Choosing and Placing the Cage
By Anne Watkins
Choosing the correct cage for your companion bird is one of the most important decisions you will make. After all, it will be your bird's bedroom, dining room, and play room. With so many different cages available, sometimes it can be hard to decide which one will be the most suitable for your bird. You'll want something that will go with your own home's decor, as well, but your bird's comfort and safety must come first.
Things to Consider
How big is your bird? If you share your life with a small bird, such as a finch, canary, parakeet, or lovebird, you will need to find a cage with bars that are close enough together so that the bird can't squeeze itself through and escape or get its head trapped and choke. A lot of these smaller birds like to fly from side to side, rather than up and down, so long, rectangular cages are more comfortable for them. Make sure they have plenty of room to stretch and fly around and that none of their feathers will be crushed against any of the bars. Some cages routinely sold as ‘canary cages' or ‘parakeet cages' are too small for comfort. Keeping in mind that these little birds are bursting with energy and love to flitter around, purchase the largest cage you can afford that has appropriately spaced bars. Avoid round cages or oddly shaped ones. They offer no corners for the bird to retreat to if it feels threatened, and it can be difficult to position perches so that tail feathers don't brush against the bars, and they are awkward to clean.
Larger birds, such as conures, parrots, African greys and others, require cages with strong bars that can resist the harsh chewing habits of hookbills. Cockatiels, though small in body size, need tall cages to allow for their erect crest feathers, as do cockatoos. A lot of these birds enjoy climbing and do well in cages that are tall, rather than low and narrow. As with the smaller birds, always check to make sure that the bars are spaced to prevent escape or entrapment, and that the bars are sturdy and the welds secure.
Does the cage allow plenty of room for stretching? There should be lots of space inside the cage to allow for the full extension of the wings, for the bird to stand fully erect without its head touching the top of the cage, and for the tail to avoid being crushed against the bars. If any of your bird's feathers constantly brush against the bars, they will begin to look shabby and rough. Think how uncomfortable you would be if, no matter which way you turned, your hair or clothing always brushed against the wall! Don't make your bird live in a space that is too small. If you allow your companion bird plenty of play time outside the cage, a smaller cage will do for sleeping. But if your bird spends most of its time inside its cage, purchase the largest cage you can afford that has the most appropriately spaced bars for your species of bird.
Cage Placement
Since parrots, conures, and other larger birds crave attention and love being smack in the middle of family routine, their cages can be situated in higher traffic areas of the home. As long as the cage is located in a stable position where it is not likely to be bumped into and jostled around or knocked over, most parrot-type birds enjoy being able to see and supervise their family's activities. Even larger birds need a feeling of security, though, so try to find a place along a wall or in a corner for the cage. Some birds enjoy having a bird-safe plant or tree close to their cage so they can take refuge behind it if they wish.
Quieter, more timid birds can suffer from stress if constantly faced with a busy family rushing around getting ready for school or work, or from loud televisions or radios, and other constant activity. These birds benefit from having their cages placed in quieter areas. Sometimes shy birds react better when their cages are placed a bit higher than the shoulders of their human companions. The height helps them feel more secure. Make certain that the cage stands or shelves holding the cages are sturdy and untippable.
There are no hard and fast rules for choosing a cage for your companion bird, but a good dose of common sense is helpful. Allow your bird to be your guide. When shopping for a cage, visualize your bird inside. Is there plenty of wing-room, head room, and tail room? Will you be able to comfortably position perches, food and water cups, swings, treat cups, and toys and still have ample space for your bird to climb around? Are the cage bars suitable for your species of bird? Do the door and all openings operate smoothly and fasten tightly? Will the cage fit in your home comfortably?
These are only a few suggestions to consider next time you are faced with choosing a new cage for a companion bird. Happy shopping!
