Considerations for Choosing the Proper Bird Cage

A large part of caring for a pet bird is providing a suitable home. Your pet bird needs a comfortable place to play and live. Bird cages can vary in size, shape, and even size between the bars. These features mean that bird cages are not "one size fits all". Choosing the wrong bird cage can lead to a pet bird that is unhappy and even cause stress for you. A little planning will ensure that you choose the bird cage that is appropriate for your pet bird.

The internet provides many guides to choosing the proper cage for your pet bird. The list of guides for choosing the proper pet bird cage includes Choosing a Bird Cage - Rules to Remember, Everything You Wanted to Know About Bird Cages, and Choose the Right House or Birdcage for Your Pet Bird. This article provides a general guide to choosing the right bird cage; however, we do not list the proper bird cage for every type of pet bird. These guides provide more specific information for different types of pet birds.

When choosing a bird cage, it is important to consider the size of your pet bird. Bird cages vary greatly in size. Your bird cage must provide your pet bird with an appropriate amount of space to move around and exercise his wings. When explaining the importance of choosing the correct bird cage size, Burgess stated, "While it is perfectly fine to keep a Finch or Canary in a small space, larger birds need larger cages, and it is always better to buy the largest cage you possibly can for your bird." Your pet bird's cage should provide enough space for them to walk around and allow them to fully extend their wings. When purchasing your pet bird, consult with the pet store about the proper size bird cage.

When choosing a bird cage, shape can also make a difference. Bird cages come in many different shapes. Pet bird cages are available that are angled, round, and rectangle. Believe it or not, the proper shape for a bird cage. Burgess reported, "According to some veterinarians, round cages have been found to be detrimental to birds' psychological health, so angled cages are preferable." Like every aspect of buying a cage, your pet bird's species will become a factor. Different types of birds require different amounts of space to fly. Consult with either your veterinarian or pet store personnel about the proper amount of flying space, for your pet bird.

When choosing a bird cage, consider bar spacing. Not only do bird cages come in different sizes and shapes, the space between the bars also varies. Bird cages are also available with bars that are placed either vertically or horizontally. When describing the importance of bar spacing, Burgess stated, "Smaller birds, such as parakeets and lovebirds, require cages with bars no more than a half inch apart, to prevent them from squeezing through or becoming stuck between the bars. Many bird owners have been surprised to find that their pets are quite the little escape artists!"

When choosing a bird cage, consider how the bars are placed. It is also important to remember that larger birds, like parrots, require bars that are spaced horizontally. These birds like being able to climb their cages. Horizontal bars allow these birds to grab them with their beaks. Being able to grab the birds with their beaks allows them to climb the bars.

When choosing a bird cage, consider your own living space. Pet bird cages come in many different shapes, sizes, and even colors. There are also options for how you store your pet bird's cage. Pet bird cages can either be hung from a stand or set on another piece of furniture. Which option you choose depends on the amount of space available in your home. If you already have a table or other area avaiable then you probably want a bird cage that will sit on it. If you have more space available then you may choose a cage that hangs from a stand. Keep in mind, that the stand will require additional space.

When choosing a bird cage, consider what the cage is made of. Bird cages may be made from a variety of materials. It is important to buy a bird cage that will not be hazardous to your pet bird. Bird cages made from materials such as stainless steel or powder coated iron are considered non-toxic. However, you should stay away from bird cages that use galvanized wiring. Galvanized wiring has been found to contain zinc. Zinc can be harmful to your pet bird.

Choosing a bird cage also requires looking at where the bird cage was made. This is not a ploy to just include a plug for products that are "made in America". Where the bird cage was made can affect whether or not it may hurt your bird physically or even make your pet bird sick. Bird Channel described how the manufacturer's origin can effect bird cages by stating, "the rules governing use of lead and other toxic metals may be les stringent than in the United States...Imported cages manufactured under the auspices of recognized manufacturers from developed countries (U.S., Canada, Germany, Great Britain, etc.) are generally up to safety standards."

Choosing the right bird cage is important for your pet birds health and happiness. When choosing a bird cage remember to get the right size, shape, and bar spacing for your species of pet bird. In addition, you should make sure that the bird cage is made from non-toxic materials and manufactured by United States safety standards. Should you need further assistance, either speak with your veterinarian and/or seek resources from your favorite pet shop's personnel. Keeping these steps and resources in mind will ensure that your pet bird will enjoy his new cage.

References
Burgess, Alyson. n.d. Choosing a Bird Cage - Rules to Remember. About.com. Retrieved on December 3, 2009 from http://birds.about.com/od/birdcages/a/choosingacage.htm
Chamberlain, Susan. n.d. Everything You Wanted To Know About Bird Cages. BirdChannel.com.
Retrieved on December 3, 2009 from http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-housing/bird-cages/choosing-bird-cage-guide.aspx
Choose the Right House or Birdcage for Your Pet Bird. n.d. Ehow.com. Retrieved on December 3, 2009 from http://www.ehow.com/video_2349525_choose-right-house-birdcage-pet.html
What Size Should a Pet Bird Cage Be? n.d. Get the right fit. Retrieved on December 3, 2009 from http://www.gettherightfit.co.uk/what-size-should-pet-bird-cage-be.html