How to House a Happy Bird

Cages

When choosing the right bird for your home, consider the available space and the appropriate species to share your home.

Recommendations:

• Choosing the largest cage size possible, the diameter of the cage should be a minimum of 2x the fully extended wingspan of the adult bird. The recommended cage height is 1.5x the head-to-tail tip length of your bird.
• Rectangular cages are preferred as birds tend to fly horizontally not straight up.
• Cages should be made out of a non-toxic material, ideally a metal such as stainless steel or iron.
• Cage bar spacing should be appropriate for the size of the bird to prevent their heads from getting stuck between them.
• The thickness of cage bars should be considered. Thin wire bars are inappropriate for some of the larger birds as their strong beaks can easily bend or break them.
• Cages should ideally have some horizontal bars to help with ease of climbing and exploring.
• Newspaper, paper towels, and plain paper are good options at the bottom of the cage to collect droppings as they allow visualisation of droppings so health can be monitored. Wood shavings and cat litter are not recommended as they are dusty and can grow bacteria or fungi.
• A cloth to throw over the cage or a partially covered section of the cage is a good idea to help relax, especially at night, masking the sounds of the home environment.

Perches

Perches should be provided for natural behaviour, to allow preening, playing, exploring, and foraging. They should be of varied thicknesses and textures to offer a choice of grip which is good for exercising feet.

Natural non-toxic, pesticide-free, fresh, washed branches of apple, elm, maple, or willow trees can be used but should be washed and replaced regularly.

Braided rope perches are good options but those with sandpaper should be avoided as they can cause sores and infections. Plastic perches should be avoided also as they can be slippery, and splinter if chewed.

Water and food bowls

Ideally, water and food bowls should be made from stainless steel and secured to the side of the cage with an appropriate perch to reach them. Perches should be positioned to avoid soiling food and water. Bowls should not be placed on the bottom of the cage.

Spoilt food should be removed daily and the cage should be cleaned weekly at a minimum.

Bathing

Some tropical bird species like to bathe. A large, shallow water dish for bathing can be provided, or some birds like to be misted with a fine tepid spray to keep their feathers and skin healthy.

Socialisation

Socialisation is essential. Ideally, birds should be housed in pairs at a minimum. Many pet birds will pair bond for life and enjoy the companionship of other birds. Wild birds live in large flocks. If housed alone, you are essentially a vital part of their flock so regular interaction and enrichment are important.

Toys and enrichment

Toys and enrichment are important to prevent boredom and anxiety and mimic natural behaviours. Safe toys include those made from soft wood, cardboard, paper, coconut husks, or corncobs.

Where should you keep your bird's cage?

Being highly social animals, birds prefer their cages to be in a high-traffic area so they can be involved in the “flocks” day-to-day life. Daily interaction is enriching and prevents boredom and anxiety-related illnesses.

Avoid housing your bird cage in the kitchen or too near a window as there are too many hazards in those environments such as large temperature fluctuations. Kitchens also pose the additional risk of Teflon pans, which when heated to high temperatures, release harmful chemicals that can be instantly fatal to birds.

Avoid air-conditioned areas as this can harm their respiratory system. Birds need fresh air and sunlight to regulate their body systems, ensuring vitamin D levels are sufficient for strong bones. If direct sunlight isn’t available, UV lamps can be used to help ensure they stay healthy.

Hazards in the home

Aerosols/inhalants – Avoid candles, aerosol sprays, cigarette smoke, plug-ins, and anything strong smelling that can harm the delicate respiratory system of your pet bird.

The kitchen – Birds should not be in the kitchen when it is in use due to the risk of burns and injury on the hot stove or other hot surfaces as well as cooking fumes.

Freestanding or ceiling fans – Fans are a serious hazard to injury whilst in flight and should be removed or ensured not to be in action when birds are free-flying.

Reflective surfaces – mirrors/glass – Care around reflective surfaces is needed as some birds do not perceive them as such and can injure themselves by flying into these surfaces. It may be necessary to cover these objects to prevent injury during free-flying.

Open doors/windows – Ensure doors and windows are closed to prevent escape when your bird has free time outside of the cage. Captive birds do not survive in wild environments and are liable to be attacked by wild counterparts or struggle due to a lack of foraging knowledge/improper nutritional availability.

Other pets/children – Care around other animals and children, especially when free-flying, as predator species may attack and overzealous children can cause injuries, especially with smaller species of birds. When outside of the cage, birds should always be supervised.

If you follow our guidelines including a good-sized cage, regularly cleaned, with varied perches and lots of toys for enrichment, your bird will be happily housed with you.