Quick Answer
It is generally not recommended to cover a bird cage with a blanket for extended periods of time. Short-term covering for things like helping a bird sleep, reducing stress from loud noises, or limiting light exposure may be OK in moderation. However, covering a cage for too long can cause issues like poor ventilation, overheating, inhaling harmful fumes, and anxiety or stress in the bird from the loss of visual stimulation. There are usually better options than using a blanket long-term, like providing a dark, quiet space for the cage or moving it to a calmer area.
Why Put a Blanket Over a Bird Cage?
There are some reasons why an owner may want to put a blanket over a bird’s cage:
- Help the bird sleep – Covering the cage may create a dark environment to help regulate the bird’s circadian rhythm.
- Block out noise – A blanket can muffle sounds from televisions, radios, household noises, etc. that could disturb the bird’s sleep or cause stress.
- Limit light exposure – Covering the cage prevents artificial or natural light from disrupting a sleeping bird.
- Reduce stress during acclimation – Newly adopted birds may feel less overwhelmed in a covered cage as they adjust to a new home.
- Limit visual stimulation – Over-stimulation from constant visual input may stress certain birds, especially rescue birds recovering from neglect.
- Discourage night frights – Some birds startle and fly erratically in the dark, so covering the cage may prevent night frights.
- Stop picking of feathers – Birds may pick their feathers from boredom, stress, or compulsion. Limiting visual access to feathers may help.
- Calm anxious birds – Anxious birds may take comfort in a covered cage, feeling hidden and secure.
Risks of Covering a Bird Cage
Although there are some valid reasons for temporarily covering a cage, there are also risks:
Poor Ventilation
Covering a cage, especially with an impermeable blanket, can greatly reduce air flow. Birds have sensitive respiratory systems and covering their cage can trap in stale air, humidity, and waste gases like ammonia from droppings. Lack of fresh airflow can lead to respiratory disease.
Overheating
Birds already have higher body temperatures than humans and covering their cage can quickly cause it to overheat. Thick blankets act as insulation, trapping heat inside. Overheating can lead to heat stress, dehydration, lethargy, and potentially fatal heat stroke in birds.
Inhalation of Harmful Fumes
Certain materials, like some synthetic fabrics, may emit fumes that are harmless to humans but toxic to birds when their cage is covered. Birds are extremely sensitive to airborne toxins. Gases released under a blanket have nowhere to dissipate and can fatally poison birds.
Increased Anxiety and Stress
Although some birds may feel comforted by an enclosed cage at first, most will experience heightened stress and anxiety from the lack of visual stimulation and interaction over the long-term. Birds are intelligent, social creatures that need mental stimulation.
Self-Mutilation
Some birds may engage in self-mutilation behaviors like feather plucking when their cage is covered. Lack of supervision under the blanket can allow these harmful behaviors to go unchecked.
Accidents and Injury
With limited visibility under a blanket, birds may accidentally collide with cage walls or toys, leading to injuries. Owners will also be less able to observe the bird’s condition, detect illness, or monitor their food and water intake.
Alternatives to Covering a Bird Cage
Instead of using a blanket or cover for the reasons listed earlier, here are some safer alternatives:
Provide a Dark, Quiet Space
Rather than covering the cage, place it in a naturally dark and quiet room away from noise and artificial lights at optimal sleeping times. This allows proper ventilation while still blocking out excess stimuli.
Use Cage Covers and Guards
Partial covers and guards allow for some light blocking while still allowing for ample airflow. These specially designed products fit on top of the cage securely.
Play White Noise
Soothing white noise from devices near the cage can help muffle sharp noises without reducing ventilation. Birds may find gentle white noise calming.
Drape a Light Cloth
A thin, breathable cloth draped loosely over part of the cage can provide subtle screening without risking overheating or fume inhalation.
Move the Cage
Simply placing the cage in a quieter, darker area of the home can often alleviate noise and light issues without any cover. Close doors, draw curtains, etc.
Provide Distractions
Rotate new toys, foraging activities, and social interaction to distract overly anxious, bored, or compulsive birds instead of limiting visual stimulation.
Use Cage Furnishings Strategically
Place perches, toys, and food/water in such a way that the bird is encouraged to rest in dark, sheltered areas to sleep.
When is it Absolutely Not OK to Cover a Bird Cage?
There are certain situations when it is never acceptable to fully cover a bird cage:
- The bird is not accustomed to it – Sudden full covering can be frightening and dangerous.
- The bird panics when covered – Some birds may thrash, bite, or otherwise injure themselves.
- The bird has respiratory illness – Impaired breathing makes ventilation critical.
- The blanket is impermeable – Plastic sheets or similar non-breathables should never be used.
- The environment is already warm – Increased heat under a blanket could lead to overheating.
- The cage is small – Less interior space under a blanket allows less usable air.
- Harmful materials are used – Toxic dyes, fire retardants, molds, etc. can cause respiratory issues.
- The bird is not frequently monitored – Potential issues may be missed.
- There are other pets/children that may disturb the cover – Supervision is key.
A blanket should never be used in place of proper bird care. While short-term, judicious use may have benefits, a covered cage is no substitute for a clean, enriching environment, healthy diet, exercise, and proper veterinary care. A distressed bird may compulsively overpreen or self-mutilate no matter what covering is used without determining and addressing the root cause. If a bird relies on the cover for soothing, there is likely an underlying issue that needs resolution.
Guidelines for Temporary Use of a Bird Cage Cover
If a cage cover is used on a very limited, temporary basis, follow these guidelines to minimize risks:
- Use thin, breathable materials – Lightweight cotton/muslin cloths are best.
- Cover only part of the cage – The top and three sides can create a “cave” while allowing ventilation.
- Lift and check on the bird frequently – At least every 15-30 minutes.
- Watch for signs of distress – Wheezing, thrashing, biting cage, etc.
- Remove cover if needed – If room temperature rises or bird seems distressed.
- Never leave covered unattended – Monitor the bird continuously.
- Allow supervised free flight – Ensure the bird gets exercise and socialization daily.
- Follow veterinarian recommendations – Ask an avian vet about your bird’s specific needs.
Even with guidelines followed, it is best to minimize covering time to under an hour or two at most per day. The cover should be considered a temporary, emergency tool rather than a regular cage accessory.
The Effect of Covering on Different Bird Species
Certain birds may tolerate covering better than others, though individual preferences vary greatly. Some general tendencies by species:
| Species | Tolerance for Coverings |
|---|---|
| Budgies | Moderate – Social flock birds that may be stressed by isolation |
| Cockatiels | Moderate – Social but able to entertain themselves |
| Lovebirds | Low – Bond strongly to mates and need frequent interaction |
| Conures | Low – Extremely active and social |
| Macaws | Low – Require lots of mental and physical stimulation |
| Cockatoos | Low – Prone to self-harming behaviors if anxious |
| African Greys | Moderate – Intelligent and social but can be independent |
| Parrotlets | Moderate – Though small, can be playful and energetic |
| Amazon Parrots | Low to Moderate – Social and vocal, don’t cope well with isolation |
However, as mentioned previously, an individual bird’s personality makes a major difference in how they respond to cage covering despite their species tendencies. Careful acclimation training and close monitoring of their behavior is required. Their comfort level can change over time as well.
Conclusion
In summary, while briefly covering a bird’s cage may offer benefits in select situations, long-term or unsupervised use carries significant health and psychological risks. Bird owners should be very cautious, use common sense precautions, and explore safer alternatives before utilizing a cover. With proper care, a blanket can be an occasional tool for specific scenarios, but it is never a replacement for a stimulating environment and bonded relationship with an attentive owner. If issues persist that seem to warrant prolonged cage covering, veterinary advice is strongly recommended to diagnose and treat the underlying problem appropriately. With the bird’s wellbeing as top priority, cage covers can be considered as a last resort if used judiciously on a temporary, restricted basis.
