Tips for choosing the right birdcage

You are probably very excited about your new bird. Congratulations!

However, your excitement may be somewhat dampened when you see the range of different bird cages, overwhelmed by all the different types and sizes of cages, with the price varying considerably depending on which one you choose.

Small cages range from €35 to €100, while larger ones sell for between €200 and €300.

Of course, there are also more expensive models. A custom-designed, top-quality solid brass cage will cost up to €3,000.

But whatever your budget, there are certain standards that a safe, comfortable cage must meet. This post gives you an overview of things to consider when selecting your bird cage.

Size

Although many of us would say that we would like to live in a bigger house, bigger is not always the best choice when it comes to birds.

The size of the cage you choose should directly correlate to the size of the bird you have.

Smaller birds such as parakeets and finches should have smaller cages, while larger birds such as parrots and macaws need larger cages.

It is obvious that large birds, such as parrots and macaws, need more space than smaller canaries and finches, but all birds need some room to stretch out.

A good rule of thumb is to give your bird two to three times their wingspan in width and for the length three times their height from head to tail.

Certain birds require different cages. Some birds are more active than others and want space to move around, while some do not feel comfortable in an open space. Read our article on choosing the right pet birdfor more information.

One thing to consider when buying a cage is to make sure it is not made of lead or zinc, which can be harmful to your bird. Older cages were made from these materials before manufacturers were aware of the dangers.

We recommend these cages for solitary birds

The following cages are for sale on bol.com (links open in new tab):

• Beeztees Iza 3 Open Birdcage - Black - 59 x 38 x 65 cm (Beautiful design and perfect for hand-tame birds because you can open the roof! Sharp price too: about €55)
• Duvo+ Birdcage Nina - White - 54 x 34 x 75 cm (A little less nice design than the Iza 3, but very good quality. A no-nonsense solid, beautiful cage that is useful in all areas and costs only € 50)
• Strong Parrot Cage Villa Andrea - Grey - 68 x 53 x 168 cm (For small parrots or cockatiels, very nice design on stand and highly recommended in terms of quality! Also has an open roof. Price: € 180)

Birdcage accessories

Your birdcages should have enough toys and levels for your bird to enjoy itself.

When you choose your birdcage, make sure you choose one that you can add accessories to over time.

Some items that are popular for bird toys are mirrors, bells, swings and ladders.

Just like dogs, cats and even humans get tired of toys after a while, birds can get bored too. Switching them on and off is a good way to keep your bird happy and entertained.

In addition to toys, add some perches so your bird has a few places to hang out. Find some perches made from untreated branches of bird-friendly trees, such as willow or hazelnut.

Birds like uneven branches because they allow exercise and keep nails trimmed.

If you need advice on how to keep the perches and toys apart, ask a member of staff at your local pet shop.

It is usually a good idea to buy your food bowls together with your cage to make sure they are compatible.

Make it firm

You want your birdcage to be sturdy. When you choose one, check that the threaded rods can withstand the wear and tear your bird will put on them.

Large birds, such as macaws and cockatoos, need very strong cages because they exert more pressure on the cage. Metal cages will hold up better than their plastic counterparts.

Rod distance is also something to consider. The spaces should not be so wide that the bird can slip through or advance or get its foot caught in between.

Birds are inquisitive creatures, so you want to make sure that the cage does not give them the opportunity to pinch their foot or head during a moment of exploration. Although you can find doors that open vertically, it is recommended that you choose a folding or swinging cage door.

Keep it clean

Keeping your birdcage clean is one of the most important responsibilities of owning a bird. Look for a cage that is easy to clean, with surfaces that you can wipe down and drawers, trays and grids that you can easily open and remove for cleaning.

Many cages have a grid at the bottom so the waste from your birds falls through and your bird does not stomp around in its own dirt.

When you buy a baby bird, it is smart to put down some padding in case they fall. Newspapers and soft towels are sufficient.

Location, location, location

If you are wondering where to place your birdcage in your home, consider a place with enough traffic so that your bird will not get lonely.

Both you and your bird want to communicate with each other, so putting the cage in the bedroom or in the basement is not always the best choice if it is rarely accessed.

Although a kitchen gets a lot of people and attention, you should not place your cage here. Cooking fumes and gas can be dangerous for your bird.