There are several types of birds that are commonly kept as pets in cages. The most popular caged birds include parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds, finches, canaries, and parrots. Each bird has different requirements for cage size, feeding, and care that need to be considered before getting one as a pet. Here is an overview of some of the most common caged birds and their basic needs.
Parakeets
Parakeets, also known as budgies, are small parrots that originate from Australia. They are very popular as starter pets because they are inexpensive, relatively easy to care for, and come in a variety of bright colors. Parakeets need a cage that is at least 18 inches wide, 18 inches deep, and 18 inches tall. They should be fed a quality seed mix as well as fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Parakeets are social and do best when kept with other parakeets. A single parakeet will need a lot of interaction with their human family.
Cockatiels
Cockatiels are small members of the cockatoo family originating from Australia. They are known for their distinctive crested head feathers. Cockatiels have pleasant, mellow personalities and many learn to mimic sounds and words. A cage for one or two cockatiels should be at least 20 inches wide, 20 inches deep, and 20 inches tall. Cockatiels eat a similar diet to parakeets plus they often enjoy sprouted seeds or pellets too. Cockatiels appreciate toys they can chew and shred.
Lovebirds
Lovebirds are small, stocky parrots native to Africa. They are named for their tendency to form strong bonds with mates and human caretakers. Lovebirds should have a cage at least 20 inches cubed per bird. Lovebirds are noisy so their cage should not be positioned close to bedrooms or workspaces. Lovebirds mainly eat seeds, pellets, fruits, and veggies. They also need chew toys, mineral blocks, and calcium supplements.
Finches
Finches are tiny, colorful songbirds. Some of the most popular finch species kept as pets include zebra finches, society finches, and Gouldian finches. A good cage size for a pair of finches is around 20 inches wide, 16 inches deep, and 16 inches tall. Finches have specialized feeding needs consisting of fine seed mixes, sprouted seeds, fresh greens, and egg food supplements. They also appreciate having hay, grass, and other natural materials to make nests with.
Canaries
Canaries are songbirds that were originally bred in the Canary Islands. They are well-known for their lovely songs and bright yellow plumage. A single canary needs a cage at least 14 inches cubed. Canaries mainly eat fortified finch seed mixes. They also need greens, fruits, sprouted seeds, and egg food to round out their diet. Special grit and mineral supplements are also important for canary health. Providing a variety of perches and toys will keep canaries active and engaged.
Parrots
Parrots include cockatoos, macaws, Amazons, African Greys, and many other large bird species. With good care, parrots can live 40-80 years so they are a highly demanding commitment. Different parrot species have varying cage size requirements but appropriate dimensions are typically 2-3 feet wide, 2-3 feet deep, and 4-6 feet tall. Their diet consists of high quality seed mixes, pellets, sprouted seeds, fruits, veggies, nuts, grains and more. Parrots are extremely intelligent and need constant mental stimulation and interaction.
Key Considerations for Caged Birds
When deciding what type of bird to keep in a cage, there are several important factors to consider including:
- Cost – Purchase price, setup expenses, and ongoing costs like food, toys, and vet care
- Cage size needs
- Noise level
- Personality and temperament
- Social needs
- Amount of daily interaction required
- Lifespan
- Special feeding requirements
- Grooming needs
- Your availability to regularly care for the bird
Researching the needs of the type of bird you are interested in is essential to make sure you can properly care for it. Some birds like parakeets and cockatiels make good starter pets while larger parrots require much more specialized care and dedication. Being realistic about the time, budget and dedication you can provide is important to ensure a good quality of life for your feathered friend.
Proper Housing for Caged Birds
To keep caged birds healthy and happy, it is important to provide an appropriately sized cage and enriching environment. Here are some key housing considerations:
- Get the largest cage possible – more room to move and play!
- Bar spacing appropriate for the species – should prevent escape and entrapment
- Horizontal cage orientation optimal – allows bird to climb and move around
- At least 2-3 perches of varying sizes and textures
- Platforms, ladders, swings and toys for exercise and enrichment
- Dishes for food and water – avoid plastic dishes
- Nest box or sleeping cavity if needed
- Natural wood, rope, branches – safe materials to chew
- Keep cage in busy household area – birds are social and need interaction
- Avoid kitchens – high risk of inhaling toxic fumes
- Thorough weekly cleaning – replace soiled substrate, perches, toys, dishes
Position the cage in an area with natural light but out of direct drafts and intense sun. Ensure the room temperature is between 65-80°F. Keep loud music, television, and high traffic away from your bird’s housing area. A stimulating and relaxing environment is key for caged bird health and wellness.
Daily Care Routine for Caged Birds
Caring for caged birds requires a regular daily routine to keep them healthy and happy. Here is an overview of basic daily care:
- Wake up bird gently – uncover cage, play soft music/tv
- Thoroughly clean water and food dishes
- Provide fresh food – nutritious diet specific to species
- Spot clean loose feathers, droppings around cage
- Daily full cage cleaning 1-2 times per week
- Let bird out for supervised playtime and exercise
- Provide toys, perches, foraging activities
- Shower or mist bath 1-2 times per week if desired
- Trim nails and wing feathers if needed
- Spend quality interaction time – talk, play, train
- Ensure adequate lighting and sleep time
Consistency, patience and an observant eye leads to the best care. Note any changes in appetite, activity level or behavior that could indicate illness. A happy bird will be more vocal, energetic and engaged with their environment and caretaker.
Enrichment Ideas for Caged Birds
In addition to a proper environment and diet, caged birds need enrichment to keep mentally and physically stimulated. Here are some great enrichment ideas:
- Rotate new toys into cage frequently – bells, ladders, wood blocks
- Use foraging toys and foods – make them work for treats
- Change perch types, diameters, materials
- Provide shredding materials – cardboard, wood, sisal
- Let bird interact with stable household items – pots, boxes, keys
- Rearranging cage layout encourages exploration
- Offer a variety of foods – fruits, veggies, sprouts, nuts
- Household sounds, music, and conversation
- Mirrors and social interactions with humans or other birds
- Out of cage playtime in bird-proofed room
- Training sessions – target, step-up, recall
- Misting baths or shallow dish bathing
Puzzle toys, foraging opportunities and destroying materials provide beneficial mental exercise. Changing up their environment, food, and activities prevents boredom and promotes healthy brain function. Ensure you supervise playtime and activities outside the cage to prevent injuries or escaping.
Common Health Issues for Caged Birds
Like all pets, caged birds can be prone to certain health issues that owners should monitor. Here are some of the most common health problems:
- Feather plucking – indicates boredom, stress or underlying medical issue
- Respiratory infections – fluffed up, discharge from nose, eyes
- Overgrown beak and nails – needs trimming
- Diarrhea – unusual droppings signal digestive upset
- Egg binding – swollen vent, straining to lay eggs in females
- Conures and parrots prone to fatty liver disease
- Psittacosis – bacterial infection transmissible to humans
- Mites – intense itching, loss of feathers around beak, eyes
- Obesity – restrict food, increase exercise
- Night frights or night thrashing
Schedule annual check-ups to monitor your bird’s health. Seek veterinary help immediately at any signs of injury or illness since birds can decline rapidly. Prevention through proper care and nutrition is key.
Signs of a Healthy Caged Bird
It’s important to monitor your caged bird and note signs of good health. Here are some things to look for:
- Bright, alert and active
- Smooth, well-groomed feathers
- Clear eyes, nostrils, vent
- Dry nares and featherless areas
- Good appetite and energy
- Normal droppings
- Regular singing, chirping and vocalizing
- Curiosity, playing with toys
- Interest in interacting with owners
- Sleeping well, good posture
- Normal molting
Changes in behavior, appearance, eating, droppings or activity level can indicate illness before other obvious symptoms appear. It’s advisable to have a vet demonstrate how to properly handle and examine your bird too. Requesting an avian vet’s expertise can prevent small issues from becoming serious problems.
Conclusion
There are many considerations when choosing a caged bird companion. Being realistic about required time, budget and responsibility is key. Setting up a stimulating habitat and adhering to a consistent care routine promotes bird health. Parakeets, cockatiels and other small birds can thrive in cages with frequent human interaction. Larger parrots are demanding birds best left to very experienced owners. Any caged pet bird takes an investment of time, research and proper handling. With the right commitment, a caged bird can be an enjoyable and rewarding lifetime companion.
