Cages are by far the largest expenditure in owning parrots, apart from perhaps the cost of the parrot itself. So you will want to research a range of parrot cages for sale and make your investment wisely in terms of the ideal environment for your new companion and the durability and safety of the cage.
Choosing Your Perfect Parrot Cage
Important points that need to be considered when choosing a home for your parrot are the size of the cage, bar spacing, shape, the material and finish of the cage, and ease of use features.
Check out the right size cage for your bird
You cannot buy a parrot cage that is TOO big! Parrots in the wild have all the space they want, so you should buy the largest cage you have room for and can afford. The minimum recommended size should be large enough to allow your parrot, when fully grown, to easily spread its wings and move around freely.
Check the measurements carefully as it is the internal living space which is important for your parrot and many cages are sized on the overall external dimensions which can be misleading.
Choose the optimum bar spacing
The distance between the bars of the cage (bar spacing) is very important as you need to ensure the parrot does not get stuck between the bars or escape from the cage. At the same time you don’t want the gap too small so you can get a good view of your beautiful bird.
Also check that there are horizontal bars on at least 2 sides of the cage since your parrot will want to spend time climbing up and down.
Shape of the cage is important too
While you might be attracted by some fancy designs, shape is another key consideration in selecting a cage for your parrot. Rectangular cages with good height and width are the best option, as it will give your bird adequate room to move about and minimize the floor space required. Corner cages are also a good alternative where space is limited. The once popular round cages should be avoided as these can disorientate the bird and cause problems.
Shape is also an important factor in correctly setting up parrot cages.
Selecting the right materials
As well and ensuring a cage is sufficiently robust to contain even the most determined parrot, the material and finish of the cage is vitally important. Cages made from stainless steel are an ideal option however they are very expensive. The primary factor is safety and thus the cage should be made from non-toxic materials and finishes.
For most budgets a good quality wrought iron cage (sometimes steel), finished with lead and zinc free oven-baked paint is the best solution. Beware of cheap parrot cages for sale which are not only a poor investment but they may not be free from toxic substances and the paint can be easily chipped off, allowing your pet parrot to ingest the toxic paint and allowing the metal to rust.
Ease of use and maintenance features
Buy a cage that is easily cleanable. A dirty cage will make the parrot unhealthy. It is advisable to choose a cage which has wider doors to make is easier to get your bird in an out of the cage and enable you to access each corner for cleaning. The base tray and bottom grill should both be removable for regular cleaning without opening the cage.
Feeders should be made from stainless steel (not plastic) and swing out to be accessible without opening the cage and preventing your parrot biting you or escaping. Also many cages have a skirt around the bottom to catch most of the food which your parrot will inevitably spill.
There are many factors to consider when buying bird cages and, since it is a significant investment, you will want to select carefully to ensure you have the perfect parrot cage to keep your pet bird safe for a long and happy life.
Setting up your parrot cage
After you have selected the perfect cage for your bird, the most important task is setting it up correctly in order to create a comfortable and stimulating environment for your parrot. Many parrot behavior problems are often associated with improper cage set up and the cage should create a sense of security and have plenty of items to keep your bird entertained.
Although parrots in the wild are free to fly wherever they want, they make their nests in large trees or dense forest as a place of safety. So your parrot cage set-up should attempt to mimic this environment, by creating some privacy and a safe haven for your companion bird, and offer sufficient stimulation to prevent boredom when they are active.
Consider the following points while setting up your parrot’s cage to provide a comfortable and interesting setting.
Choose the right location for your bird’s home
First of all the location of the cage for your pet bird has to be decided. It should be situated in a place where your parrot can easily view his surroundings for interest but not feel exposed. Parrots are social birds but also need plenty of sleep.
So the cage should be in room where there is lots of opportunity for interaction during the day, but not with people just walking by, and where it will be undisturbed in the evening and night to facilitate 10 to 12 hours of rest. Also the cage should be ideally located against a wall or in the corner of the room and not directly in front of a window or beside a doorway.
Feeding and Cleaning
A parrot cage should include at least three feeding containers. One is for water, which should be changed at least once each day, and other two for dry and wet food. These should be stainless steel and cleaned daily. The base tray and removable grill should also be cleaned daily. The base tray can be lined with paper or other suitable material to aid cleaning. Cleanliness is essential in caring for your parrot and preventing disease.
Perches
PerchesA variety of perches should be provided in the cage. These should be different sizes and textures, such as java perches or rope, with a main wooden perch across the middle of the enclosure. The perches should be of proper thickness and size and arranged in the cage at different heights, with one perch near the top of the cage for sleeping.
Toys
You will need plenty of toys to keep your parrot entertained. Parrot toys are available in a wide variety of styles and materials. Some are great for making your parrot work out, especially those intended for including some food treats. Others are designed to be shredded, made from soft wood, leather and paper or a combination of all three, so a copious supply will be required. Parrots love destroying things!
Arrange the toys in different areas of the cage to encourage activity. Also hang some toys around the high perch to give your parrot added security when sleeping.
Remember your parrot cage set-up should provide a secure and stimulating environment for your bird, keeping your parrot happy and healthy.
