors. Proper cage sizing is crucial for your pet’s health, happiness, and safety. Let’s break down bird cage sizes:
Parakeets and Budgies
Small seed-eating parrots like parakeets and budgies require cages with a footprint of at least 18×18 inches and taller than 18 inches in height. These energetic fliers appreciate taller cages that allow adequate room to flap their wings.
Cockatiels
Larger than budgies but smaller than conures, cockatiels do best in cages 24x18x24 inches or larger. This size balances climbing, flying, and foraging space.
Conures
From jendays to green-cheeked conures, consider a cage at least 24x24x36 inches for these active climbers and talkative parrots. The extra height is important for acrobatic conures.
Macaws and Cockatoos
For large parrots like macaws and cockatoos, nothing less than a 36x24x48 inch cage will do. Their dramatic size demands maximum wing-stretching area and toys for amusement.
Choose a cage that provides at least two to three times the wing-span clearance for small birds and at least one and a half times for larger parrots. The remaining cage dimensions should suit the species’ typical activity levels.
Bird Cage Design: Consider Material and Style
With cage size down, let’s examine popular cage designs and the materials used. Different styles suit various environments, and certain materials are better than others:
Steel Cages
Steel offers tremendous durability that is ideal for active parrots. Look for powder-coated steel to prevent rusting. Cleaning is simple with a mild soap. Opt for horizontal or diagonal bars spaced close enough to prevent escapes. Some criticism of steel is that it can seem cold or loud – adding natural branches, toys, or fabric perches can soften the look.
Wooden Cages
Made of woods like meranti or plywood, wooden cages lend a warm, natural aesthetic. Be aware wood requires more maintenance over time to prevent warping or staining. Space bars closely for security. Despite extra care needs, many parrot owners feel wood provides a comforting atmosphere.
Plastic and Wire Cages
Lightweight and inexpensive plastic or wire cages suit budget-minded owners or those short on space. However, thin plastic can crack or break under vigorous chewing or scratching. Widely spaced wire strands invite escape artists to squeeze through. Consider these styles only for smaller, calm birds.
Natural Fiber and Rattan Cages
For a handsome rustic look, choose cages made of cane, rattan, bamboo, or wicker. Popular online, these require bars spaced very narrowly to retain smaller birds safely. Regular dusting helps prevent fibers from collecting debris. Examine build quality for sturdiness.
The MVP cage materials for active, large parrots are powder-coated steel or sturdy wood. However, plastic, wire, or natural fiber cages can work, too, if they are sized and barred appropriately for your bird.
The shape of the Bird Cage
Cage shape affects the vibe within. Consider these popular silhouettes:
- Rectangular/cube: The easiest to fit in corners. Patterns allow climbing and separation of sleeping/playing areas. Good for large parrots.
- Round/dome: Feels more natural but wastes interior space. Ideal for couples seeking intimate bonding time. Trickier to clean fully.
- Tower: Tall vertical design mimics tree trunks. Fun climbing and exploring for curious birds. Place in open areas for visibility.
- Multi-level: Connected tiers or domed tops add dimension. Stimulates active birds with changing vistas. Complex to clean thoroughly.
Overall, the practical rectangular or square cage suits average homes best. However, rounded, vertical, or tiered cages work well for some species, depending on the placement area. Consider your parrot’s activity level and personality when deciding on its shape.
Bird Cage Prices: Budgeting for Quality
With so many options above, cage pricing varies widely too. Here’s a ballpark guide:
- Basic plastic or wire models range $50-$150 for smaller birds.
- Quality powder-coated steel cages start around $150 for single-level styles up to $300ish.
- Larger multi-level towers or wooden cages cost $300-$600 generally.
- Very deluxe all-steel multi-level or extra large cages can hit $1,000+
What’s most important is choosing a cage made of durable, non-toxic materials that securely houses your bird based on the needs discussed earlier. Cheaping out on size or build quality risks compromising their welfare long-term. Invest in the best quality your budget allows for your pet’s happiness.
Housing Your Bird Safely Indoors
With cage criteria settled, plan the ideal home placement:
Location
Birds thrive with 12+ hours of light daily, so avoid dark bedrooms. Noise levels must also fit their hearing sensitivity – busy kitchens may stress them. Living rooms typically suit best, or sunny spots like sun porches.
Away from Drafts,
Place cages a safe distance from heating/cooling vents, direct fan flows, and open windows/doors to avoid respiratory issues in molting or cold seasons.
Temperature/Humidity
Most parrots tolerate average home indoor conditions of 18-26°C and 30-70% humidity. Some species, like amazons, favor slightly warmer/drier. Keep wings clipped if cage doors are open during air conditioning use.
Cleaning/Noise
Consider mess from feathers, food waste, and droppings when placing near furnishings like carpets. Some species also scream – avoid bedrooms at night if noise-sensitive.
So in summary, position your bird’s new cage in a central, well-lit room away from direct airflow changes and where their new company can become a joy to all. With healthy, happy, feathered friends, every home brightens!
Bird Cage Outdoor: Expanding their Space Safely
With proper introductions and taming, many parrots enjoy brief outdoor cage time, too, to experience nature’s sights and sounds. Make it as safe as possible:
- Place cage in partial shade away from direct sun risk. Provide cover from rain or winds.
- Secure the cage very well to avoid tipping over or being lifted by strong gusts. Bolt to a heavy surface if possible.
- Ensure the cage door/top cannot possibly open without supervision. Reinforce locks with clips, screws, or pins for peace of mind.
- Watch closely the entire time and do not leave unattended, even for a moment. Bring the cage in promptly if any weather shifts occur.
- Consider harness/leash training first to allow limited floor time outdoors under a safety tether for greater freedom. Constant vigilance required.
- Remove from outdoor areas if nearby animals like possums, dogs, or outdoor cats may threaten through bars at night.
- Only do outdoor sessions when you can fully focus on their happiness and comfort levels, not when engaged in other tasks.
With diligence, outdoor time enriches parrots while allowing you to enjoy their company garden-side. But prioritize safety above all during any expanded adventures beyond cage walls.
FAQs: Answering Common Bird Cage Queries
After this extensive overview, let’s address some frequent questions from new bird parents:
What is a good cage for a cockatiel?
Ideal cockatiel cages measure 24x18x24 inches or larger. Powder-coated steel is very durable for chewing or a sturdy hardwood. Avoid thin plastics or wires that invite escape. Place the cage in a sunny, central family room away from drafty areas.
What is the best outdoor birdcage?
Powder-coated steel cages hold up best to sun, rain, and winds outdoors. Bolt the solid, secure cage top to a level, weighted surface like a heavy table. Always supervise outdoors and promptly bring inside if the weather changes to keep birds safe and comfortable.
Where should a bird cage be located in the home?
Bird cages suit central, well-lit areas like living spaces versus bedrooms where noise at sunrise may disturb sleep. Also, avoid busy kitchens or areas with loud TVs that stress birds. Position cages at a safe distance from heating/cooling vents or open doors/windows.
Can I paint a birdcage?
It’s generally not recommended to paint metal or wire cages that could chip paint particles birds may ingest. However, if you must, use a non-toxic enamel paint made for indoor or outdoor metalwork. Mask off the interior and sand paint the exterior smooth, allowing it to be fully cured before reintroducing birds. Wooden cages can also be painted as long as the surface remains smooth. Remember, some birds may try to eat the paint, so avoid fancy colors or graphics that are closer to their reach. Stick to simple solid tones if painting. Regularly inspect any painted areas for chipping after. Overall, it’s low risk to leave cages unpainted.
How do you make a caged bird happy?
Bird happiness starts with choosing a cage that is properly sized based on the species and providing various natural perches, toys, and substrates. Rotate toys weekly to maintain interest. Train your bird with positive reinforcement to build trust. Spend dedicated time several times a day interacting, playing, and giving scritches. Keep cages clean and provide a stimulating, secure environment with 12+ hours of quality light daily. A happy, mentally, and physically engaged bird is a joy to be around!
What is a bed cage called?
The technical term for a cage designed specifically for sleeping is a night cage or sleeping cage. Night cages aim to make sleeping comfier for birds with features like rounded wire edges, enclosed sides, and softer substrates like paper-based liners. They attach to or tuck inside the main cage and provide a cozy retreat each evening with minimal risks of night frights.
