Pet owners have the responsibility to ensure that their pet has a safe and comfortable environment to live in. Most experts feel that a properly designed cage, pen or hutch is essential for the well being of the pet.
Different pets require different homes or cages. For rabbits, hamsters and mice choosing the correct cage is very important. For birds, the cage must be very specific to the type and size of bird you own. You should avoid cylindrical cages as these tend to be small and may make some birds feel agitated and claustrophobic. For small birds that get most of their exercise from flying inside the cage itself, the length of the cage is more important than the height. For slightly bigger birds like parrots, a taller cage works better by giving the parrot ample room to climb up and down and exercise within the cage. There should be enough space for the parrot to be able to stretch and play. A good bird cage should definitely be large enough to allow your bird to fully open up and flap its wings. The bird should have enough space to walk around comfortably after you have added the food bowl, perches, toys and other accessories.
Another important factor to consider is the bars in the pet cage and the space between them. Too much space may see the birds try and get out of the cage and too little space may see them getting stuck. For smaller lovebirds and parakeets, the bird cage should have bars that are half an inch apart to make sure that they do not squeeze through. Birds can seriously hurt themselves if they get their head, wings or feet caught in the bars. For parrots, horizontal bars are a must as they use their beaks to climb up and down. In the long run, the best quality stainless steel and powder coated wrought iron pet cages are safest as these are non-toxic materials, plus they look nice and are easy to maintain. Some veterinarians maintain that round cages don’t suit a bird’s psychological state and that angled cages are a preferred choice.
Ideally, the pet cage should have pull out trolleys for water and food dishes that can be cleaned without having to open the pet cage doors. The correct perches near the food dish will make the birds more comfortable when they are eating. A proper bird-proof latch is also a must to prevent a clever bird vanishing. It is important to consider the comfort of the pet before anything else while choosing a pet cage.
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