Bird Care: Home, Sweet Home
Bird house: No matter the species, your bird will need a cage that's large enough for her to stretch her wings and fly short distances. You wouldn't want to be cooped up, would you? It's also important that your bird has several perches so that she can jump up and climb. Make sure they're all different sizes—this way she can exercise her feet—but avoid perches covered with sandpaper. Parakeets and cockatiels like tall cages, because they like to climb, and big hoppers like finches and canaries prefer longer cages that are not as tall.
A typical cage for a parakeet or other small bird should be 25 inches tall and 25 inches from front to back. The bars on the cage should only be .4 inches apart. That's just a little larger than the tips of your fingers. If the bars are any larger, your bird could escape or get stuck between the bars.
The bottom line: Cover the bottom of the cage with paper, and be sure to change it every day. Newspaper is okay to use if it's printed with non-toxic, soy-based ink. (Ask an adult to help you figure out if your newspaper is okay to use.)
The location situation: Where should you keep your bird? Place her cage in a warm part of the house, away from drafts. Do not place the cage in direct sunlight, because this could cause your bird to overheat. Also, remember that the kitchen is not a good place for pet birds, who are super-sensitive to fumes. Self-cleaning ovens and some non-stick pots and pans give off fumes that can make birds sick.
LEARN MORE
- The 411
- Chow Time!
- Home Sweet Home
- Fun & Games
Parents and teachers, visit ASPCA.org for more info to share wtih your students and children.
