Imagine what it is like living in a cage? Chances are, you will feel bored after just a few minutes so you can probably understand how your pet bird feels like being locked the whole day. That is why to prevent them from doing anything harmful to themselves, you should know how to choose the right toys for them.

When looking for a toy, make sure that this is the right size for your bird. Small toys are not good for large birds because they could break this, swallow and choke on it.

One safe toy for both small and big birds is the swing. This will allow them to sway back and forth to pass the time.

If you want to give your bird some exercise, it will be nice to put a ladder which will enable them to climb up or down.

Large birds like to play with puzzles and mazes. As an added incentive, see to it that there are nuts inside which they can get as a reward for being able to finish the game.

Let’s say your bird loves to pluck its feathers. Now this can be harmful to them so the best toy to get is the kind that preened. Most of the preened toys are made of cotton fabric. The downside to using this is that type of toy is that it will eventually fray due to wear and tear.

When this happens, remove it immediately and have it replaced with a new one because the threads could tangle around their neck or toe.

An option to the preened toy made of cotton is the one made from feathers that are considered to be safer since loose threads will never happen.

Other toys you can give your pet bird include children’s wooden blocks, paper towel tubes and tongue depressors.

If one or two of the toys interest you and having more is better than having one or two around, you can create a play gym for your pet bird by buying several of these, putting it together and placing this inside their cage.

You should just be sure there is sufficient room so the bird can rest and do some other stuff when they don’t feel like playing.

Now that we know what toys are nice for the bird, it is important to know what toys are not safe for birds. These include mirrors or anything that has a reflective surface because this may make the bird bond to its own reflection thus no longer being tame and friendly to people.

Toys with small parts should never be given because they could swallow it and there could be fatal consequences. It should also not have any bells or split rings.

Your pet bird needs time to unwind and providing them with toys is one way to keep them from bring unhappy and bored especially when you are not around to be with them.

Most of these toys can be purchased from the toy store or grocery so will not have a hard time finding a few things to keep them busy until you get home. If you want toys exclusive for pet birds, try looking online and in other specialty stores. Just remember, the best toys to give them are those that are solidly built.

When you decide to have a pet bird, you should remember that it requires adequate living space. In fact, this is one of the things you have to consider when you plan to buy one.

Bird cages come in different and sizes. The general rule when buying it is that this should always be a lot bigger than your pet bird. Keeping your pet bird in a small cage that is too small for them is bad because it often leads to undesirable behavior like biting, feather plucking, screaming and certain psychological disorders.

The ideal bird cage should allow the bird walk around comfortably and fully extend or flap their wings. Give also some consideration when you also put inside food, water and toys since these also take up some space inside the cage.

Bird cages are very open since there is bar spacing all around. Pay attention to the spacing in the bird cage because if it is too wide, your bird may squeeze and escape through the bars. For owners who have small birds, spacing should not be more than half an inch apart. If you have a big bird, see if you can get a cage that has bars not only vertically but horizontally as well.

While inspecting the different bird cages, check the latch or the lock which keeps it closed. Can this be easily opened by the bird? Believe it or not, some birds can do this so be sure that this can’t happen.

As you probably already know, bird cages also come in different shapes. When you are shopping for it, try to get angled cages instead of round ones as some studies have shown round cages are not good for the health of the bird. You should not worry when you decide to get an angled cage because these can still be hung or placed on a stand.

Another thing to consider when shopping for bird cages is if this can easily be cleaned. Yes this has to be cleaned and washed especially when the bird droppings accumulate so you should not have any problems removing and returning it.

Whenever you go shopping, you want value for your money and the same goes when you are buying a bird cage. It should be made of superior quality and solid. If the material used is metal, naturally it must be stainless steel which is easy for you to clean and non-toxic.

The last thing you have to consider when choosing a cage for your pet bird is where you will be putting it once you bring it home. The ideal spot should be spacious and far away from drafts and windows.

Knowing how to choose the right cage for your pet bird will ensure that it will live for a very long time with its new owner namely you. If you are working, make sure that there are a few things inside the cage to keep it entertained by buying the bird some accessories, perches and toys.

While some birds can stay in the cage the whole day, find time to bring it home every so often so it can fly around the house and get a little workout. Just be sure that the windows and doors are closed when you decide to do it otherwise this could fly out and you will never see your bird again.

Most people would get a pet bird because they thought that they are “low-maintenance pets”.   Unfortunately for them, they would face the truth that birds are not like that.  Like any other animals, birds would need social and physical attention from their owners.  There are studies showing pet birds developing behavioural problems because their owners neglect them.

How can you make your bird happy?

A healthy bird is a happy one.   When caring for  birds, it is important to take note of their diet, housing and other social needs. There are some bird owners, who were overwhelmed of their pet responsibilities that they either give up their pets or their pets escaped from their homes.

Here are some things to remember to make our little feathered companions happy.

Shelter and Cage

When choosing a cage for a pet bird, make that there should be enough room for them to move.  It is ideal for small birds to have perches where they can hop to, while big birds should have enough room to spread their wings without touching the sides of the cage.  Perches should also be in different sizes.  This would remove any possibility of birds hurting their feet for staying in one position.   The perches should also provide access to food and water.

There are also some bird toys which you can give to your birds.  There are some bird toys which can come in very low prices or sometimes given away for free.  It is just a matter of looking.   You can also try providing some “natural” comfort to your birds.  Like safe and edible plants and non-toxic wood inside the cage.

When choosing a location in your house where you can put the bird cage, keep the bird in a safe and quiet environment.  Kitchen is a no-no.  Cleaning and cooking fumes can get dangerous to birds.   It is also important for birds to get direct sunlight.  Similar to humans, birds also need vitamin D.

Cages should also be cleaned every day.  You can use water and minimal amount of bleach to kill the bacteria.  When cleaning bird cages, move the bird in a safe place.  The cleaning fumes can be bad for the birds.

Nutrition and Grooming

Bird food is not solely bird seeds.  Some pet owners think that bird seeds are just enough, seed only diet can result to early death.   Birds’ diet should include vegetables, fruits, grains and dairy food.  Avoid processed meat and food with high sugar content.  Avoid feeding avocadoes and chocolates, they are high in sugar.  Constant fresh water should be supplied to birds.

Bathing opportunity should be provided to birds.  There are different options, you can put a shallow dish where birds can take a bath.  Some birds would prefer to be given a shower under a faucet or you can spray them with water.  Bathing is important especially if the bird is suffering molting.

Birds also need to sleep.  Make sure that the place where the cage can be silent and dark enough for the bird to sleep.

Socialization

Birds are social creatures.  You just don’t put them in a cage and just watch them from time to time.  You would also need to give them time to make them happy.  There were studies that have showed that parrots being neglected by their owners developed behavioural problems like feather plucking.

You can put your bird’s cage in the family room where family members can frequently see the bird and spend time with it.  Free flight also provides great health benefits to your bird.  Even if the bird cage is big enough, it still does not provide enough physical stimulation and movement to your pet.   You can stay with your pet and with your family in the family room.  Not only do you get to spend time with your pet bird, you also get to spend time with your family.