Choose the Best Cage For Your Bird

Choosing the best cage for your bird is as important as feeding it regularly. Just like most animals, birds need a spacious area to be healthy, so an ideal cage should be reasonably big. It should also be made from a non-toxic, non-tarnishing material. If you are on a tight budget, you can still get the best cage for your pet by checking the suggestions in this VisiHow.

You want the best cage for your bird, but you also want it to be affordable. You also need to decide what kinds of toys and perches should be in the cage. What's the best cage to suit your bird? Find out below.

1. 1
   Do an online search before you shop

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   A quick search using the keywords "bird cage dealer in (name of city)" on popular search engines should provide you with good results. The keywords "pet care dealer" will yield more results, but they will be more general. Large pet stores often have cages that are too small or inadequate for certain kinds of birds, so try a dealer first if you have the option.

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2. 2
   Contact the shops

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   After getting some phone numbers, call the shops and ask for price quotes. It may also help if you tell them the breed of your bird, since they'll be able to suggest the best cage for your specific bird. Contact as many shops as possible.

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3. 3
   Compare prices and negotiate

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   After getting some recommendations and prices, it's time to check your budget and see what you can afford. After that, negotiate with the dealers - you may find that some haggling is effective since it's more personal than large chain stores.

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4. 4
   Ask for help and advice

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   Try posting a message on your social networking page to see who among your friend might have some useful information.

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5. 5
   Check sales listings like Craigslist

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   You may find someone selling a good cage for a low price. If you do go down this route, inspect the cage thoroughly for breaks and defects. If you buy a secondhand cage, make sure you thoroughly disinfect it before you put any of your birds inside it.

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6. 6
   A call to a veterinary clinic may also result in leads for some good deals.

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1. 1
   Size

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   Generally, the bigger the cage, the better it is for your bird. Though there are birds that do well in small spaces, it is always best to provide enough playing and flying space for your bird. A bigger space allows them to exercise, too.

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2. 2
   Materials

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   Make sure that your cage is not made of toxic materials such as zinc or lead, as these minerals may be harmful to your bird. If you have a medium sized or large bird, make sure that no parts are made of hollowed metal, as they can easily be chewed by most larger birds.

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3. 3
   Location

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   Make sure your cage is large enough for your bird but not too large for your home. You shouldn't have a hard time finding the right spot for the cage. Though birds need sunlight, the cage should not get a lot of direct sunlight, as too much sunlight and heat may be bad for your pet. Do not put the cage near the window, the heater, the fireplace, or any place that can get very hot or very cold. Any extreme temperature changes can be bad for your bird.

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4. 4
   Design

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   Your bird should not be able to stick its head between the bars. A good design also allows you to easily deliver food and water to your bird. A cage with a trap-door style entrance/exit for your bird is better than a close-open door as the former prevents birds from escaping from their cage more effectively. Also keep in mind that different birds need different cage designs. Some birds, like parakeets, are climbing birds and need horizontal bars on their cages, while other birds, like finches, prefer to perch sideways on vertical bars.

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5. 5
   Toys

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   Depending on the type of your bird, the toys in the cage may vary. Generally, birds are attracted to bright-colored materials. Swinging perches, small mirrors, and foraging toys are some of the best kinds of toys to put in the cage, but the kind of toy depends on the type of bird you have. All toys should be made from a non-toxic materials, be large enough to prevent swallowing, and not provide a choking hazard for your birds.

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6. 6
   Perches

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   Wooden perches are best for your bird, but keep in mind that your bird might chew on them. Avoid sandpaper perches meant for filing talons, as these can actually lead to foot lesions and other issues. A cage should have a high and low perch. Anything more depends on the size of the cage: you want to give your birds places to rest, but they also need room to fly around.

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7. 7
   Cleaning

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   Choose a bird cage that can be easily cleaned.

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• Though price may be important, the safety and welfare of your bird is your top priority so make sure you buy a non-toxic and sufficiently large cage for your pet.
• Clean the cage regularly. You do not want your bird to live in a dirty environment, nor you want to have a smelly cage in your home.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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