Tips in Keeping Aviary Finches in Great Shape

We're all too familiar with how great an expense investing in aviary finches can be. These finches require a lot of money, time and expertise to set up. If you've already done all that work so far, then you need to make sure that you protect your investment and make it last for as long as you can! In order to do that, you may have to learn how to keep your finches in top shape. Not only does it benefit you, the owner of these finches, but learning to maintain your finches will serve your feathered friends well too! After all, these finches are your finches' home, and you want them to have a happy one, right?
Maintaining aviary finches is easy, especially if you have a helpful guide. To help you get a head start, here are some great tips!
1. When building your aviary finches, make sure that the materials used are top grade- Otherwise, your finches aviary will not last for very long, and you will need to replace it again. Make sure that the wires that you select are strong and sturdy, and will not be easily bent. You may also want to coat these wires in a film that protects it against rust. 
2. Pay attention to where you place your aviary finches. Do remember that the elements can be your worst enemy when it comes to keeping your finches aviary in good shape. The rain can cause the wires to rust, and the sun can wear out the paint. To protect your finches against the elements, position it properly in your home. Make sure that it hardly gets wet in the rain, and is only exposed to the sun for a limited amount of time everyday. 
3. Lastly, always remember to check your aviary finches every once in a while for minor or major damages, or anything that needs to be repaired. Remember that minor damages will probably cost you less to repair, and you may not even need to spend for new finches. If you leave minor damage to get bigger, then you may have to replace your expensive cage altogether and you really want to avoid that if you can. 
Caring for your finches cage should be easy after these tips. We also advise you to use your common sense! If you think your finches' cage needs replacing for one reason or another, then go on and do it. You will see what your finches need best.

Popular Types Of Pet Cages Today

Different styles of cages 
Pet cages come in many different styles and sizes. The kind of cage you select will depend mainly on the type of animal you are having. For medium and large animals, there are over-sized cages in which your pet will be able to sit, stand, stretch and turn around quite comfortably. There is also sufficient space for food and water containers.
For smaller animals, you may use a pet travel bag which can be carried around with you. These bags come in various styles including back packs, front slings and bags with handles and an opening at the top for the animal to push its head through. Cats normally lie down most of the time when traveling, so the pet cages need not be very high as long as the top of the cage doesn't press down on its head. 
Cages for dogs 
The most common types are made of solid plastic and consist of three pieces - a top, a bottom and a removable gate - which can be taken apart and cleaned. However, you will not be able to fold these variants. Wire cages are much cooler as they have excellent ventilation and there is nothing to hinder the vision of the animal. They are fairly heavy and some can be folded. They sometimes come with various pads and covers for the added comfort of the dog. Soft cages are very light and can be folded. However, they are not recommended for puppies that are likely to tear and chew at the fabric. 
Cages for birds
Birds need plenty of room for climbing and exercise and ideally their cages should have horizontal instead of vertical bars. There are many shapes and styles of bird cages but nowadays most of the bird cages are the angled type and not round as studies have shown that round cages can affect most birds psychologically. These cages are usually hung or placed on a stand. 
Cages for hamsters 
The most common type is the traditional wire cage which comes with a plastic bottom that can be removed for cleaning. A water bottle and feeding dish are normally attached to the cage.An increasingly popular hamster cage is the expandable type which sometimes comes with a wheel and slide. This is basically a simple plastic box to which you can add tubes leading to other separate areas or create a maze of tunnels.
Cages for cats 
Nowadays people prefer to keep their cats outdoors, where they have access to lots of fresh air and sunshine. There are two types of outdoor cat enclosures in the market. The most common type is made of flexible netting and can be easily dismantled for storage when not in use. The other type is made of wire mesh and is more solid. It can usually be left outdoors permanently.
Popular cages for pets today can be found in any animal shelter or pet stores and finding an appropriate one will add to the physical and psychological well-being of your pet.

Understanding Hamsters Cages And Supplies

Regardless of the type of pet you plan to adopt, always be certain you have a unique home or habitat setup specifically for them, along with, all of the essential needs specific to the particular species, as a way to minimize the trauma and stress encountered when having to adjust to life in a brand new environment.

The first step before buying your pet, should be to determine which one of the various hamsters cages will be large enough to facilitate a healthy amount of activity, safe enough to prevent injury from falls or entanglement and should be easy to clean, thereby accommodating a regular schedule for hygiene and maintenance.

Substrate and bedding are important considerations, and should always include certain precautions. Wood shavings are commonly recommended and used by many pet owners, however hamsters should never be exposed to certain types of wood. Pine and cedar can cause respiratory and digestive problems for your little dwarf hamster, so it's a much safer option to insist on Aspen. An even better choice is the readily available paper and fiber-based bedding products available at most pet suppliers. Cotton nesting material is another old favorite that can cause problems when tangled around the toes. A better alternative, and much cheaper option will be to shred toilet paper or facial tissue and allow your hamster to utilize the safer material.

Always choose a high quality commercial food for your hamster pet. Food pellets typically offer a nutritionally balanced diet that's generally better than the loose mixtures of seeds and other dried components. Like most other animals, hamsters will pick out what they like and leave the rest, which unfortunately may not be the most nutritious portion.

Hamsters food dishes should be of a style that is difficult to turn over, thus spilling the contents all over the cage floor. A shallow stainless steel or ceramic material is preferred, since it's sturdy enough to resist damage from chewing and is of a material that is easily cleaned. A hanging water bottle, with a stainless steel leak proof spout is the most commonly utilized option for providing water to your hamster.

Hamsters love a hideaway to sleep and just hang out when in need of privacy, but most options are inconvenient because of issues dealing with destruction (chewing) or soiled, smelly and difficulty in cleaning. The most convenient and least expensive is a small cardboard box. Sure, they'll destroy it, but it can easily be replaced and most likely at zero cost. Additionally, a hamster wheel or hamster ball is an absolute necessity. The dwarf hamsters will most likely require the exercise ball for issues of escape and safety. And, of course you'll need a variety of items to chew on, to maintain their constantly growing teeth and climb up and down on and expend their high metabolic energy output.

And, a final note if you promise not to laugh, is a "hamster potty". Yeah, not too many people are familiar with this issue, but you can pick it up at some pet stores. The trick is to place it in the spot where you notice the majority of droppings in the hamsters cage and your little furry friend will make his deposits right in the little potty. All you have to do is empty it and refill it with hay or newspaper pellet-type of kitty litter. Wow, what'll they think of next?

An Ideal Pet Rabbit Cage

If you know what you are looking for, purchasing pet rabbit cages is not at all difficult. If you are an experienced pet owner then you need to have right knowledge on size, shape and material of cage. In order to know more about rabbit cages, you should follow tips mentioned in the following paragraphs. They will be of great help in choosing the right cage for your rabbit.

Nowadays, besides the type of material as well as the size, people are also opting considering the fashion aspect. You have to make a homey cage for the rabbit. Comfort is no doubt one of the most important aspects to be considered when you opt for these cages, but so is fashion. You will find plenty of trendy cages available in the market these days.

Bigger cages are no doubt recommended, but it's not that you have to opt only for the bigger cages; sometimes smaller cages prove to be better than bigger ones. Rabbits and bunnies are very restless and fidgety, thus you have to choose the size of the cage accordingly.

Your pet rabbit grows gradually, so it can outgrow the cage. Thus, you need to dump the old one and buy a new and a spacious one to meet all your expenses. So keeping these things in mind you need to get hold of a buffer sized rabbit cage. A frail one will involve braking of the cage and it will force you to shell out more extra money. Ventilation should be proper as you don't want your pet to feel suffocated inside the cage. If they cages are aerated appropriately this implies that they have fresher air to breather. You need to also wrap your pet rabbit in a comfortable way otherwise he will die due to cold.

You will find lot of rabbit cages that are made of net walls and wire floors. Wood floor cages are more preferred than wired ones. Wire cages can leads to skin cuts and endure fur loss. The base of the floor should be sturdy and lightweight.

You should make sure that the cages you are buying should be weather resistant also. Rust is one of the most common problems in these cages. So make sure you only opt for high quality cages.

Attracting Birds Without Bird Seed

Many people think that the best way to lure birds to their yard is with bagged bird seed. While this does draw in birds to their yards, there are alternative ways to entice our feathered friends without visiting the store every couple of weeks.

A good water source will attract a wider range of animals than bird seed because only certain species eat seeds, but all of them require water. In the summer months most species like to bathe. Moving or dripping water will tempt them to visit even more. They are lured to the splashing sound, and the mosquitoes will be unable to lay eggs in the moving water. To accomplish this you can buy a wiggler or a pump of some sort, and if possible one that is solar powered so it does not rely on an outlet. Another way to create moving water would be hanging a bottle with water and punching a small hole in the bottom to drip into the bird bath. The water should be cleaned at least once a week to reduce disease transmission between the birds. If there is no moving water it should be cleaned every other day to prevent mosquitoes.

Another way to attract birds without any bird seed is to stop raking your yard. The added leaf litter gives insects more places to live, which will attract the birds that feed on bugs, such as Eastern Towhees. If you do not like the look of leaves all over your yard you can just rake them to one corner or under a bush. These leaves will also compost and creates good soil for plants.

Planting native plants in your yard will attract birds, sometimes more than store bought bird seed. Plants with berries are good for fruit eating birds, for example Cedar Waxwings; and plants with bright and colorful flowers will attract nectar feeding birds, including Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. Before planting any plants in your yard you should do a lot of research, making sure it is native to the area and not invasive. The best source to check would be with your state's Department of Natural Resources.

These tips will help attract birds to your yard with less money and can attract more birds than the basic store bought bird seed.

Who Is That Charming Little Creature In My Chinchilla Cage?

Considering all of the unique critters on the planet, which ones are the warmest, cutest, furriest, cuddliest, most entertaining and affectionate pets of all? Well, I suppose if you ask ten different pet owners, you'll likely get ten different answers. For me, it's hard to beat the incredible little critter from high up in the Andes Mountains of South America, the chinchilla. And, that's especially true of the adorable chinchilla baby. Chinchillas as pets were imported, or more likely smuggled into North America nearly a century ago, these adorable dynamos have evolved into one of the world's most cherished pets.

The name chinchilla means "little chincha", a name associated with the Chincha people of Peru, a group who relied heavily upon the once abundant rodent populations for both food and fur. Unfortunately, the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century ushered in the eventual demise of the larger king chinchilla and the subsequent endangerment of the remainder of the entire wild species, as the chinchilla fur trade offered an irresistible opportunity for wealth.

Thankfully, that group of a dozen or so chinnies, who were discreetly transported to California at the turn of the century, are given credit, by some experts, as having propagated the entire population of North American chinchillas. Sadly, the numbers left behind in South America have struggled for survival and while they may be protected as an endangered species, the populations appear to lack the necessary growth to offer any substantial hope for the immediate future.

The coolest thing about the species, which happens to be the softest and thickest fur of any animal on the planet, is also the one thing that's contributed to its near extinction. The demands of the fur market, for this high priced pelt, inspired an inexhaustible army of trappers eagerly waging war against the harmless and defenseless 'little chinchas'. The pursuit of profit, it would seem, has no room for conscience. And, although the demand for all types of fur has diminished worldwide, it's unlikely that any organized efforts, with regard to any type of wide scale chinchilla rescue, will ever return the number of wild chinchillas to their pre-conquistador levels of the 1600s.

Here in the United States the chinchilla pet industry has evolved into a stable and profitable enterprise, with breeders and pet stores alike, supplying the needs of a demanding base of enthusiastic and loving chinnie owners.

A few chinchilla facts reveal that this little animal weighs in at somewhere between two and three pounds, and appears to be a cross between a rabbit and a squirrel. Reaching a full-grown length of about 12 inches, the typical chinchilla is relatively easy to care for, demanding only reasonably sized chinchilla cages or enclosure and sufficient room to run about in a daily program of physical exercise. Specialized needs include the relatively inexpensive chinchilla wheel, a few chinchilla toys, and the chinchilla bath, more commonly known as chinchilla sand. The required diet, while somewhat specialized, is rather simple and generally not a challenge for the average budget.

Chinchillas are very intelligent, highly energetic and can be extremely affectionate, showing great attachment to the owners they depend on and love. They are also very delicate animals that are easily injured, a potential that demands supervised activity when young children are involved. As a nocturnal animal, the bulk of their activity occurs between sundown and daybreak, however there's sufficient time in between for you to interact with your comically playful little pet.

Chinchilla Care Tips

Pet chinchillas require attention and care just like every other type of pet. Some care procedures are common sense and some needs are unique to chinchillas. Here we will go through the basic pet chinchilla care tips to keep your pet healthy.

Clean your chinchilla's cage often. This may seem obvious, but it is often overlooked or just put off until later because it isn't the most pleasant part of being a pet owner. Despite the hassle, a clean cage promotes the health of your chinchilla and can prevent the development of disease or infection in your pet. If you use a bowl for water, it is a good idea to change the water on a daily basis.

Try to use a wire mesh cage with a solid floor or a solid slide-out tray. The wire mesh is good for ventilation and a solid floor is important because if there is a wire mesh floor with space under it a chinchilla will have difficulty getting around on it. Even with bedding on an open floor, your pet risks injury just by moving around in it's cage. A slide-out tray is great when it's time to clean the cage and you will be glad to have it.

Chinchillas need a bath every two to three days. The unique thing about chinchillas is that they should not be bathed in water. Water baths will wash off the oils that these animals produce. These oils are important for their fur and the health of their skin. Chinchillas need, what is known as, a dust bath. These dust baths use a special dust that you can get at many pet stores or online. Put a couple inches of chinchilla dust bath into a bowl and let your pet use it a couple times per week. He will roll around in it and make it seem like he is making a mess but this is actually good for them. The dust bath can be reused but it is a good idea to clean the balls of dust out between uses because this is what has gathered as waste from your chinchilla's bathing.

Keep your chinchilla healthy by allowing him to exercise and keeping him from getting too hot. Some chinchillas like to use an exercise wheel. Even if you have a large cage it would be beneficial for your pet if he could run on an exercise wheel, as well as roam the cage. A pet chinchilla should also be allowed out of his cage at least once a week. This will, also, allow exercise time and provide some bonding time with you. Keep an eye on your chinchilla while he is out of his cage. These animals can fit in small places and get lost easily and have been known to chew through electrical chords.

Chinchillas are interesting animals and fun pets to have. The basics of pet chinchilla care are simple and inexpensive. Look out for the welfare of your pet and you will have a happy and healthy chinchilla in your life.

Bird Cages For All Hookbills

Parrots and all Hook bills make great Pets, with proper care and personal interaction make a fun and entertaining addition to your family. My Brother has an African Grey Parrot, who is very smart and has a large vocabulary. They are native to Africa, and you should have the proper size cage which is usually a 36x28, my brother has a 40x30 size for his African Grey Parrot, he also has a play stand which is perfect for exercise and time out of the cage to spread his wings and to interact with you and the family.

My Brothers African Grey sounds just like his voice when he speaks,they have the most human sounding voice of all the parrots. The most important thing to remember is to have their wings clipped so they wont injure themselves if they fly from their perch, and keep their nails clipped and their beaks trimmed which they can do themselves if they have the cuttle bone and pumice stone perch. I had a Cockatiel which was a beautiful bird who had rosy checks and they are native to Australia, they are very smart and loving I taught mine to say a few words, he became part of our family. I had parakeets who mated and had their young in our cage at home, we watched as the male fed the female as she sat on the eggs, and we watched the young hatch, and explore their new surroundings it was a wonderful experience for my whole family.

Just remember cage size is important, finding an Avian veterinarian, a varied diet, and do not give your birds a treat that you think is good for you before checking to see what foods are toxic to your Bird, example: my Daughter enjoys avocados, very toxic to birds, check with experienced sources on toxic plants and foods. Here is a little information which can be helpful, Finches are small birds and enjoy the company of each other, so have more than one in a cage, Love Birds should always be in pairs, Canaries can sing a melodious song that you can enjoy..... enjoy the beauty of the Macaws who are gentle and affectionate, my Daughter has a Macaw, he has bonded with her and the family, but he requires a lot of attention at times, her friend has an Eclectus who loves his toys and has a very soft fur and is very quiet compared to my daughters African Grey and Macaw. To me all the parrots and birds are wonderful to watch and listen too, and with the proper care and love make great companions.

Bird Cage Supplies - How to Shop Wisely For Your Pet Bird

There are different kinds of bird cages, from dome tops to play tops and parrot perches. If you have never owned a bird before, you will probably be taken aback by the sheer number of cage types as well as cage supplies being sold in the market today. Choose the kind of cage designed for your bird, and make sure that it is large enough for your bird to roam around in. From cage covers and cage corner shelves to bird nets, you will have to spend a good amount of time choosing which bird cage supplies to buy first.

Types of bird cage supplies

Basic bird cage supplies include food, feeding bowls, a cage cover, and toys. Different birds like different types of food. Black oil sunflower seed is the most common type of food that is good for different kinds of birds, especially chickadees and titmice, as well as cardinals. White millet, red milo, and cracked corn are also popular types of bird food.

Every bird cage needs two bird bowls, one for food and one for water. Buy bird bowls that are made especially for birds. Other kinds of bowls may be coated with material that can be harmful to your bird.

For stimulation, it is important to provide your bird with a toy and to give it a change of scenery by moving the cage from one location to another or by removing the play top so your bird can walk around.

How to shop for bird cage supplies wisely

Choose toys wisely since the wrong toy can injure and even poison your pet. Your bird can easily snag its claw in a toy or choke on a small piece of toy. Avoid providing your bird with cotton rope toys, toys with metal chains, toys with clips and rings, bell toys, and any toy with loose threads. Toys with chains, holes and rings can trap your bird's beak or claw. Toys with loose threads and ropey toys can easily break apart and your bird could swallow them. They can also snag your bird's beak and claws. Toy bells are not a good idea because your bird's beak can easily get stuck inside. The bird could also remove the clapper and choke on it. The clapper may also contain lead, so even if it does not choke on it, the lead could have potentially toxic effects.

When giving toys made of wood or plastic, make sure that the toy does not have any splinters and is not easily torn apart. Avoid giving plastic toys that are soft and easy to tear apart since the torn parts could easily be easily swallowed and choke your bird.

When it comes to choosing food, do a little bit of research on the kind of bird food that your pet should eat. You can ask your vet on what seed your bird eats or you can look at resources online.

Finally, when shopping for cages, it is important that you choose a bird cage made by a reliable manufacturer. Trusted brands provide products that come with users' guides, warranties, and reliable customer support.

Safety Found in a Stainless Steel Bird Cage

A stainless steel bird cage is deemed as the best and the most expensive home for avian pets. These are the most sought after types of cages because of there durability and stability. It is almost unlikely that these types of cages and stands can topple no matter how aggressive the bird is becoming. A steel cage can also withstand the rigors of time and tarnish. The acid found in food and bird droppings may tarnish a lot of other materials but not stainless steel.

These cages come in all forms of finishes, size and shapes. The point of a bird cage though isn't so much on its visual pleasure but the quality of the material it is made from.

There are medical-grade stainless steel which doesn't contain the element chromium that may poison the pet if constantly eaten. A 304-Grade steel cage is said to be most ideal because it supposedly does not contain any harmful chemicals that pets can ingest. It is more expensive than normal stainless steel cages, but many bird owners will justify that it's well worth it.

Even if cages of this material are durable, maintenance is still important for its longevity and they are quite easy to clean out. It can be pressure-washed or scrubbed down with vinegar and water, then dried with another cloth. Stainless steel cages are easy to maintain though because the material resists bacterial formation

Again, the expense might be over the top, but for a pet lover, the best is rightly so.

Bird Cages with Room to Stretch

Your feathered friend deserves a safe, comfortable enclosure...here are 12 simple tips if you’re a bird lover with a companion in a cage! Buy the largest cage you can with the correct bar spacing for your bird type. Place perches away from locations that are above food and water containers.

Tree branches also make good perches but don't use any part of cherry trees.

Clean all cage parts and bars to remove dust and contamination.

Add butcher paper to the bottom tray. If a grill is used on the bottom of the cage, it should be cleaned when the paper is changed.

Wipe down the bars and base of the cage as needed, and remove any faeces or food.

Check that all feeders and doors are securely closed at all times.

Change food and water when soiled, regardless of whether some remains.

Having your bird’s wing feathers trimmed may reduce the chances of escape or accident.

Select a proper location for your bird cage. Drafts are deadly to exotic birds and should be avoided. All birds need loads of indirect light or short periods of direct light.

Provide plenty of toys for your bird's diversion while in the cage.

Allow enough free space for wing exercises.

Bird Cage Stands

Like us, birds need variety in life. To be happy and healthy, they need socialization and exercise. This cannot be accomplished if they are cooped up in a cage all day. Birds need time out of the cage to move freely.
Bird cage stands help birds get their required exercise. Similar to a tree, a bird cage stand is a tall structure with several branches for a bird to perch. This simulates the wild and allows the bird to enjoy a bit of freedom. Bird cage stands can also host toys for added play and enjoyment.

This fist type of bird cage stand is especially popular with parrots. With their large wingspan, parrots require more freedom of movement than cages can usually offer. These stands can be found at pet stores and specialty bird supply stores.

Another type of bird cage stand is a base that holds a bird cage. This is usually used for smaller cages and allows them to sit higher in the air. This also makes the cage a bit more mobile, as the stand can be moved from room to room. It can even be moved outside to give the bird more variety in its environment. Without this variety, a bird can become bored and unhappy.

Often, these stands are sold with the bird cage as a single unit. These can be found for under $150, online and at pet stores.

How to Buy Cockatiel Cages

Cockatiels, small parrots with a crest available in a variety of color patterns, are quite popular birds. If you're looking for a cage for your cockatiel, there are a few things you need to consider. Cages designed for other types usually aren't suitable. This article will share with you some of the things you need to consider when buying cockatiel cages.
Size

One of the most important decisions you'll have to make is about size. Your bird will likely be very active, so you should provide him with a relatively large cage. It should at least be wide enough so that he can fully spread his wings without hitting the side of the cage. At a minimum, the cage should be 20 inches x 20 inches wide.

The height of the cage is also important. There should be enough space for you to erect two perches in the cage at different levels. With this in mind, look for a cage that is between 16 and 26 inches tall.

Bars

You also need to pay attention to the spacing between the bars when buying cockatiel cages. It's important that the bars are spaced no more than 3/4 inches apart. If the spacing is any wider, your bird may get his head stuck in between. You or your bird certainly don't want that. Also, look for a design that also has horizontal bars. Your cockatiel will enjoy climbing on them which counts as exercise.

Floor

It's also a good idea to look for a cage that has a floor grate. Cockatiels spend a lot of time on the floor of their cages. A floor grate will help you clean up droppings easily.

Wooden Bird Cages

Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today’s bird cages are trendy. They are stylish. They make a statement about the owner’s taste and lifestyle. Bird cages can blend in artfully with the décor or they can stand in bold contrast. Bird cages are available in many different themes and styles. Modern, whimsical, simplistic, Victorian, Oriental, Tuscan, Arabian —bird cages are available in these styles and more.

Some of the most beautiful cages in any style are wooden bird cages. They can be made of most any wood—cherry, oak, pine, maple, and even laminate. For most any wood décor, there is a wooden bird cage to match. And, if you can’t find an existing bird cage, one can be made to match.

For all their beauty, though, there are some things to consider before buying a wooden bird cage. For example, wooden bird cages are difficult to clean. They can be very challenging to disinfectant and sanitize, as germs and bacteria can get into the grains.

If you own a parrot, it is definitely best to avoid wooden bird cages. Parrots enjoy chewing the wood.

Wooden bird cages are available online in a variety of sizes. They can also be custom ordered to your exact specifications. Though used wooden bird cages are available, they should be avoided. These cages could pose a significant health risk to your bird and your family.

Choose an Acrylic Bird Cage

Congratulations. You’ve decided to buy a bird, and you even know what kind. You’ve gone so far as to pick out a name for your new feathered friend. The hard part is over, right? Wrong. You still have to find a cage for little Polly. You will be amazed by the number of bird cages to choose from. Bird cages are available in many different sizes, styles, and price ranges. They come in a variety of materials, such as wood, iron, metal, and stainless steel.

One option for materials is acrylic. Acrylic bird cages are relatively inexpensive and readily available. Though acrylic bird cages are popular, some customers report that they are not as durable as metal or stainless steel. Others say that birds are unable to climb on acrylic bird cages. This could keep your bird from getting an adequate amount of exercise.

Acrylic bird cages can be mass produced or custom made. They can be found at local pet stores or large chains such as PetsMart or PetCo. They are also available at department stores, such as Wal-Mart. At times, acrylic bird cages can even be found at discount stores, such as Family Dollar or Dollar General. Another option for buying acrylic bird cages is online pet stores. They can range from about $20 for a small mass produced cage to over a thousand dollars for a large custom designed cage.

The Benefits of Large Birdcages

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Free as a bird.” In the wild, birds are free, flying from tree to tree in effortless abandon. At home, we should recreate that environment to the greatest degree possible. In general, we should buy the largest cage that will safely accommodate our feathered friend.

In order to be comfortable, birds need ample space in order to be comfortable. It should be able to spread its wings easily and move from perch to perch. Like all of us, birds need exercise. It stands to reason, then, that larger or more active birds need large bird cages.

A macaw, for example, needs a cage that is at least three feet long and five feet wide! Amazons, African grays, conures, and cockatoos also require large bird cages, though not as large as the macaw. Before making such a purchase, make sure that you have enough space available in your home.

Large bird cages are available in a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, iron, stainless steel, and acrylic. You can choose based on many factors, but convenience should definitely be considered. Your large bird cage will need to be cleaned regularly, and stainless steel or metal cages are usually the easiest to clean.

Large bird cages are available at most pet stores and specialty bird stores. They can also be ordered online. For a large bird cage built specifically for your space, you might consider a custom bird cage.

Decorative Bird Cages

Whether purely for looks or for a bird’s home, bird cages can be attractive decorator touches. They can be used as wall hangings, plant holders, centerpieces, and more.

Bird cages are available in many different materials, including wood, acrylic, stainless steel, metal, and iron. They are also available in some unique materials such as bamboo. Decorative bird cages are available in most any style imaginable. There are bird cages representative of most regions of the world—there are Oriental bird cages, Tuscan cages, and Arabian cages. There are also many bird cages featuring various architectural designs, such as domes and arches. Victorian cages are also quite popular. Some decorative bird cages are trimmed in gold or topped in marble. Some feature elaborate scrollwork. Others are even more whimsical, shaped like globes or hot-air balloons.

Some decorative bird cages are purely decorative; others are functional. If you intend to use a decorative cage as a home for your bird, make sure that it is truly designed for that purpose. Do not sacrifice your bird’s safety or comfort for style. For example, a tall narrow bird cage may look beautiful, but it doesn’t give your bird ample space for moving. A round, globelike cage looks exotic, but it might not give your bird a space for perching. With careful consideration of your bird’s needs, it is possible to find a bird cage that is both decorative and functional.

Decorative bird cages are available at department stores and specialty pet stores. They are also available online. Purely decorative cages are available at many retail stores and in a wide range of prices, depending on size and material.

How to Choose the Right Bird Cage

If the “tweet, tweet” of little beaks is in your future, bird cages are undoubtedly on your mind. Bird cages are available in every price range. They are also available in an increasingly diverse range of styles.

Bird cages are made in many different materials. Some of the most popular are wood, metal, and acrylic. Powder-coated and stainless steel cages are also available.

When choosing a bird cage, there are several main considerations. The first is, of course, price. If you are on a limited budget, you will not be able to buy a custom cage. The second consideration should be the type of bird you are buying. Different birds have different needs. Some birds, such as Amazons, cockatoos, conures, or African grays, require large cages. Others, such as canaries, parakeets, and finches, do better in smaller cages.

The next consideration is purely cosmetic. You will need to pick a cage that matches your décor. This is especially important if your bird is to be a focal point of your home. Bird cages are offered now in styles ranging from simple to elaborate, elegant to whimsical.

Keep in mind that the main purpose of the cage is to keep the bird happy and safe. To that end, there are a few additional considerations. First of all, your bird cage should have a large door. This gives you easier access to your feathered friend.

For convenience sake, look for a cage with food and water containers that can be filled from the outside. Ease of cleaning is also important. Generally, metal is easier to clean than wood or acrylic.