CAGES
Even though some birds are quite small, most are active and need the exercise afforded by a large cage to be healthy and happy. Also remember that birds with long tails need taller cages than their shorter-tailed counterparts, to make sure they can maneuver around the cage and not damage their tails. The cage should be at least 50% wider than the wing span of the bird. Having a cage that is too narrow could result in broken feathers or broken bones if the bird was to hit its wing on the side of the cage when flapping it wings.
Bar spacing is also important because inappropriate bar spacing can result in injury to your bird not to mention a cage with too wide of spacing for your bird can allow your bird to escape or get stuck between the bars. Below are general guidelines for "the absolute minimum" cage size and bar spacing for some common pet birds. As a rule of thumb the bigger the cage the better. So buy the largest cage you can comfortably afford.
Note: all dimensions are given in inches and in the format width x length x height.
| Species | Min. Cage Size | Bar Spacing | Finches | 18"x30"x18" | 1/4" to 1/2" | Canaries | 18"x24"x18" | 1/4" to 1/2" | Budgies | 18"x18"x18" | 1/4" to 1/2" | Cockatiels | 20"x20"x24" | 1/2" to 5/8" |
Lovebirds Parrotlets |
24"x24"x24 | 1/2" | Ringneck Parakeets | 24"x24"x36" | 1/2" to 5/8" |
Conures Poicephalus |
24"x24"x24" | 5/8" to 3/4" |
Caiques Pionus Jardine's |
24"x24"x36" | 5/8" to 3/4" |
Amazons Mini Macaws Goffin's Cockatoos African Greys |
24"x36"x48" | 3/4" to 1" | Large Cockatoos | 36"x48"x48" | 1" to 1.5" | Large Macaws | 36"x48"x60" | 1" to 1.5" |
TOYS AND PLAYTHINGS
Just as with a child, birds need to be entertained and amused by their surroundings. Toys and other playthings help to do that. Many toys made for birds are readily available in all pet stores and there is a ton to choose from. Here is some information and guidelines to helpp your search a bit easier.
| PLAYSTANDS are a great way to keep your feathered friend in the middle of all the action! They are primarily used just for perching. They are very portable and light weight. Many playstands come with two or more food dishes as well as a tray to catch seed and bird droppings. The tray is easily removed for cleaning and because many are made of stainless steel they will not rust. Some stands have multiple perchs and are made of different materials like wood or plastic. The cost of a playstand ranges from 30$ to 150$ CAD. The price is determined by the materials used in the stand, design and the size and breed of the bird. |
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| PLAYGYMS are similar to playstands as they have one or more perches and feeding cups. What makes playgyms different is that there is more to do for the bird. Many will include ladders, and hooks to hang favorite toys on. As seen on the right some come with a tray that is either plastic or steel to catch droppings and seeds that may fall. Though not essential for your feathered friend(s), a playgym can offer your bird hours of playtime and will likely become a favorite place for your bird to hang out! |
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| Toys are important to your bird’s happiness and physical well being. Many toys available are mad of plastic or wood and use natural rope or untreated leather with knots in them. These things are generally very safe for your bird and will give your feathered friend hours of fun and exercise! Many birds also love toys that are bright colors and have bells on them!. Another favorite of many “hook bill” birds is stuff they can pull apart or shred. like wicker as well as natural fibers like weaved baskets. These also make great playthings for your bird. |
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