Housing
 CAGE
- The largest cage that can be accommodated in the home is recommended for
birds that are expected to be confined most of the time. The cage must be
strong enough to resist bending or dismantling by the bird, made of
non-toxic material, and designed for safety and ease of cleaning. In most
cases, the cage would need to be wider than it is tall to accommodate
stretched wings; however, ample height should be provided for long-tailed
birds. |
 SEED
AND WATER CUPS - One large cup is needed for water. Usually one large
cup and at least 3-4 other small (treat) cups are needed for food. Wash the
water and fresh food containers frequently. |
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| HYGIENE - A daily cleaning of the cage floor and bowls prevents problems with food spoilage and alerts the owner to potential signs of illness. A weekly, thorough cleaning of the cage is suggested. | CAGE LINERS - Newspapers, paper towels, or other plain cage liner paper may be preferred over wood chips, chopped corn cobs, kitty litter, or sand as cage substrate, so that the appearance and number of the droppings can be monitored on a daily basis. Substrate should ideally be below a wire barrier so the bird does not have direct access. | |
| SECURITY - Many birds benefit from the availability of a retreat inside the cage for a sense of privacy (e.g., paper bag, towel, nest box). |
