Owning a pet bird can bring so much joy and companionship into your life. But before you bring your new bird home, you’ll need to set up a cage for them. This cage will need more than just a few toys and perches. For a happy and healthy bird, you should have these essential items in your bird cage setup.
Cage
The first and most obvious item you’ll need is a cage. When choosing a cage for your bird, consider their size and species. A good rule of thumb is to get a cage that is at least twice the wingspan of your bird. This will give them enough room to move around and exercise.
The bars of the cage should be close enough together so your bird can’t escape or get stuck between them. For smaller birds, the spacing should be no more than 1/2 inch, and for larger birds, it can be up to 1 inch apart. The ideal material for a birdcage is stainless steel as it’s easy to clean and disinfect.
Perches
Imagine if you had to stand all day, every day. That’s the reality for our feathered friends, who don’t lie down to sleep like we do. To keep their feet healthy and strong, your bird will need a variety of perches to stand on. Natural wood perches are the best option as they mimic branches found in the wild. They also help keep your bird’s nails trimmed naturally. You can use rope perches as well, but check that your bird doesn’t gnaw at any loose fibers. Avoid using dowel or plastic perches as they can cause foot problems for your bird.
Food and Water Bowls
Just like humans, birds need access to fresh food and water throughout the day. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are the best option for both food and water. They’re easy to clean and won’t harbor bacteria like plastic bowls can.
Toys
One important aspect of pet bird care is giving them the mental stimulation they need to stay happy and healthy. Toys are a great way to provide this stimulation. Popular bird toys include bells, ladders, swings, and foraging toys that hide treats for your bird to find. Rotate your bird’s toys regularly to keep them engaged.
You should also be mindful of the materials your bird’s toys are made from. Avoid using toys with small pieces or strings that your bird could potentially swallow. Natural materials such as wood, rope, and paper are safe options. If the toy has metal parts, it should be stainless steel only. Other metals, such as zinc and lead, can cause toxic metal poisoning in birds.
Bedding
To keep your cage clean and hygienic, you’ll need some kind of bedding. Newspaper or paper towels are a cheap and easy options. Avoid using wood shavings, sand, or cat litter; birds have sensitive respiratory systems and can develop respiratory issues from these materials.
Before you bring your new bird home, make sure you have these essentials for their cage setup. They should, at the very least, have a few perches, food and water bowls, and some toys to start. You can then expand and personalize their setup as you get to know them and what kinds of toys and perches they like.
