When caring for a pet bird, it’s natural that you want to make your bird as comfortable as possible in their new home. While purchasing the right type of bird cage is a large part of ensuring that your bird is comfortable, you may also want to invest in a bird cage cover. Purchasing a cover for your bird cage is a great way to make your bird feel safer, though it is essential that you do not make several key mistakes when purchasing your cover. Many pet bird owners do not choose the right type of bird cage cover, which can suffocate or even cause stress on their pet bird. Here is some general information about pet bird cage covers, which will allow you to gain a better knowledge of which type is best for your bird.
THE MOST COMMON MISTAKE WITH BIRD CAGE COVERS
One of the most common mistakes that people make with bird cage covers is to use them as a “punishment” of sorts for their bird. This is extremely counterproductive, and can cause serious damage to your bird’s mental well-being. In addition to this, if you are not directly addressing the behavioral problem that caused you to cover your bird’s cage, you can actually cause the problem to get worse. Some people cover their bird’s cage when they are being excessively loud, in an attempt to get them to be quiet. However, most birds are excessively loud for a specific reason, which cannot be corrected simply by covering your bird’s cage. It is strongly recommended by most pet care experts that you refrain from using a bird cage cover as a punishment, and instead address the cause of your bird’s disruptive behavior.
MATERIAL
Bird cage covers are available in many different materials, each of which is available in a variety of colors, sizes and styles. Choosing the material for your bird cage cover is mostly a matter of common sense. It’s best to pick a material that will provide ample protection from external light, while still allowing enough airflow inside the cage so that your bird doesn’t suffocate. Most bird cage covers are composed of a durable, poly-cotton dark fabric which is resistant to both stains and moisture. Since your bird may pick at the cover, it’s also best if you ensure that the cover is made of a non-toxic material.
PROPER USE OF A BIRD CAGE COVER
To make the most use out of a bird cage cover, it is best for you to use it only during nighttime hours. Placing the cover over the cage can be a way to signal to your bird that it is bedtime, and time to settle down. This tactic is best used if you do this at the same time each night, since your bird will begin to associate the darkness provided by the cover as a sign that it is time to go to bed. Most birds need from 10 to 12 hours of sleep, so be sure to remove the cover at approximately the same time each morning.