Are you planning to adopt a bird soon? If so, you’ll have plenty of adorable and delightful moments with your new feathery companion. Birds are small, yet they pack a lot of personality and opinions into those tiny bodies. Polly has some very special requirements that are somewhat different from those of dogs and cats. One of the most crucial things as far as caring for Polly is simply making sure she is comfortable in her cage. A neighborhood Rapid City, SD veterinarian provides some perspective below.
Choosing the Right Birdcage
Nowadays, birdcages come in a wide range of designs and sizes. They aren’t one-size-fits-all. You’ll need to find the appropriate size and style for your winged companion. Knowing which features you should and should not look for can help you narrow down your options when selecting a cage for your feathered companion.
Research Polly’s Space Requirements
Start with selecting the correct birdcage. Shape and size will vary depending on the species of bird you choose. Parrots, for example, require plenty of space to climb and play, and towering cages work best. A finch, on the other hand, does not require that height because they fly more crosswise than vertically and require more horizontal space. Do your homework before going shopping.
Here are the minimum cage size requirements for a few popular birds:
- Cockatiel: 20″ W × 20″ D x 24″ H
- Lovebird: 24″ W × 24″ D x 24″ H
- African Grey: 34″ x 24″ x 36″ H
- Budgerigar: 18″ W x 18″ D x 24″ H
Keep in mind that if your winged friend is still a baby, you’ll need to acquire something that will be large enough for them when they grow up.
Get A Cage That’s Made From A Safe Material
One would hope that birdcages are always and only made of materials that are safe for your feathered friend, but this is not the case. Avoid any cage constructed of galvanized wire, as these are frequently coated in zinc, which is poisonous to birds. Painted cages are also not recommended because your pet may chew the cage and consume paint chips. Powder-coated stainless steel is an excellent option.
Pay Attention To Bar Spacing
Another key consideration is ensuring that your cage has a suitable space between the bars. You do not want your pet’s head or wings to get hooked! The minimum size will vary slightly based on the type of bird you acquire, but for most birds, it should be either ½ or ⅝ th of an inch max. If you’re unsure, ask your Rapid City, SD vet for particular guidance.
Look Carefully At The Extras
Costs for birdcages can vary greatly. However, you’ll want to consider the bells and whistles. Slide-out litter boxes, feeder lids, removable tops, and other features may appear to be superfluous extras for a first-time bird owner, but they can make your life much easier. Keep in mind that the cage is a one-time cost.
Try Measuring First
You might have heard the old handyman’s saying about measuring twice and cutting once. That seems to apply here. You might wish to select a location for the cage before going shopping. Then you’ll know how much space you have to work with.
Avoid Used Cages
Buying used items can sometimes save you a lot of money. This is one situation where the risk is simply not worth it. A used birdcage may have previously housed a sick bird and could still be polluted. It may also be more difficult for you to determine the composition of the cage, which is vital.
Where Do You Put the Birdcage?
Choosing the correct location is also critical. Birds typically feel safest in corners because they believe nothing can sneak up on them from those close directions. You may position Polly’s cage in the corner of a family room, den, or living room. Don’t put the cage in direct sunlight or too close to vents or speakers.
Consider Air Quality
This is also crucial. Birds have highly sensitive lungs. Cooking fumes and vapors, which are harmless or even enjoyable to humans, can be fatal to your feathered friend. It is advisable to keep Polly away from the kitchen. Many modern gadgets emit toxins that are harmful to birds. The list includes items such as turkey bags and panini presses, in addition to pots and pans.
Choose Suitable Accessories
Once you’ve decided on the cage and the location, you may add some accessories. Polly will require some bowls for her food and drink, of course. She will also need toys and perches.
Toys are essential to your pet’s enjoyment and well-being. You may be amazed at how much of a difference they can make! You’ll be able to locate a lot of wonderful toys in stores. You might also make your own.
The essential issue here is to use safe materials. If feasible, use natural materials, such as rope. This may vary slightly amongst birds. A larger parrot, for example, may be able to break apart a plastic disk, whereas a parakeet may not be as strong.
Perches
Perches are also necessary. Birds utilize them for sleeping, socializing, eating, playing, and simply hanging around. Ideally, you’ll need perches of various sizes and strengths. This will imitate trees, which do not all have uniform branches. However, it is critical to choose the appropriate size. Your veterinarian can provide particular measurements. Your pet’s feet should be approximately ¾ of the way around.
Avoid sandpaper perches since they can be extremely rough. Cement perches may be too harsh for some birds but fine for others. As always, take precautions and seek guidance from your veterinarian.
Don’t put perches directly over Polly’s food and water dishes; she’ll contaminate her meal with droppings. Also, don’t go too wild; you don’t want your pet’s cage to be so packed that she can’t fly!
Schedule an Appointment at Your Rapid City, SD Pet Clinic
Do you have any queries about looking after a pet bird? Have you recently adopted a feathery friend? You are welcome to contact us at any time. As your neighborhood Rapid City, SD pet hospital, we’re here to help!
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