Exotic Bird Cages
Exotic Bird Cages have suddenly come back into fashion.
In my opinion they look great and my favorite are those made from wicker.
The only problem that I have with Exotic Bird Cages is that budgies have a tendency to eat things and crap all over the place, so despite the beauty of such objects, I prefer the more practical and easier to maintain metal cages.
Here are some tips on buying a bird cage:
How big should it be?
The cage should be big enough for the number of birds you are holding.
(i.e. 1/2 m2 per pair of budgies)
But remember that if your birds don't get regular free flight (you don't let them fly around outside the cage for a while every day) then I would at least double the recommended size.
Birds can also become claustrophobic and this will lead to either aggression or depression.
Should the cage be round, rectangular or square?
There are different opinions on this theme but I have used all three and found that the shape itself isn't really important but the amount of room inside.
How big should the bar spacing be?
About 1/2-1 centimeter is needed between the bars to prevent the budgies from sticking body parts out and damaging or killing themselves. Budgies are playful creatures which like a challenge and see such things as a game.
Is it user friendly?
If you have kept budgies for a long time then you know that a practically designed cage can save many headaches. I prefer those with 4 - 4 doors. One main bigger door on the front and a few smaller ones on the sides and back. Make sure also that the doors are secure and that they close tightly. Budgies can and will open loose or badly fitted doors for fun. This makes it easy to get into the cage from any side and is necessary for changing toys, water, food etc.
Also try to get one where the floor slides out without having to open the doors. This makes for easier paper changing.
What kind of perches are the best?
Avoid thin perches at all cost as these are not good for the birds feed. I try to keep away from plastic perches and only use wooden ones. These can be cleaned by hand and afterward be put in the dishwasher for extra disinfection without damage. But a budgies favorite is a branch that you find in the park. Just strip off the leaves but leave the twigs on and they enjoy picking and sitting on it. But make sure it isn't poisonous. I use oak, birch and horse chestnut personally.
Can I build my own cage?
If your budget is too tight to buy a cage and believe me we are all feeling the pinch at the moment then it is possible to build your own cage. Please be sure that all wood is sanded and oiled but not varnished. Budgies pick off the varnish which can be fatal when ingested. Also try to use a strong gridded material for the bars. If you must use chicken wire be sure to NOT leave any loose ends to injure the birds. Or better still place a lat of timber over the areas where the ends meet.
In my opinion they look great and my favorite are those made from wicker.
The only problem that I have with Exotic Bird Cages is that budgies have a tendency to eat things and crap all over the place, so despite the beauty of such objects, I prefer the more practical and easier to maintain metal cages.
Here are some tips on buying a bird cage:
How big should it be?
The cage should be big enough for the number of birds you are holding.
(i.e. 1/2 m2 per pair of budgies)
But remember that if your birds don't get regular free flight (you don't let them fly around outside the cage for a while every day) then I would at least double the recommended size.
Birds can also become claustrophobic and this will lead to either aggression or depression.
Should the cage be round, rectangular or square?
There are different opinions on this theme but I have used all three and found that the shape itself isn't really important but the amount of room inside.
How big should the bar spacing be?
About 1/2-1 centimeter is needed between the bars to prevent the budgies from sticking body parts out and damaging or killing themselves. Budgies are playful creatures which like a challenge and see such things as a game.
Is it user friendly?
If you have kept budgies for a long time then you know that a practically designed cage can save many headaches. I prefer those with 4 - 4 doors. One main bigger door on the front and a few smaller ones on the sides and back. Make sure also that the doors are secure and that they close tightly. Budgies can and will open loose or badly fitted doors for fun. This makes it easy to get into the cage from any side and is necessary for changing toys, water, food etc.
Also try to get one where the floor slides out without having to open the doors. This makes for easier paper changing.
What kind of perches are the best?
Avoid thin perches at all cost as these are not good for the birds feed. I try to keep away from plastic perches and only use wooden ones. These can be cleaned by hand and afterward be put in the dishwasher for extra disinfection without damage. But a budgies favorite is a branch that you find in the park. Just strip off the leaves but leave the twigs on and they enjoy picking and sitting on it. But make sure it isn't poisonous. I use oak, birch and horse chestnut personally.
Can I build my own cage?
If your budget is too tight to buy a cage and believe me we are all feeling the pinch at the moment then it is possible to build your own cage. Please be sure that all wood is sanded and oiled but not varnished. Budgies pick off the varnish which can be fatal when ingested. Also try to use a strong gridded material for the bars. If you must use chicken wire be sure to NOT leave any loose ends to injure the birds. Or better still place a lat of timber over the areas where the ends meet.
Labels: bird cage, birdcages, budgies, exotic bird cage
posted by liane at
4:26 AM
1 Comments:
Mora Dometop Cage is cool! :o) I might buy a new cage for my budgie...
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