There a few factors you’ll need to consider before deciding what type and size of enclosure to purchase.
- How many birds will you keep?
- What type of birds will you keep?
- Will your bird/s be tamed to come out of their enclosure?
What Type of Cage or Enclosure Will My Bird Need?
Different bird breeds will require different types of housing. Some of the most important considerations when selecting your bird’s enclosure is the strength, thickness and durability of the wire it is made from.
- For Budgies or Zebra Finches
A small enclosure with thin wire will be suitable, as they won’t be able to chew through it. These types of bird cages also have wire placed closer together, preventing your bird from escaping! - For Medium to large parrot breeds
Choose an enclosure with much thicker and stronger wire. This will help prevent your bird from chewing his way out! The wire is also generally placed much further apart, making them suitable for larger birds as they are able to grab the wire with their beak and claws to move around the enclosure.
Your bird should not be able to fit its head between the wire of their enclosure or bend the wire itself. Make sure you know what your bird is capable of before deciding.
Avoid cheaper enclosures built from galvanized steel as they may cause zinc poisoning if your bird loves to chew.
Bird Perches
When purchasing a caged enclosure or aviary, you’ll notice it may include smooth surfaced perches for your bird to stand on.
While these types of perches are fine they may not help prevent overgrown nails and skin lesions on your bird’s feet the way other perches will, so it’s best to provide a few options.
Cement or wood perches naturally trim your bird’s claws. You can also or add some natural branches of all different diameters – the rougher the better! Branches from fruit trees are a great choice.
Ensure you have at least three different sized diameter perches in your enclosure to mimic your bird’s natural habitat.
Bird Cage Flooring
Your bird’s enclosure will typically have a wire bottom and a tray underneath for easy cleaning. Covering the floor of the enclosure with some sand grit sheets will help mimic your bird’s natural habitat. These are great as they are relatively inexpensive and come in a range of shapes and sizes. They can also be cut to size, and are quick and easy to remove.
Bird Baths
Generally, birds love water! Ensure you provide your feathery family member with a bird bath which is big enough for them to sit and splash in, but not so big that they can’t get out on their own.
Additionally, keep a spray bottle on hand to regularly spray your bird with some water. This is especially great in hot weather & your bird will love you for it! It will also help reduce feather dust to keep your bird’s feathers healthy.
Air Quality and Drafts: Where is the Best Place to Put a Bird Enclosure?
When deciding where to place you’re your bird’s cage or enclosure, it’s important to consider the following:
- Avoid areas prone to excessive dust and tobacco smoke as these can harm your bird’s respiratory system.
- Avoid areas that produce drafts such as open windows, doorways and air conditioning units. Drafts may cause your bird to catch a cold that may develop into life threatening pneumonia. Enclosures and aviaries should have a place for your bird to escape cold, harsh conditions.
- Most importantly, keep your bird’s enclosure away from your kitchen. Birds are harmed by fumes produced by cooking.
Cleaning
Cleaning your bird’s enclosure is very simple and should be completed regularly.
Use a bird safe disinfectant to get rid of any germs and clean off any droppings and ensure you change the grit sheets in your cage regularly to keep them fresh.