Budgerigars, rose-faced lovebirds and parrots are some of the most popular bird species to keep as pets. They all have special requirements when it comes to their care and housing in the bird cage.
The species-appropriate bird cage
For a healthy, long life, not only species-appropriate feeding, care and the promotion of social behavior are important, but also optimal accommodation. Bird cages and aviaries are the right choice here. The selection of the appropriate bird cage depends on various criteria:
The size of the cage
The most important point is the size of the bird's housing. This depends on the type and size of the bird, as each bird has its own exercise needs, and on the number of birds that are to be housed in the cage. For an animal that is around 13 cm tall (measured from the beak to the tip of the tail), cages that are no less than 80 cm high, 40 cm wide and 30 cm deep are recommended. This size can be seen as the absolute minimum, but requires that the bird can leave the cage to fly freely.
This minimum size is too small and not species-appropriate for keeping birds in cages alone. For birds that are more than 13cm tall, cages that are at least 100cm high and have side dimensions in a ratio of 4:3:2 are recommended. All bird species like to use a lot of space. It is important that the birds can stretch their wings without being cramped and have the opportunity to fly freely.
The structure of the cage
The distance between the individual cage bars is also important. The bars should never be so far apart that the bird can push its head between them. If the distance is too great, there is a significant risk of injury to the bird.
Here too, it is important to ensure that the size and design of the bird cage are adapted to the type of bird that is to be housed in it. Another point to consider when choosing the right cage is cleaning. Birds cause a considerable amount of dirt (through excrement, leftover food, wear and tear on toys, etc.).
To prevent diseases and parasites, regular cage cleaning is of the utmost importance, so access to the cage should be as easy as possible. The bird cage should always be placed in a bright place, but not in direct sunlight. The birds should always have the opportunity to seek out the light or avoid it. Too much or too little sunlight can have health consequences that are avoidable.
Equipment of the cage
It is not just the size and external appearance of the cage that are important for the well-being of the animals. The furnishings and equipment of the cage also play an important role in keeping the birds in a species-appropriate manner. The bird cage should have several perches, the circumference of which must be adapted to the size of the bird.
Smaller birds, such as budgies or zebra finches, need much narrower perches than, for example, an African grey parrot. Branches and twigs from the wild can also be used as perches for the birds. However, it is important to ensure that the wood is not coniferous or even a poisonous type of wood. Fruit tree wood is suitable and safe in any case. It also serves as a sharpening aid for beaks.
Other items that are necessary for keeping ornamental birds in cages include bird baths with sand or water (attached to the outside of the cage), food and drinking water dispensers and various toys to keep them busy.
When installing toys, it is particularly advisable to change them regularly so that the animals are mentally challenged and do not become mentally dull. In any case, the birds should have a place to retreat or hide so that they can feel safe and protected in their home.