Birds are extremely intelligent and, like pet animals, demand a suitable environment and stimulation for their minds. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind if you own pet birds that you want to ensure they live a happy life.

What is the space?

A majority of cages aren’t big enough to let birds fly around freely, and they can limit their capacity to exercise and show their usual behaviors. Therefore, if a bird is always in a cage and is not allowed to fly, they must be able to access an aviary for flight or have frequent opportunities to fly in a secure indoor space outside their cage.

The goal should be to create the largest cage possible, based on space available and the financial constraints. Because birds don’t go straight vertically, cells that are narrow with lots of vertical space but much horizontal space typically don’t have enough space.

The length of the minimum cage for two birds must be at minimum three times their wingspan, with the wing span being the length of the branch from the point of one attachment up to the edge of the unit in the event that each team is stretched. The size should be able to accommodate at minimum two beats (the more, the more) within the middle of perches. The maximum height should be three times that of the distance from the tip of the head to the top of the tail of the longest bird that is to be confined within it. Go to our Knowledgebase for advice regarding the amount of space your bird requires.

Other housing elements

Housing should also feature several different perches, with enough space to accommodate all bird species. Nests should be made rough and from non-toxic, natural wood to avoid overgrown toenails. They should also be put away from each other to promote flight. However, they shouldn’t be placed above other perches, food or drink containers.

The housing should be tidy and hygienic. Each day, wash and disinfect food items and water dishes. Change cage paper. Clean the cage spot-on, and then replace food items.

Along with perches or food, and also water, the housing must offer bathing water (either via a sprinkler or in a suitable container to the type of bird) in addition to adequate nesting areas with appropriate nesting material if bird nests are being built. In addition, be sure that your bird’s home is secure and safe from predators.

Enrichment

As with all animals, making sure the habitat where your birds reside is stimulating and diverse can improve their lives. This may include a variety of diets, perches that move, as well as objects to play with and interact with (such as mixing pellets and seeds using large wooden beads, blocks cork, shredded paper, or buttons to make it necessary for the bird, to search through the bowl in order to find food)

Many bird species are extremely social. In nature, they tend to live in groups or, at the very least, pairs. Therefore, your pet birds must be housed in couples or groups of species that are compatible or even individuals. Pet birds often view their human family members as part of their “flock’ therefore, it’s beneficial for the welfare of your bird to incorporate them into routine activities.

Other aspects

Birds need to be protected from weather extremes. If your cage is open to weather and rain, you should let all birds shelter in a location that is safe from rain, wind, and direct sun.

Birds require adequate ventilation and shielding from draughts and fumes. Indoors, at least half of the biggest side of the cage should have an aluminum grill or netting (rather than a solid). Beware of the fumes that come emanating from paint, cleaning supplies, cigarette smoke, and air fresheners. Also, avoid scented cigarettes or candles. Outdoors, a strong material or cladding for the walls and roof, can shield against strong winds. At least three-quarters of the surface of one partition must be made of open-weave mesh.

In addition, birds should be kept away from sudden or loud noises. Birds must be protected from the sounds and sights of predatory animals and should not be located in areas with high traffic levels in the household.