Bird Cages Vs Parrot Cage Fundamentals
If you’ve never put much thought into the difference between standard bird cages and parrot cages, then you are like most people. Picking a great cage out for your bird is something that you need to put good thought into, and size and material is such a small part of that. When you do select your cage, there are a few things that you will need to take under advisement before you actually pick out a cage for your feathered friend.
The Sizes
First off you are going to need to think about the size, and what sort of bird you are going to purchase. If you want parakeets, then you can get by with a small cage, but that really depends on how many parakeets you are actually planning to keep. If you just have a single parakeet then you won’t need a huge cage, but it still needs to be comfortable. Remember, this is the bird’s home, and it needs to be quite comfortable in it’s home.
Finches and other types of small birds such as canaries, budgies and lovebirds will not need a large cage, but still require one that is large enough so they do not feel cramped. This also depends on how many birds you are planning to put in one cage. If you are buying a parrot that is still a baby, the parrot is going to grow so purchase a cage that will still be large enough when the parrot gets older.
The size of the cage will be relevant to how happy and healthy your bird stays. The cage will have to be the right size for easy accommodation in the area in which you are planning to keep it as well. Birds like the interaction they have with humans so they need to be in a room that is frequented often. Consider this when you are shopping for bird cages. A small home may not have room for a large cage.
The Materials
The materials that bird cages are made of is another very important aspect of buying a cage. Most cages are made from steel or wrought iron. Birds have very strong beaks and often they will chew on the cage. If you are not careful, your bird will be out of the cage in no time. Parrot cages are made of even stronger materials since parrots have much more beak strength than smaller birds. They are also extremely smart and can figure out how to unlock their cage so you may want to consider this as well.
The best material is either a steel cage or a wrought iron cage. Avoiding wooden cages no matter how cute they may be is a good idea because they are more easily breached by the bird. Making sure the bird cages are made of materials that have not been painted is another aspect of purchasing a safe bird cage. Some paints can be poisonous to your bird.
You also need to make sure that the bird cages you purchase don’t have bars that are too wide. Make sure that the bars are no more than half an inch apart, because if there is more space your bird will probably be able to waltz right out. Make sure the material isn’t easily broken so that your bird won’t just break the bars and wander out of the cage.
The Shape
Bird cages come in all shapes and sizes, they may be round, they may be square, they may have a flat roof, and they may have a dome. A domed roof is good for birds that love climbing and love seeing everything that they can. A flat roof is okay for parakeets as they enjoy climbing and calling out for other birds. This will give your birds the ability to see everything that is going on in the house.
For the most part small cages are going to be round or square, and it doesn’t really matter because you are probably going to select a bird that is very small. Mostly you’ll want to make sure that the bird cage is good for the bird you are buying, you can get a cage that hangs, or one that stands, it all depends on your tastes and the needs of your bird.
Some bird cages for larger birds have play areas on the top for activities when they are out of the cage. There are two story bird cages for those who have many birds. These are perfect for parakeets, cockatiels and other small to medium birds. This is an option to consider if you have several birds and need more than one cage.
Accessories
All bird cages need to feature easy access for cleaning, and the replenishing of the essentials such as good and water. They also need a tray that can be removed without issue for cleaning. There’s a lot of cages with detachable roofs that make cleaning very easy. These need to have perches as well. Perches are a great place for a bird to relax, and if the perch is made out of wood then it will be a lot easier for the bird to relax on. Again, make sure the wood is not painted.
Something to climb on and even a few toys for the birds is recommended. Most birds are very active and like to have things to entertain themselves with when they are in the mood to play. Swings are one of the items you will see in many bird cages. There are certain types of birds such as parakeets that love to perch on the swings and talk up a storm.
Most importantly, make sure that your bird is happy in his or her cage. The cage is their home and you need to keep it clean at all times. I you do this then the bird will be very happy. Pick out a bird cage as if you were picking out a home for yourself.
Source:ezinearticles.com
