Before bringing home your feathered friend, ideally you need to decide on the choice of a parrot cage. This is a very important and responsible decision. You need to clearly define the location of the cage where your pet will live: in a house or in a city apartment? Decide on all these questions before your pet arrives at your home. Make sure that after buying a parrot, he immediately has his own home and a permanent place to install the cage, so that later he does not move the cage around all the rooms, thereby causing a lot of inconvenience to family members and anxiety to your parrot.
The best solution would be to put the cage in the part of the house/apartment where your family most often gathers together: let it be some kind of common rest room or dining room. Arrange the cage with the parrot so that it does not interfere with the free movement of all family members around the room. The cage should not stand in a draft and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Don't put the cage with the bird in the center of the room, so the bird, viewed from all four sides, will feel wounded. If the bird was bought for a child, then the cage can be placed in the room of his little owner. At the same time, parents should control how the child performs his duties of caring for the parrot. Your budgerigar will be happiest knowing that he is a member of your "pack", that you are watching him, playing and talking with him.
Do not place the cage in the kitchen or near the bathroom, as damp fumes and fumes from cooking are not beneficial to the health of the budgerigar.
Put the cage close to the wall - so your pet will feel more protected in the sense that no one can sneak up on him from behind.
In the evening, before going to bed, you can cover the cage with a parrot with a cape, so that the bird understands that it's late and it's time to rest. This will also have a positive effect on the mental state of your feathered friend.
The budgerigar will be in the cage for a long time at first, so it is necessary that its “house” be as convenient as possible for both its inhabitant and its owner for the upcoming cleanings. We present to your attention a few points that you need to pay attention to when choosing a cell.
About parrot cages
01 The cage should be large enough, but not oversized. The cage length for one wavy is recommended within 60-80 cm, height should be at least 30-40 cm, depth - 25-30 cm. A reliable fact: in large cages, birds are tamed more slowly, remain shy for a long time, and in a very small cage for a long time they sit in one place, as a result of which they earn themselves a lot of sores, such as, for example, obesity. There is also a risk of psychological problems.
02 It is advisable to take an all-metal cage, as it is more difficult to clean a wooden one, and, in addition, our pets love to try everything “by the beak”, because of which the cage will not look very beautiful. Plastic cages are also good, but be afraid of high temperatures.
03 Make sure that the cage doors open and close freely enough without any kind of latches. Beware of guillotine type doors.
04 The cage tray should be of a convenient shape and size.
Returning to the issue of cage size, make sure that your pet will have enough free space for free access to feeders, drinkers and baths. If you want to keep a couple, you better take care of a large cage so that your pets do not feel restricted in movement. Remember that budgerigars are more like small airplanes, hovering not very high, horizontally, and not like helicopters, with an up-and-down amplitude of movement. Therefore, long rectangular cages, which initially offer horizontal space for short flights, are preferable to tall, narrow cages that are not designed for flying. And so, you have finally chosen an all-metal cage. Pay attention to the fact that all the bars of the cage are stripped, without any signs of bubbling of the coating. Otherwise, your pet, having found these bubbles, will open them further, and your cage will look at least not neat over time. The distance between the bars should be no more than 10-12 mm. A greater distance may cause the parrot to get stuck between the bars or climb out through them. It is desirable that the rods do not have any kind of ornaments in the form of sharp curls and decorations, so that the bird does not cut itself on them, does not get stuck in them. When buying a cage for a budgerigar, it is advisable to choose a horizontal arrangement of rods on at least two sides of the cage.
We have already considered in detail what the cage should be: its dimensions, the distance between the bars. Now consider the issue of cage doors. The door is the most traumatic item in the cage for our wavy. It should open easily, without slamming, so that your hand can easily enter the cage and easily exit with a bird sitting on your finger. It is convenient if the door opens (moves off) to the side, down or to the side. Guillotine-type doors that slide down the bars of the cage are not desirable - there have been cases of parrots breaking their legs when this door fell on them.
About cage tray
Carefully inspect the tray: is it easy to slide in and out, does the tray come unfastened? Note that you will be changing the paper in it at least once a day for the rest of the bird's life (about 15 years with good care). Therefore, it should be convenient and easy to use. Consider how you will fill the tray in the pallet. It can be ordinary white paper (in no case a newspaper, because printing ink is poisonous for a parrot) or special filler sands that absorb possible odor and moisture. If plain paper is used as bedding, it should be changed every day or at least every two days. But the sand can be changed less often, the lazy owner will say, but dirt is not visible - it means clean. Such a train of thought will lead to the fact that all kinds of pathogens will multiply in dirty sand, which can subsequently lead to various kinds of diseases.
Accessories
Along with the wonderful cage you got for your budgerigar, your feathered friend will need some more accessories that the cage is equipped with. These are a feeder, a bathing bowl, a drinking bowl, perches and toys. When purchasing a drinker and feeder, make sure that the dishes are convenient and easy to use. best material porcelain is considered to be a drinker / feeder, but plastic is more often used for these purposes. The drinker should be washed in hot water every day to prevent plaque and mucus from forming. Follow. so that the parrot always has fresh water at room temperature. It is necessary to add the required amount of food to the feeder every day, namely 1-1.5 teaspoons of grain mixture per day per budgerigar. There are times when owners do not purchase open feeders for food, but closed ones. And the birds flatly refuse to stick their heads in there, even being very hungry. In this case, you need to watch the parrot: if he clearly does not want to eat from a closed feeder, replace it with an open small saucer. Never place a feeder under the perch to prevent excrement from getting into the feed and poisoning the bird.
About perches
A very important point regarding the health of the bird, since the parrot spends most of its life on perches. What kind of perches the owner uses directly depends on the condition of your bird's paws, which will subsequently save the parrot from very unpleasant paw diseases. When choosing perches, you need to make sure that they are of different diameters (see Fig. Above is correct, below is incorrect) and installed at different heights so that the bird, turning, does not touch the bars of the cage with its tail, but jumping from perch to perch, could flap its wings. This is necessary for paw massage and muscle training. The perches should only be wooden, in no case plastic, which rub the sole of the bird to painful calluses. Some shops sell perches wrapped in sandpaper for grinding claws and beak. But many owners find painful bloody corns from such perches in their birds. This is a very painful condition for birds. It manifests itself in the inability of the bird to sit on the perch, lameness, pressing the sore leg and during visual examination. If this happened to you, instead of perches, buy ropes-perches twisted from a soft rope. The bird will gently sit on them and the pain will gradually go away. Make one perch near the ceiling: the budgerigar usually likes to sleep on the highest spot in the cage. Give him such a safe opportunity by properly strengthening the perches there. Parrots are very funny and playful creatures, do not be alarmed if your feathered friend suddenly starts to “crush and throw” everything in the cage: break toys, gnaw perches. In any case, get ready for frequent trips to the pet store to buy new toys for your furry “prankster”, and be glad that you have such a healthy and cheerful friend.
About toys
Due to their cheerful and playful disposition, budgerigars need the obligatory presence of toys in the cage. When choosing a toy for your furry, take note of a few tips.
01 Don't choose a toy that is too big, which might just scare your parrot. Choose toys that are medium in size for the parrot itself, preferably labeled for budgerigars by the manufacturer.
02 Do not buy toys painted with paint, it is better to buy ordinary wooden toys. This will be much safer for the bird, and you will be sure that your pet will not get poisoned.
03 If you buy rope toys, be sure to inspect them for sharp objects, nails and any kind of abrasions, make sure that the material from which the rope is made does not form hooks when in contact with the parrot's claws - this is necessary in order to avoid injury to the paws at the bird.
04 Do not buy plastic toys, which can be easily destroyed by the powerful beak of a budgerigar and can also cause injury.
05 Care must be taken with all kinds of chains, as a bird's claw or finger can get into the chain link, which will lead to injury.
Budgerigars at home are rarely given complete freedom. As a rule, they are kept in enclosures or cages. Having bought a budgerigar, take care of choosing the most convenient and comfortable home for him. A new place to live should be prepared in advance so that upon arrival the parrot can settle there without any problems.
It is important that in the new house the bird both feels safe and has the opportunity to fly a little, having free space for flights.
Cage or aviary?
The ideal option for a budgerigar would be living in a spacious aviary, where the bird can fly and move freely. The design and dimensions of the room for the birds should correspond to their number and the purpose of their maintenance.
However, not all owners of birds, due to small area apartments that can afford such a luxury - an aviary, so the cage is the most popular home for a parrot. It matters what material the bars of the cage are made of, how thick they are and what is the distance between the bars.
What are the aviaries, is it possible to build an aviary yourself and how to keep parrots in an aviary.
How to transplant a parrot into a cage
Planting a budgerigar in a cage should be done carefully. Make sure that he does not start to beat from fear about the cages located inside and the bars.
If you need to transplant a wavy from a transport cage, do not take it in your hand, because he may be very afraid of this.
If the parrot is tame, let him sit on your finger, and thus move him to the cage.
If the bird is untamed, then it should be distilled carefully or cover the cage with a blanket, lean it against the open door of the main cage and be patient until the parrot itself moves into a lighted room from a dark one.
Cell shape and size
The optimal shape of the cage is rectangular or with a dome-shaped top. But round around the perimeter of the base is not desirable because:
- in such a dwelling it is difficult for a bird to navigate in space, and the wavy will experience anxiety;
- when the parrot is worried, he hides in the far corner, and here he loses the opportunity (the corner allows him to feel protected, and if he is not there, he will not be able to survive the stressful situation);
- difficult to fix for a parrot.
- having many nooks and crannies that will be difficult to clean;
- in the form of a small cube or pyramid;
- spherical shape;
- strongly curved;
- cylindrical, the diameter of which is less than 2 m.
The size of the cage for a budgerigar should not prevent the bird from calmly spreading its wings and flapping them without touching the bars. Such movements will help the wavy compensate for the lack of activity that is caused by limited space. The mobility of your pet is the key to his health, as it has an impact on his metabolism.
The following dimensions of the parrot cage are recommended: width - 25 cm, length - 45 cm, height - 40 cm. This is the minimum! The larger the dwelling, the better: the bird is the most complete and natural, and you will get the maximum pleasure from watching it. A cramped cage will give the parrot a lot of inconvenience. Of course, the bird will adapt to such conditions, but they will affect the health and life expectancy of the parrot.
For a pair of wavy ones, a cage with dimensions of 65 cm long, 35 cm wide and 45 cm high, and exclusively rectangular in shape, is suitable.
For two pairs of parrots, you need a large cage, which measures at least 1 m in length and 80 cm in height. Three pairs and above are recommended to be kept in an aviary.
Bars and cage doors
When choosing a cage, pay attention to its rods. Their thickness should be 1.5-2 mm in diameter, and the distance between them should be at least 15-20 mm - the parrot should not stick its head between the bars. But too close the location of the rods will make it difficult to observe the parrot and its contact with the owner.
On the walls of the cage, horizontal rods must be located so that the bird can move along them.
The crate of the cage must be blued, chrome-plated, nickel-plated or galvanized. It should not contain copper, as it oxidizes and becomes poison for parrots. Also, the poison may contain some substances that are part of varnishes and paints, so you should not even partially cover the cell with them.
Pay attention to the color of the bars of the cage - it matters! Experts recommend cages with rods painted brown or black.
The cage must have a door with a strong lock, so that the budgerigar cannot break it with its beak. A wavy that gets out of the cage can create a mess in the room or get hurt. Powerful springs, carbines or small locks with a key are suitable as constipation.
If the cage contains a pair or group of parrots, then it is best if there are several doors. One of them can be used to attach a bathing container to it, and, for example, hang artificial nests on the side ones.
Where to put a cage with a budgerigar?
Where to put a cage with a parrot: how to choose a place in the house, in which part of the room to put it and how to properly position it, you can read in detail.
Do not forget that the parrot's home must be accessible for regular cleaning of debris and feathers.
The health and habits of a pet parrot largely depend on the cage in which it lives. Incorrect shapes and materials can provoke aggression and malfunctions nervous system feathered. Therefore, breeders will initially have to scrupulously look at the characteristics of the design they like, based solely on the comfort of its future residents. What should be the bird's abode, how and from what to make it yourself, how to equip it from the inside - we will talk about all this later in the article.
What should be a cage for a budgerigar
Today's assortment of cages is striking in its diversity: magnificent structures with intricate turrets and passages, bizarre roofs, balconies and decorations are increasingly appearing on sale. They have an aesthetic appearance, but are not at all practical for domesticated birds.
Important! Experienced poultry farmers advise as a disinfectant to pour a layer of dried medicinal chamomile flowers under the cage tray.
According to experts, such elements only scare the birds, prevent them from flying, fully spreading their wings, and also make it difficult to clean the structure. What do winged pets need, let's figure it out together.
Video: how to choose a cage for a budgerigar
Size and shape
The main requirements for a bird's home are space and comfort. Therefore, you need to choose purchased cages based on the planned number of their inhabitants.
For one budgerigar, the design is ideal, minimum dimensions which correspond to:
- 45 cm long;
- 30 cm wide;
- 35 cm high.
It is important that the cage is first and foremost comfortable. Small structures, according to experts, are completely unsuitable as a permanent home for budgerigars. Their use is limited only to cases of transportation and long walks. 
Some poultry farmers mistakenly believe that their wards will be comfortable in buildings that are too large. However, experts warn that such decisions can be fraught with serious consequences if the distance between the bars exceeds 1.5 centimeters, and the diameter of the perches is 2 cm. These cages are more suitable for medium-sized birds.
Important! It is unacceptable that there are many perches, toys, feeders and drinkers inside the bird's abode. In excess, all these elements only clog the space, preventing the tenant from flying. Stiffness of movements has a bad effect on the health of birds, besides, they can swallow small toy parts.
In addition to the dimensions of the structure and its internal space, attention should be paid to the shape. Pyramid, highly curved, cylindrical, square, spherical and rectangular cells are on sale.
However, from the entire range listed, only rectangular variations with a retractable tray are suitable for budgerigars: there they will feel safe and calm. According to ornithologists, in irregularly shaped cages, birds often get sick. 
For example, the inhabitants of the round monastery constantly lift their heads and twist them in search of a threatening object. If nothing is done, over time, the wards will develop nervousness due to constant discomfort. It will not pass even with a subsequent change of scenery and moving the bird to the correct cage.
Important! Round and spherical cage shapes are dangerous because they disorient the bird in space, and also do not have a cozy safe corner for rest. And in curly structures, the risks of injury are excessively high. To understand that the pet is experiencing discomfort, observing his behavior will help.
Material
AT modern production The most commonly used bird cages are wood, metal and plastic.
Experts consider all these materials to be quite suitable for the life of birds in captivity, however, each species has its own advantages and disadvantages:
When choosing factory cages, experts advise giving preference to combined products with metal rods and a plastic pallet. Such surfaces are easy to clean, wash and, if necessary, disinfect with chemicals or medicines. But wooden partitions are unacceptable, since the parrot can easily gnaw through them.
Did you know? All parrots have a sense of rhythm. If you switch the composition, the tempo of the bird's movements will also change. It was established not so long ago - in 2011. In addition, there is a group "Hatebeak" in the world, the main vocalist of which is Waldo the parrot. Of course, he does not give concerts, but 3 albums have already been recorded in his performance.
Be careful: the metal bars of cheap cages are often covered with low-quality enamel paint. In such cases, the risks of its exfoliation and poisoning of the feathered are high. In addition, such defects will inevitably lead to the appearance of rust, which will adversely affect the health of the pet. 
Where to put the cage in the room
The comfort and psycho-emotional mood of a parrot depend on the location of its house. In most cases, the cage is placed on a well-lit window sill, but ornithologists strictly forbid leaving it there even for a short time.
Did you know? Amazon parrots are considered the largest among their relatives. The growth of these giant birds reaches one meter - about the same as a three-year-old child. But the smallest are the New Guinea parrots the size of a matchbox.
The ban is associated with sudden changes in air temperature from a cold window and a warm room, as well as a high risk of drafts. These factors adversely affect the health of a feathered friend.
Video: where to place a cage for a parrot According to experts, the following are preferable for placing bird cages:
- light area opposite the window (but not under direct sunbeams), while the rear wall of the structure must necessarily adjoin a blank wall;
- corners away from the noisy household appliances, with the exception of radio, tape recorder and TV (the pet will be happy to sing along and comment on everything he hears);
- places at the level of human eyes or a little higher (if you put the cage on the floor, the bird will live in constant fear, and its location on an excessive elevation will lead to savagery and aggression of the bird);
- draft-protected corners;
- living quarters where temperature regime fluctuates in the range of +16–22 °C.
- that part of the house or apartment where the whole family gathers, or the most visited room (parrots are very sociable).
Did you know? Not all parrots are harmless herbivores. In nature, there is a species of kea, whose representatives hunt sheep in flocks.
In addition, experienced breeders are advised to immediately decide on permanent place for the cell and not carry it unnecessarily. After all, each such attempt is fraught with stress for a feathered friend. 
How to properly arrange a cage for a budgerigar
In order to provide the bird with maximum comfort, the owner must take care of the internal attributes of its abode.
Among these, experts name:
- 2-3 wooden perches (currant branches with bark are recommended as an alternative, which is very useful for budgerigars). You need to place these items in such a way that the pet moves easily and is not limited in movement;
- 3 feeders placed on different levels(for grain mixtures, berries and succulent feed, as well as for mineral dressings and organic sand). They can be made independently from hardwood, ceramics or plastic containers;
- automatic drinker;
- a bath (it is advisable to choose a vessel made of non-slip materials for these purposes; pebbles must be laid out on its bottom so that the bird is not afraid of the water column);
- swing (you can make your own from a shell coconut and lace);
- ladder and mirror;
- bell and ball (most of the toys can be placed on the game stand);
- rings;
- several plastic clips for vegetables, fruits and herbs;
- pull-out tray to keep the cage clean.
Video: what should be in a parrot cage All items should be located in such a way that the feathered one can freely fly out of his house and fly back. Sharp corners, as well as an excess of toys, are strictly unacceptable. Otherwise, the parrot will constantly be at risk of injury, and unnecessary items will limit its freedom.
In structures with even walls of the same length, it is easy to place all the necessary attributes. Experts advise to equip the playing area in the upper part. If several individuals live in a cage, the number of items will need to be doubled.
DIY parrot cage
Knowing everything about the necessary parameters of bird housing, you can easily build it yourself from improvised materials. 
Tools and materials
For further work we need:
- measuring tape;
- fiberboard sheet or plywood;
- marking pencil;
- sheet of paper for drawings;
- pliers;
- nails of the appropriate size and self-tapping screws;
- fine sandpaper;
- glue for wooden materials;
- a hammer;
- wire cutters;
- a metal mesh with cells of 1–2 cm (for a specific example, a meter piece is enough);
- construction stapler;
- screwdriver or electric drill;
- 12 wooden slats with a section of 2x5 cm;
- metallic profile;
- file;
- screwdriver;
- corner;
- canopies.
Step by step manufacturing instructions
AT this case we will make a cage measuring 60x25x35 cm.
After preparing all necessary tools and materials, you can get started:
- Cut out the bottom of the structure from plywood or fiberboard. It is a rectangle with sides 60 and 25 cm.
- On its edges, stuff wooden slats that will serve as sides.
- Then cut out 3 parts from the prepared rails so that their length matches the sides of the bottom, and the width is reduced by a third. These will be the slots for attaching the pallet. The resulting blanks are attached with glue to the base of the cell frame, having previously degreased the junctions. It is also important to remove any remaining dust from the parts beforehand.
- Then, from a metal profile, we cut out a sheet of the appropriate dimensions for the pallet. It should easily fit into the grooves. For convenience, you can bend its front wall at an angle of 90 degrees, which will facilitate the process of cleaning the cage.
Important! It is impossible to use paints with lead white, alkyd and nitro-varnishes for painting bird housing - these substances are very toxic to birds. You need to paint the wooden elements of the cage only on the outside.
- From wooden slats we measure blanks for attaching mesh walls. There should be 8 of them. Each of them must correspond to a given height of the structure.
- After obtaining the necessary parts with a screwdriver or drill, we make holes in them, which will include the barbed ends of the mesh. This nuance is important for the safety of your feathered pet. Therefore, the number of such holes must be calculated based on the size of the cells and the height of the wall. Experienced craftsmen advise simply attaching the mesh to the blanks and marking the points of contact of the wire ends with a pencil.
- Then we spread the wooden blanks with glue and fasten them to each other so that we get 4 wooden corners.
- We measure and use wire cutters to cut off the required amount of mesh. We carefully insert it into the holes made earlier on the glued planks and fasten it with a construction stapler. As fasteners, you can use other methods convenient for you: for example, wire or metal holders. It is important that the material is held securely and does not injure a curious bird.
- Now you can proceed to the upper part of the structure. To do this, we stuff wooden slats of the appropriate length on the sides of the cage on the left and right. Before that, on one of the side surfaces, they will also need to be drilled holes for attaching the mesh edge.
A similar detail should be placed in the middle of the cage, although you can make a one-piece roof from mesh or plywood if you wish. According to ornithologists, birds feel more protected in a closed dwelling. 
- On the back side of the upper plane, attach canopies, and then attach a grid to the walls by analogy. In our case, one of the halves of the roof will open. Do not forget to attach a latch to this door.
- Cut a hole in the front wall for the door. In accordance with its dimensions, we make a frame of slats and stretch a cut piece of mesh onto it. Loops and locks can be made of wire. By analogy, cut out the opening for the feeders.
Video: do-it-yourself parrot cage Now you know about the intricacies of the construction, choice and location of the birdcage. On health and psycho-emotional mood budgerigars many little things affect which the owners often do not pay attention.
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Cell dimensions
Avoid the two extremes: cages that are too big and cages that are too small. In the space of the cage, the bird always chooses for itself the most convenient, from its point of view, place of small size, where it spends most of its time. Therefore, in a cage that is too spacious, the bird feels uncomfortable. It has been noticed that in an excessively large cage the bird remains wild and shy for a long time, is poorly tamed and sings little. In a cage that is too small, the birds sit most of the time, as a result of which they are threatened with muscular dystrophy, obesity, apathy, psychological problems, as well as problems with plumage (disheveled plumage, broken feathers on wings and tail). The latter can lead to depressive and painful conditions, reduced immunity, up to the death of the bird.
Therefore, when choosing a cell, proceed from the very simple rule: the dimensions of the cage should be such that, on the one hand, the bird in it can fully open its wings without touching the walls + another 30%, and on the other hand, so that when moving from one perch to another, located on the same level, the bird it was necessary to use the wings, and not just jump over.
Also pay attention to the distance between the bars of the cage: in a cage for a budgerigar, it should not exceed 10-12 mm, so that the parrot could not crawl through either its head or, moreover, completely. A more frequent arrangement of rods will interfere with the review.
Both the material and the size of the cage for the budgerigar must be chosen with skill so that the bird feels comfortable and does not get poisoned by toxic substances. You also need to think in advance where exactly it will stand and what will be in it. To learn how to create optimal conditions for a comfortable stay of a budgerigar, read this article.
Free living of a budgerigar in an apartment can lead to big problems. A bird can be seriously injured, get stuck and not get out, catch some kind of illness or catch a cold, fall into the paws of a cat.
In most cases, this state of affairs leads to. Therefore, for a wavy pet, a cage is needed in which he will spend most of his life. Of course, a bird can be in the "freedom", but it is best that it be under the supervision of the owner.
Just buying and putting a cage where the eye fell is fundamentally wrong. So that the bird does not have health complications, it is necessary to choose the right place for it. You also need to arrange the space inside as conveniently as possible. The bird cage must be of the right size and shape.
In order to exclude the possibility of infection of the pet, the cage must be disinfected before it is settled. It is best not only to wash it thoroughly, but also to additionally scald it with boiling water. All perches, toys, and other indoor equipment should also be decontaminated.
- the materials from which the cell is made;
- optimal dimensions;
- required form;
- location: where exactly to put the cage;
- internal arrangement: perches, toys and more.
materials
A bird cage can be all-metal, combined (for example, a wooden bottom and a metal top), wooden and other types. The most durable, wear-resistant and hygienically clean are all-metal structures that freely transmit light.
The bars of the cage can be made of copper or coated with zinc. It is better not to buy galvanized cages, since galvanizing can move away if the assembly is of poor quality. If a budgerigar accidentally swallows a loose piece, it is likely to be poisoned. Zinc oxides act as a slow poison.
With copper rods, the situation is the same - if copper begins to oxidize, then the risk of poisoning will increase. The same thing happens with copper or zinc plated bird accessories. In addition to galvanizing and copper, enamel paints that can be coated with rods can cause poisoning.
Another important point is that if you put a piece of treat between such rods, you can also accidentally poison your pet. In general, food is best held with special non-toxic clips.
Wooden cages are warm and safe. So that the budgerigar does not have health problems, you need to know what trees they should be made from. Suitable, for example, beech, birch, apricot, willow, maple or linden. But cages made, for example, from acacia, oak, chestnut, aspen or coniferous trees are better not to buy because of the substances they contain that are harmful to the bird's body. Wooden perches, various sticks must be chosen according to the same principle.
Since budgerigars love to gnaw on everything, some wooden cages may suffer - slightly lose their beautiful appearance. To avoid this, you can put fresh tree branches or bark inside the cage. By the way, the diameter of the wooden rods should not exceed the girth of the fingers of the parrot. Ideally, the diameter should be at least a centimeter, but not more than two.
It is best to purchase a stainless steel structure, without paint, but with a special coating - chrome or nickel.
Dimensions
Among the variety of cells, one should not choose too small or too large. In cramped conditions, the budgerigar may develop mental disorders, such as apathy or nervousness. There is also a high risk of obesity, muscular dystrophy or various injuries. In a huge space, the pet will feel uncomfortable.
Ideally, the space in the cage should be such that sitting in the middle of the perch, the bird can calmly spread its wings and not touch the walls with them. Also, two or three perches should be placed inside so that the parrot can flutter from one to the other without touching the walls with either wings or tail.
For one or two birds, the cage should have approximately the following dimensions:
- length: sixty to eighty centimeters;
- width: twenty-five to thirty-five centimeters;
- height: thirty-five to forty centimeters.
Having two pairs of budgerigars, these dimensions need to be doubled. It is also necessary to take into account the distance between the bars: no more than ten to fifteen millimeters. At a greater distance, the bird may get out or get stuck, and at a shorter distance it will be hard to see.
The form
The cage is needed for the comfortable keeping of the bird, and not as an apartment decor. Therefore, it is best to choose a rectangular-shaped structure with a flat roof that can be used as a playground for the budgerigar.
Particular attention is paid to the length of the cage, and not the height, since the bird, in general, moves horizontally relative to the bottom of the cage. Also, the pet needs a corner where he can hide in a stressful situation.
It is not recommended to buy a cage with a round roof, for example, in the form of a cylinder. Inside it, the budgerigar begins to get lost in space, so it may feel insecure. In addition, cells of various intricate shapes are very problematic to remove.
Location
When considering where to put a cage with a wavy pet, there are several important points to consider. If you decide to put it in the kitchen, then be aware that the constant change due to cooking, evaporation, various pungent odors can adversely affect the health of the bird. And free flight is dangerous because of the included burners.
If you put the cage on the balcony, you will need to constantly monitor the temperature outside. It is also necessary to cover the part with some kind of cloth so that the pet can hide from the sun or wind.
It is best to put the cage in the room and be sure to place it where drafts and heat from heating appliances will not reach. It is also necessary that there is no TV or computer nearby, and one of the sides of the cage is near the wall. This arrangement will save the bird from harsh sounds and give a sense of protection.
You need to put the cage so that it is at the level of your eyes. With a low location, the pet will be frightened by the movements of your body, arms, legs. At a higher location, the budgerigar may feel superior to you, which will lead to problems during it.
Interior setting
Inside the cage for the budgerigar there should be no sharp objects or edges on which he could get hurt. A strong and well-locked door is a must, because parrots are very smart birds.
The cage should have a retractable tray where you need to put, for example, clean writing paper or river sand. Such a pallet is easy to get, wash and change its contents. All this is necessary so that the bird gets dirty on the litter as little as possible.
No need to clutter up the cage with a large number of perches, sticks, toys and others. The bird must have a certain space for maneuvers. Two or three perches and - that will be enough. Otherwise, the budgerigar will be constantly distracted by objects and refuse to communicate with you.
The diameter of the perches can be different - from one to two centimeters. Thus, the parrot will wrap its paws around them without closing its claws - they will rest against the perches. It is not necessary to select perches so that they have the same diameter.
It is also necessary to hang feeders, drinkers,. It is advisable to hang them on different walls. This arrangement will stimulate the budgerigar to constant mobility.
And what cage have you chosen for your pet?