Birds are intelligent pets that require mental stimulation and appropriate housing. These tips will help you to provide a happy life for your pet bird.
How Much Space?
The majority of cages are far too small for birds to be able to fly, and this can seriously restrict their ability to exercise and express themselves. If birds are permanently caged, they must have regular access to a flight environment or be allowed to fly regularly in a safe, indoor environment.
If you have the space, and if money is an issue, then it’s best to get as big a cage as you can. Birds don’t fly vertically up and down, so cages with lots of vertical space but little horizontal space are often not enough.
The minimum cage length for two birds is three times the combined wing span. The wing span is the distance between the tips of both wings when they are spread out. The cage should be long enough to allow two wingbeats between perches (the longer, the better). The height of the enclosure should be three times as long from the tip of the tail to the head of the largest bird that will be contained in it. For tips on the amount of space that your bird requires, check out our Knowledgebase.
Other Housing Factors
The housing should have enough space for all birds and a variety of perches. To prevent excessive toenail growth, perches should be made from non-toxic natural wood. The perches should be spaced apart to encourage flight. However, they shouldn’t be placed directly over other perches or containers of food and drinks.
Housing should be clean and hygienic at all times. You should change cage papers and disinfect and clean food and water dishes once a day.
Housing should include perches, food, and water. It can also provide bathing water in the form of a sprinkler or in a container that is appropriate for each species. If birds are reproducing, there should be enough nesting sites with nesting materials suitable to their species. Ensure that the housing for your birds is predator-proof and escape-proof.
Enrichment
This can include a varied diet, movable perches, and objects for them to play with. It can be a variety of food, moving perches, and toys with which they can interact and play.
The majority of bird species are social. In their natural habitat, birds live in pairs or groups. Pet birds should, therefore, be kept in pairs or groups of similar species. Pet birds often see their human family as part of their flock, so it is important to include them in daily activities.
Other Considerations
Birds need to be protected against extreme weather. Your aviary should be able to accommodate all your birds in one place.
Birds require adequate ventilation as well as protection from fumes and draughts. Indoors, the cage’s largest side should have a metal mesh, net, or grill (rather than be solid). Avoid fumes such as those from paints, cleaning products, cigarette smoke, or air fresheners. A solid material on the walls and roof will protect against strong winds, while the mesh should cover at least 34 of the walls.
Last but not least, birds should be kept away from sudden or loud noises. Keep birds away from predatory animals and avoid keeping them in areas with high traffic.
