Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Choosing And Setting Up The Right Parrot Cage

Copyright (c) 2010 Kaye Dennan

The choice of the size of a parrot cage is
determined by the size of the parrot. The parrot
should be able to flutter its wings and move
around without any chance of hitting the bars of
the cage. Parrots are active birds and a small
cage could have quite a detrimental effect on the
parrot. In saying that, too large a cage can also
cause the parrot to feel insecure and distressed.

When a parrot is kept in captivity it is humane
to give it room to move. Parrots are an active
bird and long periods in a small cage will cause
it emotional distress.

So, what are the things to consider when looking
for a suitable cage?

1. The size of the bird: the cage should not be
too small as to hinder movement, but by the same
token too big a cage can frighten the bird as
they like to feel cosy and secure in their cage.
A parrot being introduced to the house may even
be better in a smaller cage for the first few
weeks.

2. Perches: if there is room, several perches are
ideal as the parrot will like to move around but
they need to be placed high enough so that he can
walk around the bottom of the cage. Parrots like
to climb and they like to chew so tree branches
of the soft wood variety and of the right
thickness make great. The perch should be a size
that the parrot can get a good grip on with his
feet, but not so small that his grip is loose.

3. Mirror - parrots love to smooch into a mirror.
To keep him occupied, hang the mirror from the
top of the cage so that it swings, rather than on
the side of the cage

4. Lining the cage: a popular choice for lining
the cage has been shredded newspaper, but the
newsprint is harmful to the parrot so other
options of sawdust, straw or sand are great.
Sand is good because the parrots sometimes eat it
and acquire minerals, but they also use it to
shape their beaks.

5. Food and water: 2 food trays are a good idea,
one for grain and the other for wet food and it
is best if they are only put in the cage for a
short time and removed later on. A water bottle
is better than using a water dish because the
water in dishes gets dirty and contaminated. For
nibbles through the day the parrot enjoys things
like carrot sticks, corn, capsicum and other
finger food which can be tied to the cage.

6. Cages with deep removable trays: a deep tray
with a grate is ideal as it helps keep the mess
inside the cage. Parrots love to forage on the
bottom of the cage, especially in the late
afternoon and with a grate the droppings go
through so the bird is not walking on them or
foraging in them.

7. Toys: keep the parrot entertained with a
range of toys being rotated in his cage. Parrots
love to play and also enjoy doing their own
tricks so toys will encourage them to be active.
Make sure any toy you put in the cage will not
pull apart, break off or catch either their beak
or feet in any part of it.

I am positive that when you have considered all
these tips for choosing and setting up a parrot
cage you will have a lovely home for your pet
parrot. Parrots are wonderful pets and a well
behaved parrot is a really enjoyable companion.
Having the right 'home' for your bird will go a
long way to keeping him happy and you, the owner,
as well.

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Parrot lovers and those wishing to buy a parrot,
will find much more information about parrots on
the following website http://petparrotsecrets.com
and can sign up to my FREE '10 Secrets to Caring
for a Pet Parrot' mini-course.

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