What makes a good bird cage

People are often unsure about whether they should cover their birdcage at night — or rather leave it open. It really depends on some things. Covering a bird at night can be useful.

Some people also prefer not to cover their Parakeet with a blanket at night. First of all, consider the environment the Parakeet is placed in — particularly the room where the cage is located.

Also, understand the fact that a Parakeet need lots of sleep — this will ensure they are healthy. If this is not something that the room can offer, there are two options.

You can either choose to move the cage to a room that meets these requirements. If this is not an option, then rather consider covering the cage during the night. This ensures that there is no risk of bacteria, parasites, and other issues developing inside the cage.

First of all, you need to do some basic cleaning every day. This includes taking out the tray at the bottom of the cage. Throw any poop and other things in the tray out. Also, throw out any food particles left out in the feeder — and refill with new food. Also, clean out the feeder with water and put in clean water for your Parakeet to stay hydrated.

On a weekly basis, cleaning out the cage more thoroughly is important. Use a very mild soap and some water to clean the bottom tray. Clean out any poop stains and food particles in the cage itself.

If there are toys inside the cage, take them out, and clean them using some water. So a big thank you for sharing your wisdom with us while keeping it entertaining, too.

I know this esoteric nonsense because we bought a cage mentioned in this article with 0. Or so said the Avian Veterinarian to whom we donated the cage. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

We Recommend. Best Flight Cage. Prevue Pet Flight Cage. Check Price. Best Classic Design. Vision II Bird Cage. Best for Travel. Check Price Here. Share This On Social Media! About The Author. Garth C. Most formulas currently in use have eliminated the need for zinc.

Variability in paint formulas and application processes will affect the finished product and can result in chipping, peeling, and corrosion. Most cages commercially available today for medium and large psittacines species are powder coated steel. These cages, if properly manufactured, will provide decades of service and functional, safe, beautiful enclosures.

Recent market trends show a rising demand for powder coated cages for smaller birds like budgerigars, cockatiels, and lovebirds. Two manufacturers, Animal Environments and California Cages, have responded to this demand with cage models for smaller birds.

The Animal Environments cage designed for budgerigars, the Barcelona, utilizes materials and manufacturing techniques previously only seen in large bird cages. While powder coated steel is the safest type of painted cage, some manufacturers sell powder coated galvanized wire cages as an inexpensive alternative. These cages pose an increased risk of zinc consumption. In many cases this is due to the fact that proper preparation for powder coating involves some roughening of the surface to be painted.

This roughening can pit the galvanized surface and result in irregularities. Powder coating often adheres poorly to slick galvanized surfaces and can quickly peel and flake.

The paint flakes can contain high levels of zinc, which has leached from the galvanizing into the powder coating. Unfortunately, most owners who purchase these cages are unaware that they are buying an inferior product.

While stainless or powder coated steel cages are ideal, less expensive methods of preventing corrosion are commonly used in bird cages designed for smaller psittacines, whose owners tend to be more cost conscious. The most commonly used method involves electro-plating steel wire with an inexpensive metal to prevent oxidation and corrosion.

Zinc is probably the most commonly used metal for electroplating. Some manufacturers will layer different metals over the steel to achieve the desired result. The resulting wire is usually a shiny silver color but can also be shiny gold. Most electroplated finishes contain at least some zinc. An informal survey of commercially available cages 8 randomly chosen for smaller parrots revealed zinc levels in the plating from.

Electrostatically applied plating is unlikely to be consumed by a bird as long as the finish is smooth. However, once the cage shows signs of oxidation, pitting, loss of sheen, or white rust, the cage poses unacceptable risk of zinc ingestion, and should be replaced.

Cage grates are likely to show degenerative changes first because of the constant exposure to droppings and food waste.

Oxidation of these surfaces often result in deposits of elemental zinc. These deposits appear as white burrs or pits. These imperfections can draw the attention of birds. When removed and ingested by birds, these deposits can result in potentially dangerous zinc exposures. Birds that develop behaviors involving chewing, mouthing, or biting the cage are at increased risk and would be safer in a zinc free enclosure. Another inexpensive method of preventing oxidation involves coating steel or galvanized wire with plastic or vinyl.

While these coatings do protect wire from oxidation, they can be easily removed by busy birds. Plastic and vinyl coatings often degrade quickly and flake off the underlying wire. As lead is a common ingredient of plastic and vinyl, pieces of coating ingested by birds can expose the bird to toxic metals. In addition, ingested coating can act as a gastrointestinal irritant, regardless of its metal content.

Metal is the most durable of the materials commonly used. Metal cages are typically powder-coated iron or they are made from stainless steel. Powder coated cages come in a variety of fashionable colors and are less expensive than Stainless Steel. Stainless steel is the safest, most durable, toxic-free, easiest to clean cage material available.

If you can afford a stainless steel cage, it will be the best cage investment you can make. Acrylic cages may allow for an enhanced view of your bird but, it is reported, that they are not as durable as metal bar cages and they offer restricted opportunities for climbing.

Wood cages are most often used for smaller, non-destructive bird species i. Wood cages are difficult to clean and definitely not recommended for hookbills who will ultimately chew their way out of the cage. New cages should be inspected thoroughly to ensure that they do not present any hazards that will endanger your bird as follows:.

Nobody has perfected the self cleaning cage yet, but, there are many factors that will make your job easier:. Comments powered by CComment. Heat Changes: Try not to keep your bird close to a heat or air conditioning vent as the rapid changes in temperature are unhealthy. Forbidden Rooms: You should not keep your birdcage in the kitchen. It can get too hot for your bird, and the fumes from cooking can be toxic. Other factors, such as open flames, sharp edges, and dangerous appliances make the kitchen treacherous for any bird.