Bird cages: overview of species and recommendations for selection
At home, the bird is forced to live in a cage. In order for parrots, finches, canaries and other feathered pets to feel comfortable in their home, it is important to take a responsible approach to the choice of such a design. Then the bird will quickly get used to it and will consider it its home.
Peculiarities
The bird feels safe in the cage. Here she hides from four-legged pets and strangers. In addition, this is the place where she always has food, fresh water is poured, a nest and a bath are arranged. In general, this is a full-fledged bird house in which you can sleep comfortably and play fun.
The cage is matched to the size of the bird. Feathered pets can be divided into small (canaries, finches, budgerigars), medium (cockatiels, pyrrura) and large (macaws, cockatoos). If there are two individuals, then, accordingly, the parameters of the cell are doubled. A variety of materials are used in the manufacture: wood, plastic, metal. Some craftsmen design a bird house on their own.
If the owner wants to breed parrots, then not a cage is bought, but a whole aviary, because over time several dozen individuals can settle there.
It is advisable to allocate a separate room in the house for breeding, and use the old cells, for example, for quarantine.
In addition to the usual standard samples, pet stores can also offer cages, stands, cages on wheels. The standard design provides space for a feeder, drinker and bathing trough, a pull-out tray, a door with a strong lock, a roof holder for carrying.
Varieties
Bird cages can be classified by shape.
- Rectangular and square instances (or cages with a domed top).This is the most preferred option for keeping poultry.
- Round or oval cage. In terms of aesthetics, nothing beats this option, but the pet itself in such a house will be uncomfortable. Many birds like to fall asleep in a corner where they feel safe. In a round cage, the bird will always be tense.
- Complex shaped cage... Such a product can be, for example, semicircular, have protrusions and arches, a roof of an unusual shape. The complex design is not always convenient for the bird, and in some cases even frightens it. In addition, it is more difficult to clean and clean such a cage.
Cages for keeping birds at home also differ in size, but here, as already mentioned, it is important to start from the variety and breed of the feathered pet. You should not buy too spacious a product for a small bird with a benevolent purpose - the pet will not feel comfort in it. In too small a space, the bird will become nervous and lethargic.
Select the parameters in accordance with the dimensions of the animal. For example, for a budgerigar, the recommended cage height is 35–40 cm, width - 25–35 cm, length - 60–80 cm, and for cockatiels, a vertical cage of 60x50x50 cm is more suitable.
Design and appearance may also vary. It can be a simple product, convenient for a bird, made in a rich and bright solid black or delicate white, or it can be a real work of art that can be placed in the most prominent place in the house. Songbirds will look especially beautiful in it.
For example, fashionable now are vintage cages or forged models with a partition... Such an unusual design not only fulfills practical functions, but also becomes a romantic, touching and special decorative element. These cells can fit into the interior of Provence, country, modern or old styles.
But do not forget that the main purpose of the cage is the comfort and safety of poultry.
Another criterion of distinction is the materials of manufacture.
- Stainless steel. The rods of the product are made from this raw material. This is the most preferred option, as the material is non-toxic, does not oxidize or rust.
- Zinc and copper... Bars made from these materials can poison your pet.
- Wood. This option is suitable as temporary housing. Box-type wooden products can also be used to transport poultry in case of moving or going to the veterinarian. Such an object cannot become a permanent home, since birds easily gnaw through a tree. In addition, this material absorbs moisture, becoming a favorable breeding ground for bacteria.
- Plastic. This is a non-toxic structure, comfortable and safe, but the material is afraid of high temperatures, so it cannot be washed with hot water. Pallets are most often made of plastic.
How to choose?
Going to the store for a cage for a feathered pet, read the recommendations of experts.
- Buy a cage that is pre-equipped with all the necessary paraphernalia. There is no guarantee that separately purchased feeders, drinkers and toys will be suitable for a newly acquired facility.
- As already mentioned, it is better to buy a stainless steel copy. It does not need to be painted, but can be chrome or nickel plated.
- The size of the cage should be such that the bird spreads its wings without any problems and flaps them without touching the walls.
- Make sure the door is securely locked. The bird should not gnaw it or learn to open it. Doors are considered strong on powerful springs that cannot be squeezed out. Small key locks or metal carabiners will also work.
- It is best to buy a standard cage that can be placed on an elevated position, such as a closet. Observing the environment from above, the bird feels more secure.There are special floor stands for the cage, in this case the bird will be on the same level with the person and will not feel comfort, moreover, the structure takes up a lot of space in the apartment, so it is better to refuse this option.
Brands
Most often, bird owners choose cages from domestic by Triol... In general, these are good products at a budget price. Also, lovers of parrots and canaries appreciate Italian manufacturers IMAC and Ferplast, Polish Inter Zoo and German Trixie... All these companies focus on the safety and convenience of a house for a poultry, but they also have not the most suitable options in their assortment, so when buying, use the above tips for choosing a cage.
See below for an overview of the wooden bird cage.