Have you decided to take the plunge into bird ownership? If so, you’re in for lots of adorable and charming moments with your new feathered friend. Birds are small, but they manage to pack a ton of personality and opinions into small bodies. Polly has some very specific needs, which are in many ways quite different from those of dogs and cats. One of the most important things is making sure that she is comfortable in her cage. A local Cumberland County vet offers some insight on that below. 

Choosing The Right Birdcage

Birdcages come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes these days. They are definitely not one-size-fits-all. You’ll need to get the right size and style for your winged buddy. Knowing exactly what features you should and shouldn’t be looking for will help you narrow down the options when choosing your winged friend’s cage.

Research Polly’s Space Needs

A good birdcage setup is going to start with choosing the right birdcage. As far as shape and size goes, that’s going to depend on the type of bird you are getting. Parrots, for instance, need lots of room to climb and play, and do best with cages that are quite tall. A finch, however, won’t need that height: these guys actually need more horizontal space. This is definitely something that you would want to research before you go shopping.

Here are a few minimum cage size requirements:

• African Grey:  34″ x 24″ x 36″ H
• Budgerigar: 18″ W x 18″ D x 24″ H
• Cockatiel: 20″ W x 20″ D x 24″ H
• Lovebirds: 24″ W x 24″ D x 24″ H

Keep in mind that if your winged pal is still a baby, you’ll need to get something that will still be comfortable and large enough for when they are all grown up.  Also, these sizes are for one bird: if you are getting more than one, you’ll need a bigger habitat. 

Get A Safe Material

One would think that birdcages would always and only be made from substances that are safe for your feathered pal, but that actually isn’t really the case. It’s best to avoid any cage that is made of galvanized wire, as these are often coated in zinc, which is toxic to birds. Painted cages are also not a good bet, as your pet may chew her cage and could ingest paint chips. Powder-coated stainless steel is a good bet.

Pay Attention To Bar Spacing

Another thing that is quite important is making sure that your cage has an appropriate distance between bars. You don’t want to risk your pet getting her head or wings caught! The minimal size is going to vary a bit, depending on the sort of bird you get. Ask your vet for specific advice if you aren’t sure.

Pick The Right Style

There are quite a few styles of bird cage available. The vast majority of them fall into a few categories.

• Classic: Standard cage, typically square. 
• Dome-Top: Offer some additional height at the top 
• Playtop: Come with detachable upper levels that let you move your winged pal to different areas. 

Don’t Skimp On Extras

Birdcages can vary quite dramatically as far as cost. However, whether you are getting a small, standard cage for a parakeet or a huge one for a MaCaw, you’ll want to look at the bells and whistles. Things like slide-out litter trays, feeder doors, removable tops, and other features may seem like unnecessary perks to a first-time bird owner, but these things can make life much easier on you. Keep in mind that the cage is really a one-time expense.

Measure First

You may have heard the old handyman’s adage about measuring twice and cutting once. That sort of applies here. You may want to pick the spot for the cage before you go shopping. Then, you’ll know exactly how much room you have to work with. 

Don’t Buy Used

Sometimes, you can save quite a bit of money by getting something secondhand. This is one area where it’s really just not worth the risk. A used birdcage may very well have been previously inhabited by a sick bird, and could still be contaminated. It may also be harder for you to find out what the cage is made of, which is also important. 

Where Do You Put The Birdcage?

Choosing the right spot is also important. Birds often feel safest in corners, as they will know that nothing can really sneak up on them from those closed directions. You may want to put Polly’s cage in the corner of a family room den, or living room. 

Avoid putting the cage in direct sunlight, or too close to things like vents or speakers. 

Consider Air Quality

This is also important. Birds have very sensitive lungs. Things like cooking fumes and vapors, which are harmless or even pleasant for us can be deadly to your winged pal. It’s best to keep Polly away from the kitchen. Many modern appliances give off fumes that are toxic to birds. The list includes not just pots and pans, but also things like turkey bags and panini presses. 

Decorating The Cage

Once you have the cage and the spot picked out, it’s time to add some accessories. Polly will need some bowls for her food and water of course. She’ll also need toys and perches. 

Toys

Toys are absolutely crucial for your pet’s happiness and well-being. In fact, you may be surprised at what a huge difference they can make! You’ll be able to find plenty of great toys in stores. You can also make your own. 

The main things here are to make sure to stick with safe materials.  If possible, stick with natural materials, such as rope. This may vary a bit from bird to bird. For instance, a larger parrot may break a plastic disc into pieces, but a parakeet may not be strong enough to do that.

Perches

Perches are also crucial. Birds use them for sleeping, socializing, eating, playing, and just hanging around. Ideally, you’ll need a few different perches, of different sizes and strengths. This will mimic trees, which of course do not all have uniform branches. However, it’s important to pick the right size. You can get specific measurements from your vet. In general, your pet’s feet should go about ¾ the way around. 

Avoid perches made of sandpaper,  as they may be too abrasive. Cement perches may also be too harsh for some birds, but may be fine with others. As always, play it safe and ask your Cumberland County vet for advice. 

Both toys and perches should regularly be cleaned and disinfected. Changing them out frequently is also important, as this helps keep things fun and fresh for your winged friend. There are also a few things to keep in mind as far as setup. For instance, don’t put perches right over Polly’s food and water dishes: she’ll just contaminate her dinner with droppings. Also, take care not to go too crazy: you don’t want your pet’s cage so full that she has no room to fly! 

Make An Appointment At Your Cumberland County Pet Clinic

Do you have questions about caring for a pet bird? Have you recently adopted a feathered pal? Please feel free to contact us anytime. As your local Cumberland County pet hospital, we are here to help!