Birds are exotic pets.
Unlike cats and dogs, pet birds spend their lives in a confined environment therefore it is the responsibility of the owner to make them as comfortable as possible.
When shopping for a bird cages there are several things one has to bear in mind.
Listed below are some crucial factors one has to consider before the purchase.
First and foremost is the issue of safety.
Make sure that the materials used in the bird cages you are looking at are not harmful for your bird.
Check the toxic content in the minerals that are used for the cage.
A responsible manufacturer would have consulted with a veterinarian to ensure that the Zinc or Lead content in the powder that is used to coat the cage is not dangerous for pets.
Next, look at the quality of the materials used for the cage.
Steel cages with powder coating are the best options however ensure that they are 100% stainless steel.
A cage with a warranty is better as they verify the quality and also cover any damages caused during shipping.
Cages with hollow bars should be avoided at all costs as your pet can bend or chew through them.
Birds require space so a big cage is the preferred option.
However the bars should not be too far apart as your bird might get its head stuck through them and end up injuring itself.
Therefore consider the size of your bird before making the purchase.
Look for a cage that is easy to clean.
More often than not this factor is overlooked but the easier it is to clean the cage the lesser time you will spend doing it.
Thus it will no longer be a chore that you are forced to do rather you can get it done quickly making you and your bird happy.
A clean cage will last longer as well as bird droppings can turn erosive therefore become harmful for the cage.
A sturdy cage which can be taken apart easily without the use of tools is the best buy.
At least a portion of the cage must be removable to enable easy cleaning.
Good quality cages also feature drainage holes so that the moisture can be easily drained into a tray rather than collecting in the cage.
A cage with an optional use grate is good as it can be removed when needed especially during cleaning.
Ensure that your cage provides your bird with enough stimulation.
Your bird is confined in a small space therefore stimulation and some exercise is necessary for it to remain happy and healthy.
Removable hooks and play tops are quite handy for stimulating your pet.
A play top can be removed and placed away from the cage giving your bird a chance to exercise and receive sunlight.
A cage with wheels is another good option.
This gives you the option of wheeling the cage to different locations in your home so that your bird can have a change of scenery.
The wheels also come in handy during cleaning.
It is advisable not to buy cages just based on the price tag.
Cheap bird cages may end up being more trouble than they are worth which will ultimately result in the unhappiness of both the master and the pet.
Consider all the needs of your pet when you are buying a cage because in the end your pet's happiness will translate into your happiness.