We know you want to give your pet only the best. From food to toys, their well-being is a priority for you. Among the list of things you could provide for your pet, a safe and enjoyable environment is probably the most important aspect to consider, as it is also one of the most difficult to ensure. For your flying companion, a large bird cage should be the first thing to consider, if you want to keep them both safe and entertained.
Brief History of bird cages
You might be inclined to think bird cages are an invention of the latest centuries, but, in fact it dates back all the way to ancient Mesopotamia, year 2900 BC, when feathered animals were kept in cages for religious and symbolic reasons. It was during the Victorian Age that cages saw a boom in both utility and style. From that moment onward, numerous upgrades have been made to the humble cage, not only in terms of design and aspect but in what regards the safety of the bird. From mandatory sizing ensuring birds can spread their wings while encaged to improved, safer materials, the bird cages we have today benefit from years of constant enhancement. And these enhancements did not go unnoticed in the life of the little companions. Studies have shown there are multiple benefits guaranteed by a large confinement. Read along to find some of the most relevant reasons as to why a confinement of bigger dimensions is the better option for your feathered friend.
Why should you choose a large bird cage?
We understand that, sometimes, extrinsic circumstances such as space, money or availability might not incentivize one to invest in a large bird cage. However, once you’ll see all the benefits it provides for your little flying companion, you will never think twice about buying one.
- Your pet enjoys a bigger space
- It can improve their mental health
- Promotes natural behaviour
- Protects your pet
- Encourages further additions
It gives plenty of space for movement
Birds used to have the earth and the sky at their feet – or should we say at their wings. They are very active creatures who love to fly around, climb and jump. In order to mimic their natural behaviour, the cage should be large enough to ensure they have all the space needed to spread their wings and move around. This is important not only for their general well-being but for their muscles as well. Contained in too small of a space, unable to do the things they would normally do in the outside world, their muscles are prone to weakening and stiffening. If your pet spends the day inside the cage, not only during the night, it is all the more important that you consider a space of larger dimensions for it.
In this case, the more the merrier is truly a statement to remember. Just make sure that the cage bars are not spaced too far from each other that they allow the bird to peek its head through them and risk getting caught between them.
It can improve their mental health
Birds are some of the most intelligent creatures on earth and their creativity needs a large space to develop. A cage too small might lead to boredom, even depression or stress. This can further manifest in self-destructing behaviours, such as biting, screaming or feather plucking. A large cage will not only eliminate space-related mental issues, but they will also provide the space for enriching toys or activities for the bird. Encaged animals spend nights, even days, inside their confinement. It is important that their time inside does not inflict stress or other types of health-related issues upon them.
PRO TIP: Make sure you rotate the toys, mirrors or other enriching items in your bird’s cage in order to further engage their minds.
It encourages natural behaviour
If in the previous paragraph we observed how a small cage can promote self-destructing behaviours, in this one we’re going to talk about how a large bird cage can induce the preservation of natural behaviour while encaged. A bird’s natural habitat involves forging, flying, preening, even socializing with other birds. A suitably-sized cage can help with this, especially when there are multiple birds in one compartment. They will all need the space to fly around, spread their wings, groom themselves, play with toys and interact with each other in the same cage.
It ensures a safe space for your bird
Besides the other safety-related points made previously, one important element provided by a large bird cage is a lowered risk of space-related accidents. There is nothing more important than the safety of your bird, whether it mental of physical. The specific needs of the birds may differ, depending on their species. Birds with longer tails will need more space, while for the smaller birds a space too crowded might lead to hazardous events. You should also remember the opening mark about cage bars. Bars that are too large or distanced might also lead to accidents.
It provides space for further additions
Whether we’re talking about more birds or more items inside the cage, a large one will allow you to do so without having to reconfigure your entire housing system. You will not need to relocate your birds and risk inflicting feelings or sadness or depression. A bigger space will allow companionship and a stress-free coexistence with other birds. This is particularly important if you wish you increase your flock in the future.
Conclusion
The more you think about it, a large bird cage is not really an option, it is more like a mandatory element that provides safety, entertainment and a healthy environment for your beloved flying companion. From physical health to mental health, from fun activities and sufficient space for addition, a big cage will help keep your birds happy and safe.
