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Usually the more expensive cages are made
from the best materials. Stainless steel for example is excellent,
as is powder coated metal. Acrylic plastic or cages made of thin
wire will not hold up as well as those made from more expensive
materials.
The amount of time the bird will spend in the
cage each day should be considered when looking for a cage. A bird
that is caged most of the time requires far more space than a bird
caged only at night. Some birds have special requirements. Parrots
tend to gnaw on cages, and macaws have been known to tear bars from
flimsy cages. Amazons prefer horizontal bars, as they like to climb.
Messy eaters should have a seed skirt to catch food. Breeding birds
may require a nest or breeding box and a larger size cage.
Cage
Types:
Flight cages - Also known
as aviaries, these cages are large in either width or height to
encourage your bird to move around.
Dometop cages - These cages
have an expanded, curved top section as opposed to the traditional
box shape. The extra interior space in these cages is great for
active birds who like to climb or fly. It is also an easy way to
offer multiple birds a little more head room without sacrificing
more floor space in your house.
Playtop cages - For active birds
who spend large amounts of time outside of their home, these cages
make an excellent choice. Many models even boast a detachable playtop
that allows you to carry it into a different room for a change of
scenery for your bird. Plus, since the playtop matches the cage
and sits on top of it when not in use, you get a cage-coordinated
playland that easily stores in the otherwise wasted space above
your cage.
Classic cages - Whether short
and squat or tall and long, these boxy cages are full of both function
and style. Similar to flight cages, but more proportionate in overall
size, there is a classic cage to comfortably suit most any bird,
often at a more affordable price.
Cage
Placement:
If possible, place he cage up against one or more walls. This will
make your parrot feel more secure. In the wild, an attack from predictors
can come from any direction. Therefore if you eliminate the back
or a side, this is one less direction your parrot won't worry about
an attack.
The birdcage should not sit directly on the floor.
Birds need to feel they can see what’s going on in a room.
Unless the cage has legs, set it on a cage stand or a table.
If possible, position by natural light (however,
be careful not to put a cage in front of a drafty window). If the
cage can’t be set up near a source of good natural light,
set up a timed full-spectrum lamp near the cage. The timer should
be set to keep the light on for 12 to 14 hours a day.
Although the cage should be in a well-trafficked
part of the home, it shouldn't’t be anywhere that’s
extremely busy. For example, keep the cage out of a front hall where
people rush in and out and the door keeps slamming.
Cage
Maintenance:
Here is a Simple Checklist for Cage
Maintenance:
Cages should be cleaned weekly, but daily
is ideal
- Wipe down cage bars to remove food
and feces
- Clean or better yet, replace with spare
(clean) food and water dishes. (Tip: buy a spare set of stainless
steel dishes so you can throw these into the dishwasher and still
have clean dishes ready for your bird)
- Wipe down toys and perform toy safety
check
- Check cage fasteners and door latches
- Ensure adequate ventilation and light
for the upcoming day's weather
- Vacuum the surrounding cage area
- Add fresh water and food
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