Whether or not to cover a bird’s cage at night is a common question for pet bird owners. Covering the cage at night serves several purposes – it helps keep your bird warm, blocks out light so they can sleep better, and provides a sense of security and privacy. However, there are also reasons some owners choose to leave their bird cage uncovered. This article will examine the pros and cons of covering a bird cage at night so you can make an informed decision for your feathered friend.
Benefits of Covering the Cage at Night
Here are some of the main benefits of covering your bird’s cage at night:
Blocks Light for Better Sleep
Birds need adequate sleep just like humans do, around 10-12 hours per night. Having a dark environment helps signal their brains to produce melatonin and get better rest. Even small amounts of light pollution from lamps, televisions, or outdoor lights can disrupt their circadian rhythms. Covering the cage blocks excess light and creates a dark space conducive to sleeping. This will help your bird be well-rested and at their best behavior during the day.
Provides Warmth
Birds have higher body temperatures than humans, around 104-106°F depending on species. When the temperature drops at night, especially in colder seasons, covering the cage helps retain warmth inside their environment. This protects them from getting chilled and preserves their energy rather than forcing their bodies to work harder to maintain heat. Proper temperatures are important for their health.
Gives Privacy and Security
In nature, birds will often retreat to nests or cavities to sleep safely out of sight from predators. They feel more secure and comfortable in enclosed spaces. Covering the cage mimics this natural instinct to tuck themselves away at night. It gives them privacy, reduces stress, and makes them feel less vulnerable as they get rest. This can lead to better sleep quality as well.
Reduces Night Frights
Sudden noises or movements at night can startle birds awake, leading to panicking events called night frights. This spikes their heart rate and stress hormones. Covering the cage buffers sounds and motion to prevent these traumatic night fright episodes. Your bird will sleep through the night peacefully without becoming disturbed.
Discourages Nighttime Activity
Some birds are inclined to play, chew on toys, or make noise late into the night without a cover over their cage. This can keep them stimulated and delay sleep. Adding a cover signals it’s time to settle down and be inactive. It minimizes things that could keep them awake for better rest.
Reduces External Stimuli
Birds can be highly sensitive, intelligent animals. Too much external stimuli from lights, sounds, drafts or movement can overtax their nervous systems. This constant sensory overload is taxing and makes relaxing difficult. A cover filters out some of this excessive stimulation to create a calmer environment. Your bird’s mind and body can fully unwind.
Lessens Dust and Dander
Throughout the day, birds shed dander, feathers and dust into their cages. Having an uncovered cage allows these allergens and debris to circulate freely around the room all night. Covering the cage contains mess inside to minimize drifting into the air you breathe. This helps improve air quality and reduces allergic reactions.
Blocks Drafts
Like humans, birds are sensitive to drafts of cold air while sleeping. This can stir them awake and make them uncomfortable. A cage cover forms a barrier from any drafts in the room so they stay insulated and don’t get chilled. No more shivering or waking up with a cold!
Disadvantages of Covering the Cage at Night
While there are many good reasons to cover your bird’s cage at night, there are also a few drawbacks to consider:
Can Retain Too Much Heat
Although covers help keep birds warm, they can sometimes trap excess heat inside the cage during warmer weather. This could raise temperatures beyond a comfortable range and lead to overheating. Thick, insulating covers have the highest risk in hot climates or seasons. Proper ventilation is key.
Can Restrict Airflow
Covering the cage can reduce airflow, even if the cover is breathable. This can allow humid air, droppings, and dander to accumulate inside. Stale, poor quality air will need to be refreshed eventually for health. Proper cover materials and cage placement can improve ventilation.
May Increase Moisture and Bacteria
The warm, enclosed environment under a cover can lead to more condensation and moisture inside the cage. This dampness promotes bacterial growth. More frequent cleaning and disinfecting is advised for covered cages to prevent issues. Breathable covers help reduce the problem.
Can Trap Harmful Gases
Birds produce natural gasses and vapors that need to be diluted for safety. Ammonia from urine is one example. A covered cage may potentially trap gases inside that should be allowed to dissipate. Pay attention for any build up of odors that require airing out the cage.
May Foster Anxiety or Fears
While covers provide security to most birds, they can also make some birds feel closed in or fearful. Parrots, for instance, often like to observe their surroundings and may be uncomfortable in darker, tighter quarters. Know your individual bird’s personality when deciding on covers.
Could Promote Feather Plucking
Some birds are prone to compulsive feather damaging behavior, or feather plucking. The isolation and confinement of a covered cage could exacerbate these issues for certain prone birds. They may end up channeling nervous energy into harmful plucking habits.
Can Limit Nighttime Viewing
You will not be able to easily see your bird once the cage is covered for the night. While this gives them privacy, it also prevents you from checking on them visually. Camera monitors can help provide remote viewing if needed.
May Need to Remove for Young or Sick Birds
Babies, unweaned birds or sick birds may need increased nighttime monitoring, requiring cage covers to be removed. Covering is not ideal if they need supplemental feeding, medications or heat support during the night. Make adjustments as needed.
Best Practices for Covering a Bird Cage
If you decide covering the cage at night is best for your bird, here are some tips for safe and effective implementation:
Select a Breathable, Lightweight Cover
Avoid plastic sheeting or towel materials that can completely block airflow. Choose a breathable fabric like cotton, preferably lightweight. This allows for ventilation while still blocking light.
Fit Cover Securely
Covers should fit snugly over the cage without sagging into the cage interior. Secure all sides with clamps or ties to keep the cover firmly in place at night. This prevents dislodging.
Use Proper Covering Duration
Only keep the cage continuously covered for sleeping hours, about 10-12 hours maximum overnight. Remove the cover for the rest of the daylight hours to prevent stale, humid air.
Air Out Cage Before Re-Covering
In the morning, uncover the cage and allow fresh air to circulate before re-covering it again at bedtime. This refresh prevents a buildup of odors, humidity and gases.
Check Under Cover Periodically
Lift the cover occasionally to inspect that no condensation, feathers or droppings have collected on the inner side, especially during first use. Adjust cover if needed.
Use Floor Standing Cages
This allows air to flow under the cover. Ceiling hanging cages are more likely to have restricted ventilation with a cover. Set cages on stands for best circulation.
Install Hygrometers and Thermometers
Use devices to monitor temperature and humidity levels in the cage. Make sure they remain in safe ranges for your species. Add ventilation if readings are too high.
Remove Cover if Bird is Stressed
If your bird seems anxious, has night frights or sleep disturbances, or plucks feathers, discontinue covering at night. Your bird’s behavior is the best indicator of whether they feel comfortable.
Use Camera Monitors
For peace of mind, set up camera monitors to check on your bird remotely overnight while their cage is covered. Look for signs of any distress.
Add Night Lights If Needed
Some birds are comforted by low level night lights inside the cage. Use bird-safe LED or red bulbs to provide a glow without disrupting melatonin.
Best Materials for Bird Cage Covers
The right cover materials make a difference in safety, breathability, ease of use and durability over time. Here are good options to consider:
Cotton
100% cotton is a very breathable natural fabric that still provides darkness and insulation. Choose a medium to lightweight cotton. Make sure the weave or knit is not overly loose since birds can catch claws or beaks in holes.
Hemp
Like cotton, hemp is natural and breathable. It has good moisture wicking properties to prevent condensation build up. Hemp is also very durable and long-lasting.
Flannel
Soft, breathable flannel cotton makes a nice cage cover. It stays securely in place and can be machine washed. Be sure to buy a bird-safe dye with no chemical residue.
Muslin
Muslin is lightweight, gauzy cotton that provides darkness but very high breathability. This prevents stuffiness under the cover while still blocking light.
Fleece
Fleece lets air pass through while retaining warmth well. It is also very soft and won’t fray over time. Select a dye-free fleece without loose threads birds could catch on.
Burlap
Very affordable and naturally breathable, burlap makes a simple cage cover option. Be sure to sanitize it thoroughly first since burlap can harbor molds. Softening it in the wash helps prevent scratches too.
Key Considerations By Species
Some bird species have unique factors when deciding on cage covers:
Budgies and Parakeets
These small parrots do well with covers to reduce night frights. Ensure covers allow airflow and monitor humidity. Avoid overheating.
Cockatiels
While cockatiels appreciate the security of cage covers, they may be prone to night frights if covers them feel too confined. Use very breathable covers.
Lovebirds
Highly social lovebirds may not like covers that isolate them. Monitor for signs of stress and feather plucking, and remove covers if needed.
Canaries and Finches
These petite birds need extra ventilation and heat monitoring if covered. Avoid heavy, heat-trapping fabrics and check temperature.
Parrots
Large intelligent parrots often prefer uncovered cages, but tailor coverings to individual personalities. Monitor anxious or claustrophobic parrots closely.
Quaker Parrots
Quakers don’t always sleep through the night, so coverings may disturb their routines. However, some find covers comforting if introduced gradually.
Cockatoos
Cockatoos enjoy chewing covers, so pick durable, bird-safe fabrics if you decide to cover their cage. Monitor feathers and toys too.
Conures
Active conures may protest restrictive coverings. Use very breathable, minimal covers only if needed for ambient light filtering at night.
Examples of Bird Cage Covers
To give you an idea of what bird cage covers look like, here are several examples:
Fitted Cotton Cover
– Made of lightweight cotton or cotton blend fabric
– Designed to fit snugly over specific cage make and model
– May use stretch fabric to pull taut over cage
– Often secures with discrete ties or elastic hem
– Easy on/off for nightly use
– Allows airflow while blocking light
Drape Cover
– Made of natural breathable fabric like cotton, hemp or linen
– Generous size to drape fully over cage
– No fitted shape, simply lays on top of cage
– Can secure with clamps or weights on corners
– Provides flexibility for different cage shapes
– Dark, insulating and easy to remove
Structured Cover
– Shaped dome that fits over cage
– Stands up on its own without collapsing
– Frame may be wire, hoops or rigid fabric panels
– Outer fabric is breathable natural cotton or muslin
– Structured shape allows some airflow underneath
– Dark interior creates cozy, insulated environment
Thermal Cover
– Made of soft, insulating material like fleece or flannel
– Traps more body heat to keep birds extra warm
– May have double layer construction for more insulation
– Best suited for very cold climates or seasons
– Not ideal for hot weather or poorly ventilated cages
DIY Cage Cover Ideas
For a custom fit, you can make your own tailored cover:
Measuring Cage Dimensions
– Carefully measure the length, width and height of your cage
– Add 2-3 extra inches to all sides to create a loose fit
– Cut a piece of breathable fabric to these dimensions
Creating a Draped Cover
– Use clips on the corners of the fabric to secure to cage
– Allow extra fabric to drape over sides and roof for slack
– Fold fabric edges under to hide rough cuts and hem if desired
Adding Ties
– Cut pieces of ribbon, twine or fabric strip ties
– Sew or glue ties at corners and middle edges of cover
– Tie onto cage bars to keep cover stretched in place
Sewing a Fitted Cover
– Measure each panel of cage (sides, top, back, front, bottom)
– Sew fabric pieces together to match the cage shape
– Add elastic or fabric loops to create fitted openings
Making a Structured Cover
– Bend wire into dome shape larger than cage
– Wrap breathable fabric around hoop structure
– Attach loose fabric panel to base of wire frame
– Lift dome on and off cage easily
Conclusion
Determining whether or not to cover your bird’s cage at night depends on weighing factors like temperature, health, ventilation, safety and your bird’s unique personality. For many birds, a breathable cover can provide needed darkness, warmth and security as long as precautions are taken. Evaluate your own situation and do not hesitate to modify coverings to optimize your bird’s ability to rest and recharge overnight. With a little trial and error, you can find the right nighttime setup to help your feathered friend thrive.
