Cage Set-Up Tips & Tricks

Are you a potential adopter and looking for guidance on what sort of cage setups our adoption team will approve?  Or are you simply looking for some inspiration to improve your current bird’s cage setup?

Well – look no further! We have put together a list of some of the most common “no-no’s” when it comes to bird cages, and listed the reasons why certain components within a bird’s cage can be inappropriate (and sometimes even dangerous!).  Since part of our adoption process does include cage approval, we felt it important to provide a resource for our adopters, and give examples of what sort of things in cages will prompt a denial.

Why we feel cage setup & size is so important:

A cage should not only be a bird’s safe space, but should also provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation.

A common question that we get asked is whether a cage should still be minimum sized and filled with toys even if the bird is only inside of their cage for a few hours a day – the answer is YES!

It’s great to provide a bird with plenty of time outside of their cage, but activities and enrichment should still be offered once they are put away.  Don’t we still decorate rooms in our house even if we don’t spend most of our time in them?  Life circumstances are also a consideration, since families who are able to have their birds out at all times are able to do so because of their current lifestyles.  These can change, and a permanent job working from home is not necessarily guaranteed.  Thinking ahead and making sure a bird is provided with at least the bare minimum is important.

For more information on STAR’s minimum cage size requirements: https://staravian.org/cage-sizes-and-requirements

Cage setup goals:

A bird’s cage should have a variety of different perches and toys offered, with everything arranged in a way that allows them to move around freely and stretch out their wings. Think of it as creating a super-highway of perches & shelves to encourage movement & foot agility, while also creating an engaging & fun environment with a variety of toys & activities.

Considerations will need to be made for each specific bird and their individual needs, as some birds require special accommodations due to age, health, or disability.

What NOT to have in your cage:

Please note – cages with mirrors, intentional breeding spots, sleep huts (except in rare exceptions), or items determined to be unsafe will not be approved.

Sleep Huts/Tents

“Parrot tents have been responsible for more avian injuries and deaths than any other product type sold.” – Bird Tricks

Most birds should not be offered sleep huts/tents.

Huts/Perches are not only an obstruction danger, but when the fabric collapses against the bird while in use, it creates a tight, nest-like environment, leading to potential hormonal issues.

Note – exceptions may be made to this for specific cases.

Mirrors

Toys with mirrors should not be included in cage set-ups.

Mirrors can cause aggression, unhealthy fixations, abnormal behavior, socially bad behavior. 

If your bird has a history of hormonal issues, extra caution should be taken for toys with any reflective surface. Watch your bird, and if they become fascinated/obsessed with their reflection in things like metal bowls or bells, additional changes to their cage set-up may be required.

Coconut huts, Breeding Boxes or other intentional breeding spots

Intentional Breeding spots should never be provided.

Even in a situation where there is no chance of breeding, providing items that are meant as breeding spots, or simulate a nest, should be avoided.  A single bird without a mate is still affected by environmental hormonal triggers, which can lead to unwanted hormonal behavior (i.e. behavior issues, medical issues, and other undesirable behaviors).

We do not adopt into breeding situations or homes where the intention is breeding. 

Slatted Perches

Slatted Perches, like the ones shown here, may pose safety risks.

These pose a danger due to the possibility of a bird putting their head in, turning and becoming stuck.  Slatted perches pose many of the same risks as improper bar spacing.

Dowel Rods

No more than 1 dowel rod should be provided.

While it’s okay to have one dowel perch in a bird’s cage, we recommend simply removing dowel rods entirely. Due to the consistent size and slickness of dowel rods, they can lead to pressure sores, tendon issues and eventually arthritis.

STAR will approve a cage set-up including one dowel rod, assuming additional varied perch options are provided, consistent with the 4-3-2-1 guidelines.

Sleigh Bells

While not a deal breaker – safety first!

This style of bell should be used with extreme caution – and it is generally recommended to simply remove bells in this style from toys. The slits in this style of bell can pose a risk for birds to get their beak or claws stuck, causing injury and distress.

This style bell is often included in toys from unknown brands found on third-party sites. Extra caution should be used when providing toys from unknown brands to ensure bird safety with not just the bells, but with wood dyes, plastic pieces and metals used in the construction of these toys.

What should I include in the cage?:

With so many “no-no’s” – what should I include in my cage?

Perches:

Birds are ALWAYS on their feet! – A combination of different diameters, textures & shapes is important for joint & foot health. Try using the 4-3-2-1 guidelines shown below to ensure your cage offers the best variety for your bird.

4 – Different Diameters

3 – Different Textures

2 – Action Perches

1 – Flat Perch

Toys:

Toys provide mental & physical stimulation. Parrots should be offered a variety of toys!

Types of toys include:

• Shredding toys
• Foraging toys
• Noise making toys
• Puzzle toys
• Preening toys
• Food Toys

How many toys should I offer? : There should be at least one activity at each perch, to encourage the bird to move about the cage throughout the day. Generally, more is better, but this may depend on the bird. It is also important to provide a variety of types of toys, including shredding toys, foraging toys, puzzle toys, preening toys & foot toys!

Looking for some inspiring cage set-ups – check out some of our favorites below!

Do you have an awesome cage set-up? Share it to [email protected] to potentially have your cage featured here!

For more inspiration on creating an interactive habitat for your feathered friend, check out: CAGES 101: Cage Set Up Guide.