CAGES + LINERS
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Parrots need room to move around in their cages. When we are looking for a house to live in, we want to make sure it has plenty of room for us to live comfortably. The same goes for a parrot. They will be spending a majority of their lives in a cage. (assuming you have a job outside the home) When looking for a cage for your parrot a good thing to remember is bigger is always better no matter the size of your parrot.
A good piece of advice is that the cage needs to be 3x the wingspan of your parrot. So buy the biggest cage you can afford.
A good piece of advice is that the cage needs to be 3x the wingspan of your parrot. So buy the biggest cage you can afford.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A CAGE:
1. Check to see what kind of a tray it has. Make sure it is easy to remove for cleaning, and be sure there is a grate above the tray so that your parrot does not walk around on the tray as they could become sick from walking on and possibly eating their own poop.
Here is a good example:
Here is a good example:
2. Check the cage doors. Parrots are very smart and curious they will try and could easily figure out how to get out of the cage. Make sure all the doors have some sort of latch on them. Also make sure the main door is big enough for you to get your parrot in and out with ease.
Examples of good latches on cages are:
Examples of good latches on cages are:
3. Make sure the cage will be easy to move around. Usually cages have stands that they sit on that have wheels or the cage itself will have wheels so it's easy to move if needed.
4. Make sure the bar spacing is the right width. You don't want the bar spacing to be too big or too small as injuries could occur.
For small birds (Finches, Canaries, Parrotlets, Lovebirds & Budgies) the bar spacing should be no more than 5/8"
For medium birds (Conures, Cockatiels, Lories, Senegals) the bar spacing should be 1/2" to no more than 7/8"
For large birds (African Greys, Amazons, Macaws, Cockatoos) the bar spacing should be 3/4" to no more than 1-3/8"
For small birds (Finches, Canaries, Parrotlets, Lovebirds & Budgies) the bar spacing should be no more than 5/8"
For medium birds (Conures, Cockatiels, Lories, Senegals) the bar spacing should be 1/2" to no more than 7/8"
For large birds (African Greys, Amazons, Macaws, Cockatoos) the bar spacing should be 3/4" to no more than 1-3/8"
5. Make sure the cage is big enough for your parrot to spread out it's wings and move around with ease. Also make sure there is enough room for toys and perches.
6. Figure out where you would like to place the cage in your house. This will help you figure out what shape of cage to get (Corner cage, Octagon, Square, Rectangle). Make sure the spot where you plan to place the cage is free of drafts, is in a spot where your parrot can get plenty of natural sunlight and is in an area where you and your family spend time as parrots are social and love being with their flock (you & your family) at all times. Keep the cage away from the kitchen.
7. Metal or wrought iron cages are the best kind to get as they are easy to clean and are durable but make sure to avoid lead-based painted cages, galvanized cages or cages made with zinc as these are toxic to parrots.
Here are a few examples of good cages:
Here are a few examples of good cages:
Not to take business away from pet shops or other box stores, but their bird cage selections are very limited in store.
Try looking for a cage online. Also check your favorite pet shop's website. Sometimes they will sell better cages online that they don't carry in store. Be sure no matter where you check that there are reviews for the cage you are looking at and check that site/store's return policy too just in case... Good brands to look for are HQ & Prevue Hendryx.
Try looking for a cage online. Also check your favorite pet shop's website. Sometimes they will sell better cages online that they don't carry in store. Be sure no matter where you check that there are reviews for the cage you are looking at and check that site/store's return policy too just in case... Good brands to look for are HQ & Prevue Hendryx.
When you buy a cage, see what kind of food and water dishes it has. I recommend using stainless steel or ceramic food dishes because of the cleanliness.
I used to promote plastic water bottles for water, but after some research and a couple informative facebook posts, I've decided to switch my parrots over to using stainless steel dishes for water. There are glass water bottles with stainless steel spouts. I don't care for these because I feel birds can't get enough water out of the spout and when I've used them in the past they tend to drip causing mold to grow at the bottom of the cage... But they are safe and if you prefer to use glass water bottles, maybe place a shallow dish under the spout for an automatic bird bath! :)
To find out why I switch my parrots to stainless steel dishes over plastic bottles and dishes click here.
There are many different styles and sizes of these stainless steel & ceramic food dishes to choose from. Again find out what size is right for your parrot.
I used to promote plastic water bottles for water, but after some research and a couple informative facebook posts, I've decided to switch my parrots over to using stainless steel dishes for water. There are glass water bottles with stainless steel spouts. I don't care for these because I feel birds can't get enough water out of the spout and when I've used them in the past they tend to drip causing mold to grow at the bottom of the cage... But they are safe and if you prefer to use glass water bottles, maybe place a shallow dish under the spout for an automatic bird bath! :)
To find out why I switch my parrots to stainless steel dishes over plastic bottles and dishes click here.
There are many different styles and sizes of these stainless steel & ceramic food dishes to choose from. Again find out what size is right for your parrot.
CAGE LINER
Do not use newspaper or paper towels. The ink in newspaper lets off an odorless vapor after just 2 weeks from being published that will make birds ill or possibly kill them.. Paper towels are very damaging for baby birds & older birds alike. As with newspaper, paper towels let off an odorless vapor that can actually cause the parrot's toes to fall off..
Pine shavings, wood chips are very dangerous and toxic! Never use cedar around parrots it is toxic to them.
Sand, kitty litter and small animal bedding are way too dusty for parrots.
Parrots have very sensitive respiratory systems and too much dust can have harmful affects on them.
Corn cob bedding soaks up moisture easily and mold grows rapidly on it.. Mold of any kind is deadly to parrots.
The best cage lining to use is just paper. Used printer paper, plain paper or even shredded paper. Just as long as it's not newspaper or paper towels, your parrot will be safe. - There's finally a use for junk mail! :)
Pine shavings, wood chips are very dangerous and toxic! Never use cedar around parrots it is toxic to them.
Sand, kitty litter and small animal bedding are way too dusty for parrots.
Parrots have very sensitive respiratory systems and too much dust can have harmful affects on them.
Corn cob bedding soaks up moisture easily and mold grows rapidly on it.. Mold of any kind is deadly to parrots.
The best cage lining to use is just paper. Used printer paper, plain paper or even shredded paper. Just as long as it's not newspaper or paper towels, your parrot will be safe. - There's finally a use for junk mail! :)
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Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. The material on this site is not intended to be, and should not be relied on as, a substitute for professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here
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