What kind of cage should I buy?
You should think of your parrot's cage as a temporary place to confine it when necessary, not as a permanent residence. Even so, your parrot will be spending many hours in its cage, so try to make it as roomy, comfortable, and homey for a bird as possible.
As long as the bars run horizontally and are spaced close enough to prevent your parrot from sticking his head between them, you can buy a cage as large as your pocket and home will allow.
At a minimum, the cage should be large enough for the parrot to open his wings in all directions.
Place the cage in the living room or another room close by family activities.
Equipt the cage with two or three perches of varying diameters to prevent foot fatigue and pressure sores.
Safe-to-chew tree branches make a nice alternative to commercial dowels.
Equipt the cage with at least a couple of parrot safe, species appropriate toys to keep your bird occupied when you're not around.
Many people rotate toys every couple of weeks so their parrot won't become bored.
Most parrots also love wooden boxes placed inside their cages; they use these as private hideaways and as a roosting place at night.
Birds appreciate a bath. Small parrots such as budgies will use the little plastic bathtubs you can attach to the cage. Ceramic dog dishes too heavy for a playful bird to tip over work well as makeshift bath tubs for larger parrots. For quick showers, use a plastic plant misting bottle to gently spray your parrot with lukewarm water.
Line the bottom of your parrot's cage with newspaper; fancier materials such as sawdust and corn cobs not only cost extra, they can create a moist environment for disease. Ink from newsprint will not harm your parrot. However, it's a good idea to change the paper every day; not only will your bird's feet stay cleaner, it's easier to spot a change in droppings.
Experts recommend parrots get 12 hours of quiet and darkness every night. Covering the cage with an old towel or light blanket may help your bird sleep better.
Your birds cage should be a happy safe place for your parrot, Not a prison, so be sure he/she gets plenty of time out with you and your family.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask! We are always here for help and advice with any aspect of birdcare!