Bird Toys - Bird Toy Safety Every Parrot Owner Should Know

Birds are kind of like children. They love their toys and they love to play. But just as a responsible parent would practice good safety measures with their children and their toys, a bird owner also needs to practice good safety measures with their pet as well.

The first step to proper bird safety comes with buying the actual bird toy itself. Though it shouldn't be this way, many bird toy manufacturers make toys that are actually quite unsafe for birds. Ideally, these toys would never be allowed on the market, but unfortunately that isn't the way it is. So when you go to purchase new bird toys, you need to make sure that they are safe toys that will not be harmful to your bird.

Bird toys should be made with safe materials. While there are some bird toys made from plastics that are quite safe, you should still thoroughly examine these toys before you purchase them. Plastic ingestion can be very harmful to birds. Before you buy the toy, make sure it does not have cracks in it that will easily split. Avoid buying the toy if the plastic looks brittle or damaged. These toys may easily break, and the bird could end up swallowing the plastic and getting sick.

If you are buying toys that are made with wood, make sure the wood is a type that is safe for birds to chew on. Some woods are toxic to birds and can make them ill or even be lethal. Before you purchase a wood toy, make sure you know what type of wood that it is made from so you can ensure it has been manufactured from a wood that is safe for birds.

You should avoid buying toys with small chains to them, as bird claws and nails can get tangled in these chains and cause injury. Instead, look for toys that are hung with rope. When looking for toys with rope, make sure the the rope is a cotton rope with a tight weave to it. Do not buy toys that have loose weaves, or look like they may come apart easily, because this can also cause the bird to become entwined in the toy.

Proper bird toy safety continues after the purchase of the parrot toys too. The second step to proper bird toy safety is to be mindful of the toys after you have given them to the bird. When the toys start to become worn and are breaking apart very easily, take them out of the cage and throw them away. If there are rope toys in the cage, snip loose ends of the rope as you see them or throw the toy away all together if it is getting very loose.

Following these few simple bird toy safety tips will not only keep your bird healthy, but will also show it how much you care for it. When you are mindful of your birds toy safety, you can rest assured they will live a long and healthy life with you.

Parrot Cages - Where To Place Them?

Although this seems like a trivial matter, where you place your Parrot Cage is very important. There are a lot of things to consider about the placement of your Parrot cage. You should not place a parrot cage anywhere near source of radiant heat or draft. This at first may seem obvious but some heat sources are anything but. Heating and cooling ducts can be a problem. In the summer that constant warm air flow may be too much for your bird to handle. While in the wintertime, you will get the exact opposite, and it may be too cold for your parrot.

Even everyday appliances can generate a significant amount of heat. The likes of your stoves and refrigerators, clothes dryers and freezers can generate vast amounts of heat that over a prolonged period of time can be detrimental to the health of your parrot.

One of the least obvious, but more common sources of heat that many bird owners tend to provide is the natural sun. Many bird owners place their parrot and direct line of the sun, which provides a lot of heat. But in a lot of cases, this can be too much for the bird to endure. One should never leave the parrot in a position where they cannot get some shade from the sun if they need to. You should only place you approved by the window if there is an overhang or awning above deck and provide some form of shelter from the intense rays of the sun.

A lot of bird owners had also suffered due to the fact they placed their parrot cage near a source of noise. One of the worst place is that you could put your parrot cage is close to a television. All groups are vocal creatures in addition to being social animals that love to be heard. Your parrot's first instinct will be to be more obnoxious or louder than anything in the near vicinity , so it can get your attention. This means that it will gladly compete against your TV, stereo, radio, and even your vacuum cleaner. Now, while in the short term, this can be quite entertaining, try sitting down to watch or favourite movie. When you have your parrot squawking about trying to get your attention. This will be not only irritating for you, but could affect the health of your parrot, as they crave social tension, and if they do not receive it will often turn against themselves.

So when you are considering where to put your Parrot cage just take a little more time to think it out so you can make sure that it's going to be beneficial not only to your bird, but to you also.

Outdoor Bird Cages

Outdoor bird cages are nice to have as it will allow the bird to get fresh air as well as be in the company of the family during outdoor gatherings. When looking to purchase an outdoor bird cage, there are some things you should know.

First of all, you do not need to buy the largest cage in the world. The most important aspect of the cage for the type of bird you have is the bar spacing. The spacing should be narrow. It should prevent injury to the bird if it should try to escape. Therefore, the bird’s head should not fit between the bars.

Small birds should have a cage spacing of 5/8’’, medium birds have a spacing of ½’’ ¾’’, and large birds should have a bar spacing of 3/4’’ to 1 ¼’’.

Small birds like cages that are of relatively small size. Larger birds or medium size birds would enjoy a larger cage. Parrots especially enjoy toys near the top of their cages. This is the place where they feel the safest, so this part should have lots of toys and cover. After playing for some time, they look for food and toys that have dropped near the bottom of their cages.

Be sure to monitor your bird’s water supply if the cage is outdoors. Often times when the heat is high, your bird can die from exhaustion if it is not kept with a continual water supply. The heat levels tend to peak during the middle of the day. You also have to watch whether the bird gets too cold during the night because being too cold can be another killer. Your weather should not be too extreme, but it should be suitable for the species of bird you own.

The cage door should be large enough for you to comfortably fit your hand in the cage and catch/remove the bird. Outdoor bird cages can last for many years if you take care of them by cleaning them regularly, watching for oxidation if the cage is made of steel, and replace bedding often.

The cage can be powder coated, painted, or just stainless steel. Cages that are made of low quality stainless steel will likely rust quickly. Paint coatings are also known to last longer than powder coatings. There is no simple answer as to which type of coating you should choose, however you should speak to the salesperson at the store to try to get as much information about the options you are considering.

How to Save Money by Buying a Cheap Bird Cage

You have just purchased a large beautiful bird. This is the bird you have always wanted and you plan on having him around for a long time. He was quite expensive and now your budget is looking a little tight and your new bird needs a home. You need to save money on the bird cage and supplies. But where are you going to find a cheap bird cage?

How do you know if it is the right cage to suit your bird? You know how important it is to have a clean home for your bird. But how do you clean the cage? This article will answer all of these burning questions about buying a cheap bird cage for your new bird.

There are several places that you can look to find a cheap bird cage. Online stores such as Amazon and e-Bay will often have fairly good deals. Flea markets and garage sales are good places to find cheap bird cages also. Look in your local newspaper for an ad of someone selling their bird cage. Ask your friends and coworkers if they know of anyone who has a cheap bird cage for sale. Once you find the cage, you should take great care to inspect it thoroughly.

It is important to save money on a cage without going with cheap materials. You want to make sure that the cage is a bargain, but not cheap. Make sure the bars are sturdy and have no rough places. Inspect the plastic parts of the cage to make sure that there are no broken or cracked areas.

Test all of the doors of the bird cage to make sure that they open and close easily. Most importantly, make sure the doors of the bird cage latches tight. Birds can be sneaky little creatures and they love to get out and explore at every opportunity. Next, take into consideration if this is the right bird cage for your bird.

Picking the right cage is very important for your bird's good health. The cage must be big enough for your bird to flap his wings and get some exercise. It must be large enough to house a few toys to keep your bird from getting bored. If your bird is of the smaller variety, make sure that the bars are close enough together so that the bird can't squeeze through. If you purchase a cheap bird cage from a flea market or garage sale, make sure you give it a thorough cleaning.

When you bring your cage home, wash everything in warm, soapy, water. If there is evidence of old droppings on the perches, scrub them with a wire brush. Dry everything completely before putting your bird in his new home.

A bird can be a buddy for a lifetime. He can also be a huge expense. It is important to save money when you can. Look around for just the right cage for your bird. Once, you find it, bring it home and give it a good cleaning. If you can find a cheap bird cage, there may be enough money left over to buy your new friend some treats.

Bird Cage Covers - What You Should Know

If you own a pet bird you may already know the importance of having a bird cage cover. Putting a cage cover over your bird is a sign that it's time for bed. It lets them know to be quiet for the night and it helps in keeping them on a set schedule. Another good thing about a bird cage cover is how it will also keep them from singing away at 4:30 in the morning. Birds tend to wake up a little earlier than I do.

There are some important points to keep in mind when using bird cage cover:

- While you can put something like a pillow case over your bird cage, you would be better off getting a cage cover that is made for your cage.

- Don't use a bird cage cover to punish your favorite parrot or cockatiel. Doing so can actually lead to its in effectiveness at night.

- Use the cage cover at the same time each night if at all possible. It may come as a surprise to some, but birds need a schedule just like we do in order to lead a happy, healthy life.

You can find bird cage covers in many pet supply stores as well as on the internet. Prices will depend on the size of your bird cage as well as the type of material used.
Another option is to make your own custom cage cover for your bird. You could pick out a material that matches the decor in your home to give it a nicer touch. Just be sure to get a fabric that is washable.

As you can see, adding a bird cage cover is important for your bird. And hopefully these tips can help give you some great ideas for your own cage.

Cockatiel Bird Cages - How To Choose The Right One

Without a doubt, cockatiels are beautiful birds and make for wonderful pets in any home. The biggest issue with this kind of bird will be choosing the right type of cockatiel bird cage. Here are some tips on what to look for.

When you go to pick out any bird cage, whether for a cockatiel, parrot or other exotic bird, be sure you understand the needs of the bird first.

A cockatiel is a pretty small bird relatively speaking, but they like to have a lot of room to move around. This makes getting a large bird cage a must.

As you may already know, a cockatiel is a ground feeder and spends most of its time walking around scouring the ground for food. Therefore, your pet will need to have at least an 18" x 18" area. If you can swing it, find an even bigger bird cage. They will be happy with the extra room.

Another important area to be aware of is keeping the cage clean. This is where a grated bottom will work well. It allows bird dropping and used food to fall through to the bottom tray and makes for an overall healthier bird.

The height of a cockatiel bird cage is not so much an important consideration as is the ground size.

Also, the materials that make up the cage are strictly a personal choice. You can find cages made from plastic, iron, wood and many others as well. Just be sure your bird can't get its head stuck in the cage. Bar spacing is something you will want to watch out for.

Buying your cockatiel a few toys and accessories will also make for a happier bird. Keep these tips in mind when selecting a bird cage and you will not have any problems in keeping your pet happy and healthy.

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.

Choosing a bird cage

Having a pet bird certainly provides a great deal of enjoyment in our daily lives. Listening to them chirp and sing is a lot of fun for those who love birds. Along with having a pet bird comes the need in having a good quality bird cage.

While you will find all types of bird cages made from everything from plastic to bamboo, the most important aspect will always be having the right size of cage for your pet bird. Here are some tips to help in selecting the best bird cage.

1. Where will you keep the bird cage?

Knowing where you will be keeping the cage in your home will help in knowing how big it should be. You shouldn't keep it in direct sunlight throughout the day or right next to an ac/heating vent.

2. What size is your bird?

Knowing where your bird cage will be in your home will let you know how big it can be. Now you can select a pet bird. Parakeets, finches and canary's can all be housed in smaller bird cages without concern over space.

Larger birds such as parrots will require much larger cages to have the extra room they need to move around.

Why is size so important? Birds do not like to be in small, restricted spaces. They become unhappy when they can not at least be able to spread their wings out and walk around. No different than how you would feel being cooped up.

3. Buy a good quality bird cage

Instead of cheap plastic, buy a good steel or wooden bird cage. Keep in mind that steel is much easier to maintain than wood, but both can provide durability and life.

Add some toys in the cage to let your bird play and have fun. Don't forget perches and food trays.

Keep these tips in mind when purchasing your bird cage and you both will be very happy with the results.

Wooden Bird Cage

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.

Bird Cages

When you've made the life altering decision to purchase a parrot, you also need to take in consideration his mental and physical health. The cage you purchase can affect your bird's mental health drastically if you do not get an appropriate size.

Self education is of the utmost importance when it comes to your bird. If you turn to employees at pet stores for cage suggestions you're likely to get a lot of "uhhh", as they often know very little about birds. Large chain pet stores tend to hire anyone and what they know they learn out of the store's "guidebook"...if they read it! Most of this information is wrong and tends to be worded so the store makes more sales. All the information you need is right on the web, you can email experienced breeders...most of them are more than happy to answer any questions about your bird.

Overall you should buy the highest quality cage you can find

Here are two very important questions to ask yourself when buying a bird cage.

1. Is my bird going to be in its cage every day for longer than 8 hours?

2. Is my bird going to be out most of the time on a play gym or bird stand?

If your bird is going to be in its cage for more than 8 hours a day, then you will need to purchase the largest cage appropriate for your type of bird. It is not recommended that you keep your birds locked in their cage 24/7; this causes severe mental problems which lead to screaming, biting and feather plucking out of frustration. Even with the largest cage available it's still tiny...try locking yourself in your powder room for a few hours and see how long it takes for you to go crazy. Now try being in there 24 hours a day!

If you've made a little space to put a play area or a bird stand your bird can come out when you're home and be with his flock. You'll notice an extreme difference in attitudes if your bird gets to spend time with his family versus being locked in his cage.

Always keep safety in mind - do not buy the cheapest model available. While these cages will save you money, they do not hold up to time and they are made of cheap materials - often toxic. Try to buy the highest quality cage you can find. While a high quality cage may be expensive, it will last a lifetime. Stainless steel or wrought iron powder coated cages are safe and more durable than wire or plastic cages.

Don't fall victim to those Parakeet or Cockatiel kits, these are way too small for the type of bird they're "made" for. Small birds (parakeets, finches, canaries) prefer longer cages over tall cages, as they get most of their exercise by flying in their cage. And birds fly side to side more than up and down. Try to avoid all round cages (cylindrical cages). Birds like shape to their living quarters, and a round cage can cause insecurity as there's no place to truly hide.

Large parrots need a large cage, it needs to be wide enough to allow your bird to stretch and exercise its wings. It needs to be tall enough for climbing and tail clearance, and needs a secure locking latch. Your bird is smarter than you think!

Finally, don't leave yourself out of the equation either, the cage needs to be easy to maintain. Try to find a cage that has a pull out tray at the bottom, this makes the cage quick to clean. Wrought iron and stainless steel cages are easier to clean than cheap cages.

There's a lot to keep in mind for this one item, but it's one of the most important items in your parrot's life.