The bottom of a bird cage is a very important part of the cage that requires careful consideration. The flooring inside the cage needs to be safe for birds, easy to clean, and provide traction so birds don’t slip and injure themselves. There are a few main options for cage bottoms that balance these factors in different ways.
Wire Mesh
Wire mesh is one of the most common materials used for the floors of bird cages. It is made of thin, closely spaced metal wires that allow droppings and debris to fall through the cage bottom, helping keep the cage clean. Wire mesh comes in various shapes, sizes, and coatings.
The benefits of wire mesh cage bottoms include:
- Droppings fall through the wires, keeping the cage cleaner
- Allows for adequate air circulation inside the cage
- Easy for birds to grip and walk on safely
- Lightweight and easy to clean
There are a few potential drawbacks to wire mesh:
- Doesn’t offer cushy footing, so not ideal for birds with sensitive feet
- Feet or claws could get caught in wire gaps and cause injury
- Must be kept clean to prevent buildup of debris in wire gaps
The wire gap width is an important consideration. Narrower gaps, less than 1/4 inch, are safest for small birds like finches and parakeets. Wider gap widths over 1/2 inch work better for larger species with bigger feet like cockatoos and macaws.
Best Wire Mesh Types
Here are some top options when choosing a wire mesh cage floor:
- Galvanized: Coated with zinc to resist rusting. Budget-friendly option.
- Stainless steel: More expensive but doesn’t rust and easy to disinfect.
- Powder coated: Painted wire resists corrosion and is easy to clean.
- Chrome plated: Flashy appearance but may contain lead so avoid for birds.
Solid Metal
Some cages have a solid metal pan floor, often made of stainless steel or galvanized steel. This offers a solid, flat surface rather than mesh wires.
Benefits of solid metal cage bottoms:
- Provides secure footing for birds
- Easy to disinfect and keep clean
- Doesn’t allow debris to fall through
- Gives birds a flat surface to walk on
Potential disadvantages include:
- Droppings and debris stay on top so require more frequent cleaning
- Metal conducts cold from floor up into cage
- Less air circulation than wire mesh
- Heavier than wire mesh floors
Cleaning Solid Metal Floors
Since debris can’t fall through, solid metal floors need regular scrubbing. Daily cleaning is best to prevent buildup. Here are some tips:
- Use a poop scraper to remove droppings daily
- Scrub with an antibacterial cleaner and rinse
- Avoid steel wool or abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the metal
- Disinfect monthly with diluted bleach to kill bacteria
- Avoid letting metal floor sit wet for long after cleaning
Newspaper
Some bird owners use sheets of newspaper as cage flooring. Newspaper is highly affordable, disposable, and absorbs droppings. However, there are also downsides to newspaper:
- Ink stains bird’s feet and can be toxic if ingested
- Not stable footing, birds could slip
- Paper shreds easily and is messy
- No drainage, droppings accumulate
- Must be replaced daily
Newspaper is best suited for only temporary or travel bird cages. For permanent housing, wire or metal floors are better options.
Additional Cage Floor Tips
Here are some extra considerations when choosing and using a bird cage floor:
- Place cage on waterproof mat to catch debris
- Avoid floor drafts that could chill birds through wire
- Position food and water bowls on solid surfaces above mesh
- For young birds, cover part of mesh with paper until fledged
- Nest boxes should have wood or solid floors
- Check wires for damage and replace loose strands
Liner Options
While not permanent cage flooring, many bird owners use cage liners over wire or metal floors. Liners can offer these benefits:
- Absorbs droppings to keep cage cleaner
- Protects bird’s feet from wire gaps
- Prevents scratches if bird gnaws on floor
- Provides warm, cushy surface for brooding birds
Some popular options for cage liners include:
- Newspaper – Economical but messy and easily shredded
- Paper towels – Absorbent and disposable but birds may ingest fibers
- Recycled paper – Eco-friendly option but needs frequent changing
- Towels – Provide padding but loose threads could tangle toes
- Felt or fleece – Soft, non-toxic fabrics good for chicks
- Cage carpeting – Custom fit mats designed for pet birds
Liners should be checked daily and changed when soiled. Wash cloth liners regularly to prevent bacteria growth.
Conclusion
An ideal bird cage floor is one that balances cleanliness, safety, comfort and convenience. Wire mesh offers cleanliness and traction but solid metal floors provide more secure footing. Paper-based liners can add softness and are handy for brooding, but shouldn’t be used long-term. Consider your bird’s needs along with your own maintenance preferences when choosing cage flooring.
