Bird Cages

Reasearching Your Best Cage and The Conure

2009-10-12T19:08:00.001-07:00

bird on a cage
Originally uploaded by EssjayNZ

Sometimes it's better to be on the outside looking in than on the inside looking out!

Why would a bird be unhappy with his cage? It is possible that the cage is not right for the bird you've brought home. Most people would know that a cage for a Canary wouldn't be the proper home for a Parrot. Therefore, it is very important to an extensive search in choosing a bird before deciding on your cage. After choosing the cage, it is equally important to add the proper perch, dishes, and toys to provide the optimum environment for your bird.

If the only research done in deciding which bird is for you is to go to the pet store and pick a pretty bird and the first cage you find and bring them home, you are being unfair to you and to the bird. As an example, you might observe the Conure which can be quite good looking. The Conure is a Parrot, but it might be surprising to find out that there are numerous species of Conures. Though there are some common features with all the Conures and other Parrots, there are some characteristics that are quite different. These differences will influence your choice of cage and even the type of perch you choose.

Even though the Conures are not the largest Parrot, the Sun Conure can produce a shrill screech that could challenge any of the large Parrots.

Sun Conure Parrots
Originally uploaded by anshu_si

These Sun Conures are a good example of the exquisite beauty you might encounter when meeting these birds for the first time. You might find it difficult to remember the importance of research prior to purchasing such beauties.

And, if your experience with birds is limited, the Patagonian Conure's screech might come as a total shock especially if it occurs for the first time at midnight on Halloween. It may be hard to believe, but the birds exhibit less aggressive behavior when they are in the proper cage and given adequate attention. In contrast to the Patagonian Conure, the smaller Green-cheeked, Black-caped and Maroon-bellied Conures, though they can be heard, are probably the quietest of the Conures and are the best choice if noise is a factor. Some of the other species in the Conure group includes the Gold-Cap, the Blue-crowned, the Peach-fronted, the Jenday, the Cherry-headed, the Half-moon, the White-eyed, Dusky-headed, and the Brown-throat.

Some of the common traits you might find among the Conures would include their eye-catching beauty. You might have to weigh the level of noise the Conure can make against their beauty if this is your bird of choice. Most Conures enjoy bath time and require their share of attention during the day. The Conures are often smart and easily trained if they are given the appropriate time and attention required and not left alone in their cage to entertain themselves. It is important to remember, too, that the Conures can live 20 to 30 years.

If you do decide to choose the Conure, the best cage for her would be one that is large enough for her to spread her wings comfortably. The space needs to accommodate the toys, perches, water and food bowls without crowding the bird. The minimum size cage would be 18”wide by 22”long by 24”high, but bigger would certainly be better. The Patagonian, who is a larger Conure, will need an even larger cage. You'll want to place the cage on a stand, but not too high since the Conures are curious and want to be able to observe the happenings in the room. They are sensitive to odors so the cage would be best if not close to the kitchen.

This is the type of information that you would uncover when doing research on which bird would best fit in your environment, your lifestyle, and your preferences. Your research will be the key to choosing the right bird for you, the best bird cage, and the right toys and will be the key to give you and your bird many years of pleasure.

Picture Worth 1000 Words

2009-09-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

What is the attraction to birds and the accompanying appropriate bird cage? The main attraction to birds: they are fascinating; often have dazzling, vibrant colors; have interesting and unusual markings; and when given the attention they need and deserve, can be companionable, entertaining and amusing. Some birds might even bless us with song and language. The best bird cage for the choice bird who joins our family will be addressed later. For now, the adage that a picture, thanks Cameron, is worth a 1000 words will be the best way to show why birds attract attention.

GREEN-NAPED LONKEET FOUND THE PERFECT SHOULDER

COCKATOOS IN WHITE; NEPHEW IN AWE

GOLDEN PHEASANT

SCARLET ISIS

DUSTY LORY

GREEN TURACO

Once you are able to narrow down your choice of bird after much research, you'll be able to find the perfect one for your environment and be able to pick the proper bird cage specifically designed for your bird. You'll find that if you get the horse before the cart, you'll have a bird that doesn't fit his bird cage; a large Parrot in a Parrot bird cage is one happy bird. An Amazon Parrot in a smaller bird cage for meant for the smaller bird like the Cockatiel or the even smaller Parakeet will be a disaster for the bird and the human. If you do your homework and research, you and your bird will be the winner.

Best bird cage: why research types of birds?

2009-09-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

Did you know that birds were one of the first animals to become domesticated, and that there is evidence of domesticated birds as early as 4,000 B.C.? Early records indicate that birds were a status symbol and represented power and wealth. Alexander the Great was known to have hundreds of Parrots and Peafowl. Explorers would often return to their homelands carrying beautiful birds as gifts to their supporters or friends. Columbus delivered a pair of Amazon Parrots in their large bird cage to Isabella of Spain. Birds are experiencing increased popularity today both in aviaries and as pets in bird cages. It is estimated that there are approximately 15 million birds in the United States that reside in homes as pets or companions.

I might decide I want a bird as a pet because they don't have to go for a walk outside, should almost be self-care, would be kept in a safe place in their cage while I was gone, are pretty and might even talk to me when I came in the door at night. After all, I've seen Treasure Island and more recently, Pirates of the Carribean. Why do I need to do research? Parrots would be a great choice or maybe even Tangers, Starlings, Mynahs, Doves, Peacocks, Finches, or Canaries. (Who could resist Tweety Bird in his cute bird cage?)

A good example of the need for research when deciding on any addition of a pet into your life or into the lives of your family, might be evident in choosing a dog to bring home. You have a new job (will involve 8 to 10 hours a day), you move into your special 850 square foot apartment (expensive due to location), and you decide to get a puppy so you'll have someone to keep you company when you arrive home. You love the look of the Dalmatians with all their spots, have seen them in 101 Dalmatians and in fire trucks and in commercials, go to the pet store, buy the puppy, and go off to your new job the next morning. It doesn't take much imagination to realize that you've just set in motion a scenario for disaster which might even be reinforced by complaints from your neighbors. This does not just apply to puppies, but also to bringing in a new bird without doing the research into what would be best for you and for the bird; what type of bird cage is indicated, and what bird cage supplies are needed. The perfect example of a contented bird is one that enjoys his bird cage and is not exhibiting destructive habits often exacerbated by the humans in his life. Done properly by knowing what to expect, by having the home set up with the proper bird cage, by being aware of the care involved and proper diet, by choosing a vet that specializes in the treatment of birds, everyone is a winner and you and your new bird will have many years of enjoyment to share.

Best bird cage: How do you decide?

2009-09-13T16:38:00.001-07:00

The first and most important step is to know what type of bird you plan to bring home: what are the basic characteristics of the bird, what are the birds needs and feeding habits, what is his/her personality, does he/she prefer the company of other birds or humans, does he/she prefer to be in an aviary or in an inside cage, what size is the bird including his/her wing span, and how does he/she fit into your financial budget? What toys and other bird cage supplies are appropriate for your bird and for the bird cage. All these issues need to be researched prior to choosing your bird cage.

Being in the twenty first century, my first response when I heard "Amazon" was that I might need to go to Amazon.com.
As it turns out, Amazon is just one species of fifty (plus) types of Parrot. Research will show that there are many subgroups under each species like the yellow-headed Amazon or the Lilac-crowned Amazon. Within the Parrot group, you will also find Macaws, Quakers, Cockatiels, Budgies, African greys, Cockatoos, Conures, Caiques, Lories, Jardines, and the Eclectus Parrot just to name a few. Under each of these groups, you might find 3 to 6 (or more) subgroups. I once thought that a Parrot was a Parrot was a Parrot. Not only are there numerous types of Parrots, further research will show that they have very individual characteristics. Searching out these characteristics will ensure that your choice of bird will need to best suit your personality, your time, and your finances and that the bird cage is the right one for your choice of bird. Since Parrots can exhibit some very annoying traits, especially if these are not addressed early in their lives, it becomes imperative that the Parrot bird cage is the right one for the Amazon. And, if they are placed in the wrong environment, the wrong type of bird cage, and are not treated properly, these characteristics will undoubtedly become quite exaggerated.

Check out a great source for bird cages (along with a look at a special web site) at the following location: Bird Cages - BirdCages.com is the premier retailer of bird cages in the world. You'll find the widest selection of bird cages at the lowest prices! It is important to have a good source for your cage, toys and other bird cage supplies like food bowls and water bowls. Choosing correctly will help ensure a safe place for your bird.

Bird Cages: interest abounds

2009-09-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

What is our interest in birds? What part do they and the places they reside have to do with us? According to Jane Goodall (reference to her book: Hope for the Animals and Their World):

"The big problem is we must conserve their habitat. None us yet know the
role of that particular seemingly insignificant little creature or what
part it may play in the entire ecosystem . Pull out one strand and it may
begin to fray; this has happened several times."

I believe there is a camaraderie between people who are conservationists, bird watchers and protectors with those who choose to keep birds a little closer than in the wild or in their back yards. I believe that the goal of both those who have birds as pets and those who observe them at a greater distance is to enjoy the positive qualities that birds offer, do what they can to protect their species, and to provide them with quality of life. Having a Parrot bird cage or a Cockatiel bird cage with the accompanying beautiful bird in the cage makes for a great companion.

Does this not lead us to the topic of bird cages which appeared as early as centuries ago when travelers began to return to their homes bringing exotic birds as pets and gifts from foreign lands? The birds and the bird cages were often exhibited as an ornamental addition in the hallways and windows of their castles. Even now, one often sees in homes a collectible bird cage displayed in a place of honor. Of course, many of the collectible bird cages (or their copies) are not appropriate or safe to use for birds but still make a lovely display.

Moving toward a more functional use of the bird cage, there are several factors to become aware of:

Both the size and type of bird that will be housed in your new bird cage must be considered. The bird cage must never be so small that the wings touch the sides of the cage. As an example, an Amazon Parrot bird cage must be a large bird cage to accommodate a large bird.
The time the bird will be in the cage vs. time allowed to enjoy the "outside time" (outside the cage only) is another consideration for the type of bird cage to consider.
Another consideration is the activity of the bird. If the bird is actually to be in flight in the cage, it will need a larger cage.
How the cage will be used must be considered. If the bird cage will be used for breeding, you will need more room in the bird cage and will do best with a divider cage.
The birds' habits and personalities need to be considered when choosing the proper bird cage. if the bird is a messy eater, a special flooring may be needed. If your bird is smart, it may be able to even open the door so you'd need special locks.
What material is the cage? You will want something both safe and sturdy, especially if the bird has a tendency to be a bit destructive.
Also, part of deciding what bird you pick will include the cost of the bird cage. Will it fit in your budget as some large cages can exceed thousands of dollars? If your bird can be accommodated in a smaller cage, you could be looking at a cage that is more than half the cost of the large bird cage.

The bird cage will be the accent to your birds life and will thus need to fit his/her needs as well as make a great display to show your love and devotion to your pet.