KEEPER BASICS: BIRD CAGE SETUP

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Parrots are extremely intelligent animals, making them higher maintenance pets that require consistent enrichment. One way to begin achieving this is with an innovative enclosure design. Careful placement of décor, food bowls and other elements are crucial when setting up an effective birdcage. For this ‘Keeper Basics,’ we will discuss some of the key considerations keepers must make when establishing a cage for an African Grey (Psittacus sp.) Amazon (Amazona sp.) Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla) or other similarly sized bird.

Enclosure choice

There are lots of different bird cages available today. The AAL regulations for keeping an African grey requires minimum cage dimensions of 140 x 105 x 105cm. However, in aviculture this is generally seen as ‘shop’ size, meaning keepers who regularly exercise their bird out of the cage or in an outdoor flight can provide good welfare using cages of varied dimensions. Birds should be allowed out of their cage as much as possible. However, it is paramount that keepers maintain a steady routine of designated ‘playtime’. Keepers should provide consistency in the duration of play and the time in which this happens. Being sporadic in this approach can cause significant behavioural problems.

The cage should be made from good quality, powdercoated steel. Keepers considering a second-hand cage should inspect it before purchase. Rust is dangerous to birds and a flimsy or damaged cage can easily be snapped and cause damage to the inhabitant.

There are multiple types of cages available and if adequate space is provided, the choice generally comes down to keeper preference. ‘Play-top’ cages are extremely popular as they provide the bird with a play station while they are outside of the cage and thus take up less room than an added climbing frame. ‘Top-opening’ cages are also very popular and give the parrot the opportunity to leave and enter the enclosure at will, but also prevents the keeper from hanging various enrichment opportunities (such as swings and hanging toys) in the interior of the enclosure.

The keeper must also consider bar spacing. In most enclosure choice scenarios bigger is always better, but if the bird can fit their head through the bars this can be hazard. However, spacing should not be too small. Larger parrots such as African greys will enjoy climbing up the bars and thus adequate space is needed to allow them to do this.

Dishes

Three dishes are required: one for water, one for dry foods and one for fruit and veg. Most enclosures will have dishes installed with an anti-tip mechanism, preventing the bird from spilling the food. A pelleted diet such as Psittacus will provide the necessary nutrient profile for the bird. This should be supplemented with 30% fresh fruit and veg to provide some enrichment. This should be fed in moderation, little and often to ensure that the parrot is feeding on the pellets rather than handpicking their favourite fruits. Fruit and veg can also be used as a bonding ‘treat’ given to well-behaved birds. By identifying the bird’s favourite fruit or veg (usually the first one they pick in a bowl of mixed fruit) and isolating that to be fed ONLY as a treat, keepers can help train their pet much easier. Veg is generally the healthier alternative here, with sweetcorn being a popular choice.

Décor

Java wood is sandblasted, making it an ideal smooth perch. Furthermore, it is baked to ensure it is extra durable and contains multiple branches of differing sizes. As the bird moves up and down the java wood branches, it will inadvertently exercise its feet and leg muscles more than a uniform straight perch. Specific java wood perches often have a screw/bolt allowing them to be installed inside or outside of the enclosure. These should be positioned so that the bird can climb them and utilise the entire enclosure.

A rough perch is hugely beneficial. Not only does a rough perch provide new and interesting textures for the animal, but it also helps the bird trim its claws and beak. The rough perch should be positioned close to the food bowls. It should allow easy access for the bird reaching into the bowl and provide enough room for the bird to clean its beak against the perch, after eating. Calcium perches are also available and work in much the same way, but also provide some added calcium as the parrot chews and cleans itself on it.

Toys are also extremely important for birds. Parrots, such as African greys, have the intelligence of a toddler. This means they need a LOT of things to do in their environment. Toys should be as varied as possible and should be provided both inside and outside of the cage. Extra toys should be kept separately, but in view of the bird. It is not uncommon for some species to feel uneasy about new toys in their environment, so placing these around the home to familiarise the parrot with them before adding them to the cage is a good idea. Puzzle feeders are excellent at providing mental stimulation, but bells, shred-able items, colourful durable plastics, and much more are available.

Substrate

In bird keeping, substrate is mostly concerned with practicality. As almost all enclosures provide a barred grid between the bird and the substrate (to prevent spilt food from being fowled and eaten), picking something that is easily cleaned and visually appealing is important. Coarse beech chips do this perfectly. This is a heavier substrate than other ‘loose’ options and is not easily dispersed when a bird flaps its wings. Beech chips can quickly be spot-cleaned and provide a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to newspaper.

As well as spot-cleaning the base of the enclosure, all the bars should be wiped down with a bird-friendly disinfectant each day.

UV and birds

Although many birds are extremely adaptable and will grow down feathers to acclimatise to a variety of temperatures, keepers must be considerate about the placement of their enclosure. Just like all captive animals, providing choice is a pillar of great animal welfare and thus, enclosures