THE CAGE
When it comes to caging a bird, it is best to get the largest cage that you can afford and accommodate. The cage should suit your species of bird as well. The size of the cage is a critical factor: it needs to have enough space so that your bird can spread its wings without them touching the cage’s enclosures.
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Another important thing to consider while getting a cage for your bird is to ensure that the width is greater than the height. However, it should still be tall enough to accommodate your bird’s tail. You should also avoid cages that come with ornamental scrollwork or are cylindrical in shape. Such cages are not very practical and get the birds’ heads and leg bands caught in the loops of ornamental cages.
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Powder-coated or stainless-steel cages should be your go-to options for the cage. Not only are these cages attractive, but they are also easy to clean, last longer, and are very practical.
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Remember to consider the bar spacing in your cage, which can be dangerous for your birds. A lot of distance between the bars can cause smaller-sized birds to slip through and get their heads wedged. This can be highly dangerous if you own other predatory pets, like cats or dogs. Make sure the cage comes with a few horizontal bars for easy climbing.
LINING THE CAGE
While there is a wide variety of bedding available in the market to choose from, we recommend against those materials. The ideal way to line a cage is to lay down a newspaper and cover it with a layer of ground walnut shells. It is an eco-friendly option that works wonders for odor control. It is also important to prevent your bird from accessing discarded and dropped food. To ensure this, a grate with sufficient distance between the lining pan and cage is a must!
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Perches
To give them lots of exercises and keep their feet healthy at the same time, it is important to supply more than one perch to your bird. The size of the perch is also a crucial factor to comfortable perching. Perches that are too small or large can cause foot problems as they can restrict proper gripping.
The perches should be mounted so sturdily that they don’t move or even vibrate by the bird’s weight. The height adjustment of the perch is an important consideration. It should be on such a height that the bird’s tail doesn’t touch the bottom of the cage, and the bird doesn’t bend its head. The position should also be such that the food, water, or other perches are not soiled by the bird’s droppings.
To dull down sharp nails, it is best to use a combination of wood and sand perches. Make sure to avoid concrete perches as they can cause foot sores in birds.
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Toys in the Cage
To prevent your bird from becoming a perch potato, it is important to promote playtime and exercise. Toys play a crucial role in the temperament as well as the physical and psychological growth of a bird. They can encourage exercise and build stronger muscles while also providing mental stimulation. Remember to supply your bird with destructible as well as indestructible toys.
It should be no surprise to you that bird products come without quality control. Therefore, it makes the owner’s responsibility to be aware of any potential hazards and safety concerns while looking for bird toys. High-quality toys can enhance a bird’s tendency to chew, so it is important to choose non-toxic ones. Make sure they don’t contain small parts or sharp objects.
Wood toys work best for chewing, but acrylic toys can also be as good for your bird babies. They are often more costly than regular wood toys but are safer and last longer. If you have Macaws or Cockatoos, you should buy bird toys that are made of stronger materials.
The size of the toys is also an important factor to keep in mind. You should only use toys made especially for your bird’s size. In case you use small bird toys for your larger bird, your bird may end up consuming smaller parts. Similarly, when you give big bird toys to smaller birds, their heads can get stuck in empty spaces.
It is best if you stay away from toys that come with snapping clasps, bell clappers, or open-chain links. Instead, opt for the safer options of screw clasps and closed-chain links.
While toys are important, make sure you don’t add too many to your bird’s cage. Otherwise, they can end up being an obstacle that prevents them from accessing water and food. Also, it is best to stay prepared for the regular replacement of toys as parrots are natural chewers.