Having a pet bird can be a wonderful experience, especially when it comes to the task of outfitting your bird’s new home. There are a large variety of fun and entertaining bird cage accessories available for purchase at most pet care supply stores, which can enhance your bird’s living experience. Some of these accessories are functional, while others are designed to be used as a part of playtime. Here is some general information about some bird cage accessories available.
BIRD CAGE STAND
If you plan to keep your bird cage in a spacious area, you may opt to purchase a bird cage stand. These stands are either stationary pieces of furniture that have the cage rest on top, or hanging hooks that extend to a sturdy stand on the floor. The hanging cages are usually best in households without small children or large dogs, since they tend to be more precarious when shaken. Hanging bird cage stands are also best used for birds that are ‘neat’ eaters, since some birds can scatter their food and droppings out the side of their cage onto the floor.
PERCHES
To keep your bird happy inside their cage, you will need to provide at least two perches in the inside of your bird’s cage. These perches should be either made of sturdy plastic or non-treated wood. Many birds like to chew on their perches, so it is best if you choose a durable material. Most bird care experts recommend that you do not use sandpaper-lined perches in your cage, since they can damage your bird’s feet. Some people believe that sandpaper perches help keep a bird’s nails trim, but this is not the case. It’s best to place the perches in your cage in an area where they won’t be directly over any food or water dishes.
FOOD AND WATER DISHES
In most pet bird cages, it is best to purchase a food and water dish that attach securely to the side of the cage. However, these dishes should be able to be removed for regular cleaning without much hassle. If you wish, you can keep a spare set of food and water dishes that can be swapped out when it’s time to clean the dishes. It’s best to purchase a shallow dish, and simply refill this dish on a daily basis. This allows you to monitor how much your bird is eating, and is also the best way to ensure that the food remains fresh.
TOYS
To keep your bird entertained, there are many fun and interactive toys available for use inside your bird’s cage. These toys are often outfitted with mirrors, beads, bells or shiny objects in order to maintain your bird’s interest. It’s best to avoid using plastic toys in larger species of birds (such as parrots), since these toys may break and present a choking hazard. Try to choose toys that are made of non-toxic materials, since most birds tend to chew on their toys. If you wish, you can also purchase toys to be used outside your bird’s cage during interactive playtime.