Tips n' Techniques #05
Home Sweet Home

When purchasing or building a cage or aviaries, attention to some simple details will ensure your bird is comfortable, safe and happy.

Give consideration to how many birds you are going to keep. Are you going to keep different species of birds and will they need to be separated for their own safety? Do you intend to have them breed, is there enough room for nesting boxes?

Always purchase the largest cage possible (floor area is more important than height) for your home or yard, giving thought to where you will position it. Birds require fresh air and sunlight but they must be able to seek shade and keep out of draughts. If you live in an area where there are extremes of temperature, you should consider insulation if you are building an aviary. If you wish to place a cage near an open window, ensure that it is not in direct sunlight and that it is not windy. New cages should be thoroughly inspected for loose welds, paint or sharp protrusions. It is a good idea to wash both new and second-hand cages thoroughly with a strong detergent and disinfectant, then rinse and dry properly.

Oval shaped perches or perches of different diameters are a good idea to provide exercise for your birds feet. Small branches from fruit or eucalyptus trees are an excellent way of providing irregular foot holds. Bar spacing varies for different sizes of birds so ensure you have chosen a cage with correct spacing for your bird. When painting a cage or aviary use a hard, quick drying non-toxic enamel that contains no lead. For ease of cleaning, cages that have a slide out tray are best, as they can be removed without fear of your bird escaping.

Hanging indoor cages on stands will make them rodent proof and will deter other animals. Outdoor cages need to be made rodent proof and good door catches are essential to stop dogs and cats from forcing their way in. When placing a cage outdoors for fresh air or when building your own aviary, take care to cover the top so that wild birds cannot land on top and contaminate the inside of the cage with their droppings. Many wild birds carry parasites and diseases that can be lethal to your pet bird. Choose good quality feed devices, the hopper or bottle type are best as they guarantee the oldest seed is eaten first and that birds cannot waste food as easily.

There are many toys available on the market and these can provide hours of amusement but do not clutter the cage with too many. A ladder and a mirror or bell is usually sufficient and you can change them for something new when your bird tires of them. Birds love tearing things apart so pine cones or small branches from fruit trees provide a lot of enjoyment.

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