Choosing the right cage
No purchase is more important than your bird's cage. A cage is your bird's home, it offers security and protection, a place to play and rest. The most common mistake made by people who are buying a parrot is to choose a cage which is too small.
By Law in the U.K. a bird must be kept in a cage which allows it to extend both wings. This is the minimum requirement.
The first rule of buying a cage, buy the biggest you can afford. Make sure that the bar spacing is the correct size for the species of parrot you are buying. In many cages the maximum measurement is vertical; but it is length not height which is most important, except for a Macaw cage. It is not usually advised to buy a cage which has vertical bars, a parrot needs to climb, it will slide up and down, not climb, if the bars are vertical.
Design:- Make sure the cage is workable for your bird, look for features such as a bird-proof lock, dishes that are easy to move, remove and clean. A metal tray which you can remove for ease of cleaning and replacing. A cage on castors is recommended for ease in moving. You are going to have your bird and the cage for a very long time, so you need to make sure the construction is solid. Another important point to remember, check with the supplier to see if the cage is "Zinc-Free and Lead- free". Many cages available today are, cheaper cages aren't. Zinc and Lead can be fatal to birds. Don't overdo the toys, too many toys in the cage will not only restrict the birds' movement it can be a hazard.
Circular cages are not recommended, your bird has no corners in which to retreat.
Location of the cage:- The best location for a cage is the room where the bird will have most company. Not near a television or directly by a heater. If the cage is by a window, the window should have blinds so that you can protect your parrot from direct sunlight. Heat stress can kill birds. Never place a cage directly on the ground, this puts your bird in a vulnerable "low altitude position" - this causes stress to your birds. Ideally, a cage, perch and stand combination that enables the bird to perch comfortably at about mid-chest height (yours, not his) is a good aim.
Avoid draughty areas of the room, or setting up the cage in the middle of the room. A cage is best placed against a wall offering a sense of security for the bird. Once you have placed the cage, avoid moving it around or making changes to the furniture in the room. Constant changes can be stressful to a bird.
© 2007