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When considering the
purchase of a cage for your bird, safety is a prime consideration. The
following categories provide an overview of the key safety issues you must
consider and investigate:
Bar
Spacing
Bar spacing
is an important safety consideration when it comes to choosing a suitable cage.
The bar spacing must be narrow enough to prevent your bird from escaping the
cage and, more importantly, from getting his head trapped between the bars. Please refer
to our Cage Size Guide for recommendations as to species specific bar spacing
criteria.
Bar
Gauge
The cage bars
and welds must be strong enough to prevent your bird from bending the wire
and/or breaking the welds. Wire gauge is a measure of thickness.
The smaller the wire gauge number the larger the diameter.
Materials/Finish Type
Cages are made out of a variety of materials
each with pros and cons and varied lifetimes.
Metal is
most durable of the materials commonly used. Metal cages are
typically powder coated iron or they made from stainless steel.
-
Powder
coated cages come in a variety of fashionable colors and are
less expensive than Stainless Steel. The powder coat should be
non-toxic and the cage should be inspected for signs of flaking.
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Stainless
steel is the safest, most durable, toxic free, easiest to clean cage
material available. If you can afford a stainless steel cage it
will be the best cage investment you can make.
Acrylic
cages may allow for an enhanced view of your bird but, it is reported, that
they are not as durable as metal bar cages and they offer restricted
opportunities for climbing.
Wood
cages are most often used for smaller, non-destructive bird species (i.e.,
finches, canaries). Wood cages are difficult to clean and
definitely not recommended for hookbills who will ultimately chew their way
out of the cage.
Construction Quality
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Are the
cage bars welded or fitted through drilled holes in the frame? Drilled
holes often allow for water, feces and urine to get inside the cage frame
which often results in bacterial growth and rust formation.
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Is the
cage top securely fastened to the frame?
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Are the
locks and or latches adequate to contain your bird and prevent escape
through doors or food hatches?
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Do the
perches fit securely?
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Are there
loose or accessible parts that a mechanical bird can disassemble?
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Are the
seams well fitting? Are there any sharp edges?
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Are the
welds smooth and rust free?
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Is there
fancy scrollwork that could pose a foot/leg entrapment hazard?
Buying
a Used Cage
If you
purchase a used cage, the most important thing you must do to ensure your bird's
health and safety is to make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected prior
to housing your bird in it.
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