When we keep non-domestic species in captivity, the chances of behavioral and health problems are high. To avoid this, knowing how the species behaves in captivity, its way of life, food and other needs is paramount.
Due to the popularity that parrots currently have as pets, at AnimalWised we want you to have all the necessary information for your parrot to be happy and healthy, which is why in this article we tell you what a parrot's cage should be like, where you should locate it and what objects you should include.
Parrot cage measurements
There are no studies on the space requirements that parrots need, although certain guidelines are known on cage measurements for parrots of specific species, so parakeets, for example, need a minimum space of 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 meters, although the optimal size would be 1 x 0.5 x 0.5 meters. In larger species, such as macaws, the cage cannot be less than 4 meters long and a minimum height of 1.5 meters, as the tail could be damaged. Cockatoos, due to their behavior and tendency to develop stereotypes, cannot have a cage less than 7 meters long.
We must bear in mind that these sizes of cages are for animals that never leave them. If your parrot spends all day outside the cage and only uses it to sleep, it is not necessary that it be of the indicated dimensions, simply large enough so that the animal can stretch its limbs and move easily.
To allow flight, the cage must be rectangular and the length must be greater than the height, a circular cage can cause disorientation in parrots. Also, the cage should be wide enough to allow the wings to stretch in all directions.
Wild parrots spend much of their time climbing through trees, during play or when feeding. Therefore, box-type cages with solid walls are not suitable for these animals, because it deprives them of the ability to climb. In contrast, cages made of wire encourage climbing, as long as mesh or horizontal bars are used instead of vertical ones. The size of the mesh or bars will depend on the size of the parrot's legs and beak. Red-tailed grays, macaws and cockatoos will need a thicker and more resistant mesh than lovebirds, lorises or parakeets.
The material with which the cage is made must not be toxic for birds and, if it is painted, the color must be white, gray or pastel colors, in addition, this paint cannot be toxic or harmful.
What to put in a parrot cage?
One of the main elements that we must add to a cage are the drinkers and feeders. Depending on the species of parrot we will use one or the other. If our species has a large beak, we must make sure that it can be inserted into the opening of the drinker, although we can always use stainless steel bowls, easy to clean and suitable for all species.
Due to the diet that these animals have, it is essential to use several bowls, one for water, another for feed and another for fruit and vegetables. It is not recommended to fill the bowls too much, since these animals tend to throw the food.best parrot cages
Other very important elements are the innkeepers. These must have a texture that allows the parrot to hold on safely, in addition to the appropriate thickness that must vary throughout the perch to reinforce the health of the legs. It must be flexible to stimulate balance, made of a non-toxic material so that it can be chopped and, if it is natural, such as wood, it will promote good maintenance of the beak, avoiding overgrowth. The surface cannot be cold or abrasive, like metal.
If your parrot spends a lot of time in the cage, it needs to have toys. Better if they are made of natural materials, such as cardboard, paper or wood.
How to decorate a parrot's cage?
The decoration of a parrot's cage should be part of the environmental enrichment that our pet needs. Environmental enrichment is important for all captive psittacine birds, even those that live in large aviaries, to help reduce stress, avoid boredom and maintain good mental health.
This enrichment can be made up of perches, swings, natural branches, cuttlefish bones and toys. It is important to vary the toys that we place in the cage, to avoid being hated, always gradually, knowing which toys our pet prefers and which objects are frightening.
How to clean a parrot cage?
Cleaning the cage is essential to prevent our parrot from getting sick and becoming a source of zoonosis. If your parrot usually spends periods outside the cage, it is preferable to take advantage of that moment to clean it, so we avoid handling it excessively or disturbing it. Feeders with fresh food and drinkers should be washed daily to prevent the proliferation of fungi and bacteria.YeaPei
The floor of the cage must be cleaned daily with water, soap and a brush to insist on the areas where more excrement accumulates. You can put absorbent paper on the tray to facilitate cleaning.
Where to put a parrot cage?
Because parrots are prey species, the placement of the cage can help increase their sense of security. The location next to a wall and away from doors or windows allows at least one side of the cage to be free from potential disturbances. On the contrary, when the cage is placed near windows, parrots can be disturbed by passing vehicles, cats or birds.
When placed near doors, they can be startled or disturbed by the sudden appearance of people or other pets. Likewise, as prey animals, parrots are often attacked by their natural predators from above, for this reason it is better to place a parrot's cage at least at head height or higher, never near the ground.
Parrots are noisy during the day, being gregarious animals and surrounded by noise in their natural habitat, absolute silence often indicates the presence of a predator. But if the environment is too noisy, it can make the birds nervous or even louder. Playing soft background music can help avoid continuous stress states in parrots.
Regarding temperature, parrots tolerate a relatively wide range of environmental temperatures, but extreme temperatures should be avoided.
Most parrots are native to equatorial areas where the days are 12 hours throughout the year. Consequently, when considering the light-dark cycle in a home, parrots should be allowed 10 to 12 hours of darkness daily to promote normal sleep, regardless of whether light is supplied naturally, artificially, or both. .
Also, in their natural habitat, the transition between night and day occurs gradually at twilight, and this transition should be attempted to be mimicked at home. All this to avoid behavior problems.
Finally, you should not leave the cage on a balcony or terrace. In cities and towns there are predators such as owls, owls, kestrels and falcons that could hunt your pet. Also, the parrot would have no way of sheltering from inclement weather. It is important that each day you bask a little in the sun to absorb, like us, vitamin D. In the sun at dusk or dawn, you can put the cage between sun and shade, so that the parrot decides how long it wants to be in the sun.