Are you adopting a bird? Congratulations! Birds may be small, but they can take up quite a bit of room in our hearts. You’ll also need to reserve some space in your home for Polly’s cage! Here, a Marin County, CA vet offers some tips on setting up your feathered pal’s cage.

Location

Choosing the right spot is very important! Don’t put Polly’s cage in direct sunlight, or near a fan or heating vent. Fumes are another thing to consider. Cooking fumes can be very dangerous to birds. Make sure your little buddy isn’t exposed to vapors from paint, cigarette smoke, or candles. Birds often feel vulnerable and uneasy if they are out in the open. Your colorful little friend will be most comfortable in a quiet corner. That way, she can still see and hear you, without feeling too exposed.

Perches

Perches are crucial to Polly’s health and well-being. Birds use perches for playing, grooming, sleeping, resting, and just hanging out. Your bird will need a variety of perches, which should be rotated regularly. Make sure to place the perches so Polly can use them without touching the cage walls. To avoid food contamination, don’t hang perches over her dishes.

Plants

Consider setting some non-toxic plants around Polly’s cage. This may help her feel more comfortable, as it will make her cage a bit more tree-like.

Toys

Make Polly’s cage entertaining and fun for her by adding lots of toys. Store-bought ones are fine, but you can also go the DIY route and make your winged pal’s things. Look online for ideas and instructions. As with perches, playthings should be rotated regularly.

Dishes

One thing you’ll need to do every day is clean and refill your tiny buddy’s dishes. Stainless steel is a good option for dishes. You may want to get more than one set. That way, one can be in use while the other’s being washed.

Tips

When choosing birdcages, bigger is definitely better. Get the best cage you can afford. This is a one-time splurge, so it’s worth it to get something with extras, such as removable playtops. What you may want to do is choose the spot first. Then, measure the space before you go shopping. That way, you’ll know how much room you have to work with.

Please contact us, your Marin County, CA vet clinic, anytime. We’re here to help!