How to Choose a Birdcage

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Take the time to make sure your feathered friends’ living quarters are as comfortable as they can be.
Step 1: Find optimal location
Decide where the birdcage will be placed. Cages should be sheltered from drafts and be in a well-trafficked area of the home, so your bird is entertained and socialized.
Step 2: Consider bird size
Buy the biggest cage you can afford, preferably one that will allow the bird space to fly. The larger the bird, the larger cage you’ll need. A cage that is too small for your bird may result in nervous behaviors such as screaming or feather plucking.
Tip
When choosing a cage, allow space for food and water bowls, toys, perches, and swings.
Step 3: Scrutinize bars
Check the spacing and arrangement of the cage bars. For finches, canaries, parakeets, and lovebirds, the bars must be a half-inch apart or less.
Tip
For bigger birds, such as cockatoos, lories, macaws, and parrots, find a cage with horizontal bars. This will give them more chances to climb – a great exercise for birds.
Step 4: Get a sturdy cage
Make sure the cage is well built. If you can afford it, buy one made of stainless steel, which is easy to wash and rust-proof. Also confirm that the cage is free of paint or enamel that your bird might swallow.
Step 5: Get an easy-to-clean cage
Check to see that the cage allows for easy cleaning. The easier it is to clean, the more likely you’ll keep up with this task.
Step 6: Check the doors
Check the doors of the cage. You should be able to reach food and water bowls easily without having to open the doors too wide.
Step 7: Decorate
Found the appropriate home for your feathered companion? Great! Now you can start getting it into move-in condition.
Did You Know?
Since birds can’t sweat, they use most of the air they breathe just to cool themselves down.