Cage Information

A cage should be an enjoyable and safe place for your bird to be. It is good to have your bird out of its cage
and with you. When you are unable to supervise your bird it should be in its cage. It is important that you find a
cage that best fits your bird and is friendly for you to keep clean and safe for your bird. Here is some
information to help you choose that cage that fits your needs and your birds needs.

The size of bird decides on the size of the cage for your bird. The cage should be large enough for you bird
to spread its wings out and that both wings do not touch the sides of the cage. They should as well have
enough room for toys, and a bedroom if you choose to have one, and any other things you would like to put
into the cage.
The larger the cage the better. Birds like to have lots of room to play and exercise. It is very important to allow
your bird to exercise. It is also good to have plenty of toys in the cage so you bird doesn't get bored.

The bar spacing and thickness depends on the size of bird. The bar spacing should be small enough that your bird
cannot escape or get stuck in the bars. Most large cages you find will have wider bar spacing. They are designed for
larger birds. There are large cages out their with bar spacing appropriate for smaller birds. You need to know what to
look for when buying your bird.

Small bids ( Finches, Lovebirds, Canaries etc. ) should have cages with smaller Bar spacing 1/4" to 1/2".
Bar Thickness of 3/32"

Medium birds ( Cockatiels, Smaller Conures, etc. ) should have cages with 1/2" to 5/8" Bar Spacing.
Bar Thickness 3/32" to 1/4".

Large birds ( Amazons, Maccaws, etc. ) should have cages with bar spacing 3/4" or 1 3/8" and it is important to have
bars with strength in thickness. These birds can easily destroy bars that do not hold up to the strength of their beaks.
Bar thickness of 3mm to 5mm.

The type of cage that people get depends of the use of the cage and Most of all the style or look of the cage.

Here you will find the type of cages that are sold and the pros and cons.

Wire Cages (no Coating) - These cages are mostly used by breeders. They are the most economical type of
cage.
Most Manufacturers of wire cages recommend that an initial cleaning using vinegar and a wire brush to clean
off any production / metal dust. This will sanitize the cage for your birds. Metal poisoning can occur if the metal
or metal flakes are ingested. Therefore it is important to clean and inspect wire cages regularly looking for
broken welds or wires, and metal flakes.

Birds Of All Colors Does not use Wire Cages (with no coating) for our breeders due to the risk of metal
poisoning. We use metal Cages with powdered coated finishes.

Metal Cages ( with Powdered Coating Finish ) - These are the most popular Cages. Powdered coated finishes
are more resistant to chipping, rust, and are easier to clean than plated cages. The finish can come off after
time. When this happens it is best to replace the cage than to risk your bird getting metal poisoning.

Stainless Cages - These cages are the most expensive cages. They will never rust, chip, or cause metal
poisoning. They are guaranteed to last a lifetime. They are easy to clean and are very strong even for the most
powerful beaks. These cages are the best option of cage for the bird owner.

Seed Guards - Seed Guards are a great help on cleaning around the cage. You can get a seed guard that
comes with the cage and is part of the cage, or you can get a removable seed guard. They are both very good.

Removable Bottom Trays - You should check to see if the bottom tray is removable. Having a removable
bottom tray makes cleaning much easier.
Birds Of All Colors uses removable bottom trays on all our cages. We line the tray with newspaper making it
much easier to clean.

Entry Doors, Feed Doors, Watering Doors - You will need to have a locking mechanism to prevent accidental
escape. All parrots are very skilled in finding ways to escape. Some birds are great escape artists. Some cages
come with locking mechanisms. For those that don't you will need to find something that works for you to
keep your parrot from escaping. Birds Of All Colors uses clothes pins to keep the doors closed. They work
great for us. They keep our birds in their cages and they are easy to take off so we can clean the cage, play
with the birds, and feed and water them. You may want to use this way or find one for yourselves.

Cage Cleaning - First Thing to do is remove your bird, food dishes, and water dishes. Then you need to clean the
cage. You can take it out side and power wash it or hose it down. You can also wash it inside where it is. You
should use hot water and either a bird cleaning product, or you can use Hydrogen Perioxide. You need to clean
the whole cage and perches, toys, etc. This should be done at least 1 time a week ( more if necessary ). Water
bowels need to be cleaned at least 1 time a day ( more if necessary ).

Cage Covers - Your bird need to have 8 to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Covers are not necessary if you
have your bird located in a place where it will not be interrupted during its sleeping hours. If you our your family
like to stay up at night. A cover would be appropriate to have so your bird can get its sleep.

A Cage Cover Can Be Important.
If your bird continues not to get its sleep it will become stressed and this can cause the bird not to eat or drink
and can eventually cause death.

Another Option - You can have a cage in a room that is quite and dark. You can take the bird to that cage every
night at the same time so that your bird can get its proper sleep. Then you can bring your bird out to its day
cage in the morning.

Play Stands / Gyms - Play Stand are good to have. They provide the bird with a way to exercise. You can get
one as part of the cage or their are many other types of play stands / gyms. They are all good for the bird. It is
what you decide is best for you and your space for the birds accessories.