Pet birds make loyal and beautiful companions when you show them the love and care they deserve. If you’re thinking about adopting one or more feathered friends, you probably have quite a few specific questions about their care and keeping. To start with, your bird will need a spacious place to live!

One of the most common questions we receive is — “What kind of cage does my bird need?” The answer can get complicated since it depends on the bird, but there are a few factors that you should consider when picking out the right cage. Here’s what you need to know!

Bird Size

The first thing you’ll need to consider when choosing a bird cage is the size of your bird(s). After figuring out the type of bird that you’d like to adopt, look into recommended cage size range, and purchase the largest cage for the range. This gives your bird the most comfortable living space, with plenty of room to grow. 

Bird Habits

Every bird is a little different since they all have their own personalities. However, different types of birds are more prone to certain behaviors than others. Be sure to read up on your bird’s habits before you choose a cage. Here are some questions to find answers to:

• Does your bird prefer more horizontal space or more vertical space? (Most birds prefer vertical space, but this can vary.)
• Does your bird’s species enjoy a specific type of perch or toy? If this is the case, don’t forget to include it in your cage setup.
• Does your bird like to be kept in a quiet environment, such as a back room? Or do they prefer being near all the excitement?

Cage Features

Cage Material

By their nature, birds are prone to chewing on anything they can get their beaks on. Even if you provide them with plenty of toys, treats, and stimulation, small birds’ and larger birds’ beaks alike can still do a number on the cage material over time. That’s why it’s important to select a durable material. Both stainless steel and powder-coated steel are good choices for your bird.

Bar Spacing

Bar spacing is an important cage feature you’ll need to consider carefully. Different species of birds require different amounts of space between the cage’s bars. The smaller the bird, the easier it is for them to slip through wide bars. As a general rule, your cage bars should be close together enough so that birds’ heads can’t poke through but not so narrow that their claws or wings can become trapped. You should always research bar specifications based on your specific bird. Below are a few recommended dimensions:

• Canaries, parrotlets, and budgies: 3/8″ to 7/16”
• Small cockatiels: 5/8″
• Large cockatiels, small conures, and small parrots: 1/2″ to 3/4″
• African Gray parrots, small cockatoos, and large conures: 3/4″ to 1”
• Macaws, large Eclectus parrots, and large cockatoos: 3/4″ to 1.5”

Wheels or Casters

Bird cages with wheels or casters can be significantly easier to clean or move around. However, if you have carpeted floors, live with small children, or have invested in a cage that’s already relatively easy to clean, this option may not be necessary.

Perches & Toys

All bird cages need perches so that birds can rest and groom themselves. They also need a variety of toys available, so they don’t become stressed or bored. Be sure to include at least two perches (each made of different materials) per bird, and don’t forget to provide a variety of bamboo logs, Crazy Tails, or other essential bird toys in the enclosure.

Cage Location

Now that you’re almost ready to buy a bird cage, there’s something else worth thinking about — the location where you’ll be placing said cage. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when deciding on the right spot for your bird’s bedroom:

• Choose a location where the cage is easily accessible. This will make feeding, care, and cleaning much easier.
• Don’t place the cage in a child’s room. The child might tip the cage, get their fingers stuck in the bars, or end up harming themselves in another way.
• Avoid placing the cage near temperature hazards such as space heaters, wall heaters, AC units, wood-burning stoves, HVAC vents, and fireplaces.
• Keep the cage away from doors and windows.
• Never put the cage in the kitchen, even for a moment. Not only are there hot temperatures, but also certain cookware fumes can threaten the health of your feathered friend.

When in Doubt, Ask the Experts!

It can be overwhelming to choose a cage that feels “right.” If you’re still stumped after reading this article, your best bet is to seek out advice from a reputable business that truly cares about birds. The “decorative” cages available in big-box stores or even some chain pet stores should never be considered. Much like how true fishkeepers disavow fishbowls, anyone who cares for birds quickly lets you know that decorative cages just don’t cut it. These cramped, cheap-o cages are too small to provide a healthy environment for birds, and they’re often made from toxic materials to boot.

Buy Your Bird the Best!

We hope you’re ready to choose the perfect cage for your parrot, cockatoo, canary, or conure. If you have questions about keeping birds or want to order some of the best bird products on the market, don’t hesitate to contact our team! We’re passionate about all types of birds and want to help your pet be as happy as possible in its new home. Good luck bonding with your new bird buddy!

Birds are some of the most intelligent and emotionally driven pets in the animal kingdom. Whether you are an experienced bird owner or have gotten your first one through our bird rehoming program, finding ways to connect with your new avian friend outside of its cage is crucial to developing a relationship with them. Birds treat their cages as their sanctuary, so building the level of trust and sense of security your pet bird feels with you can be a slow and meticulous process. 

If you try to leave your bird in their cage or aviary for an extended period, it can negatively impact their mood and potentially lead them to develop a case of depression. Your bird wants to explore its surroundings, so leaving them cooped up for multiple hours a day doesn’t do them any favors. Developing a bond with them can help improve their mood and make it a more beneficial experience for you. 

The Benefits of Bonding With Your Bird Outside of Its Cage

Birds are naturally social and curious creatures. They want to explore their environment, stretch their wings, and enjoy the freedom that flight gives them. However, living with a cage door between them and their explorative nature can lead them to experience significant depressive episodes. 

We’ve mentioned that birds have a highly developed sense of emotional intelligence. The downside is that, like humans, they can also experience depression. 

Birds love to stretch their wings and fly around — engaging with them in extended playtime outside their cage can help improve their spirits and your developing bond. It allows you to build trust with them and lets them explore more of their new home than they would otherwise. 

The Ideal Length of Parrot Play Sessions

For parrot owners looking to engage their avian friends in extended playtime, finding the right balance between freedom and maintaining their routine can prove challenging. You may want to spend an entire day bonding with your parrot over playtime outside of the cage, but it could cause too much turmoil in their established routine and do more harm than good. 

Keeping play sessions short enough not to disrupt your bird’s routine but long enough so they experience a fair amount of freedom is a fine line to walk for bird owners. Keepin most play sessions between 20-30 minutes strikes the right balance and prevents your birds from ever feeling too “homesick” for their cage. 

Utilize Parrot-Safe Toys

When it comes to bonding with your birds, utilizing toys that are safe for them becomes vitally important for their continued development. You want to give them bird toys that are free from choking hazards or toxic chemicals that can negatively affect them in the long run. Keeping play sessions fun, interactive, and filled with parrot-approved toys will help you bond with your parrot in a safe and controlled environment.

Don’t Push Them Too Hard, Too Fast

The parrot’s emotional intelligence can prove a double-edged sword at times. While their remarkable intelligence can spur more meaningful and engaging playtime, it can also present challenges to bonding with them. If you try to push a connection too quickly, it can backfire on you, similarly to forging new friendships with people. 

Treat bonding with your parrot in a similar way to making new friends. Don’t try and force something that isn’t there yet and take your time. Patience is key to forging this budding bond. 

Come to Todd Marcus Birds Exotic for Your Parrot Needs!

If you need help finding a new bird for your home, Todd Marcus Birds Exotic has a lineup of birds of varying species looking for a new home. We also have a vast inventory of bird toys, cages, and more to help your new feathered friend feel more comfortable in their new home as you form a bond with them. It can be a long process, but sticking with it is its own reward. 

Get in touch with us today for more bird bonding tips or to find your next companion!

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Preening vs. Plucking vs. Molting: What’s the Difference?

When owning a pet bird, such as a parrot, cockatiel, cockatoo, or any other bird, the health of its feathers is essential. Bird feathers are often very hard to deal with because there are many different kinds of issues that could occur with them. Typically there are three types of bird-induced feather issues. They are preening, plucking, and molting. But they all sound similar, and all involve the removal and damage of bird feathers. Are they the same? No, they are very different.

Here are some differences between them and how each issue should be handled, so you can keep your bird healthy. 

Preening 

Preening is when a bird grooms and takes care of its feathers. Normal bird feathers must be preened often. When they preen, they spread oil from their preening gland onto their feathers, which helps to keep their feathers waterproof and strong. If they are not preening, it could be very dangerous for their health.

Preening is also very good for keeping feathers clean. Dust and other unmentionable matter can end up on your bird’s feathers, making preening an essential process for your bird.

It’s important to note that preening can become excessive and even dangerous. When this happens, your bird’s feathers can fall out more than they should. If your bird is over-preening, such as every ten minutes or all the time, you should check your bird’s health and possibly take it to a vet. 

Plucking 

Plucking is a common bird feather-related issue that is also the most dangerous. Plucking is when a bird pulls out their feathers on purpose, usually to release endorphins, and it often can become very addicting. Plucking can result from stress, lack of sleep, or another health issue, such as environmental issues or boredom. It can result in:

• A rough-looking bird 
• Large bald spots all over the bird’s body
• Permanent follicle damage
• Bleeding spots 

It should be taken seriously, and if you notice any of these issues, bring your bird to a vet for an examination immediately. And if you are thinking of using pet bird boarding services soon, you should ensure that the plucking issue is taken care of because it could increase the problem if your bird is suddenly in a different environment. Often if you help your bird right away, a quick fix such as a change of environment or attention can help a bird who is plucking.  

Molting 

Molting is when a bird loses its feathers so new ones can grow. Bird feathers are meant to fall out on their own, not be pulled out forcefully. So depending on the bird, it can happen a few times a year or even more. Molting is perfectly healthy when occurring regularly. Signs of molting are: 

• Shedding
• Looking patchy and missing prominent feathers, such as flight feathers and tail feathers
• Feathers that are everywhere at certain times of the year

It’s important to remember that molting is normal and actually healthy for your bird. However, if your feathery friend starts molting continuously, you will want to take them to the vet right away. There may be an underlying health issue.

Find a New Bird Friend

At Todd Marcus Birds Exotic, we have many birds that would be beautiful additions to your home. Our exotic creatures are cared for lovingly, and we strive to give them the best homes possible. We are happy to help you find the perfect bird, as well as make sure you have all the information and equipment you need to keep your new bird happy. We have everything from Amazon parrots to cockatiels for sale at our shop. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have!