Bird-safe - Cage Safety

Cage Safety

Except for cages constructed of stainless steel, almost all finch and parrot cages have some kind of covering on the wires, e.g. a powder coating, which not only protects the bird from bare metal, but also keeps the metals from rusting in reaction to air. Exposure to metals such as lead, zinc, or tin can cause heavy metal poisoning in captive birds. Good quality powdercoated cages are made of steel or wrought iron, which are bird safe, but lower quality cages may contain traces of harmful metals or solder. Hardware, such as screws or wiring, may also be a source of toxic metals. Galvanized (zinc plated) mesh is frequently used for outdoor aviaries; it is necessary to use only galvanized-after-welding mesh and to scrub it with vinegar to remove loose pieces of zinc, which greatly reduces any risk of zinc poisoning from the mesh. Galvanized-after-welding mesh usually must be purchased from aviary suppliers. However, some groups feel that zinc should never be used near birds—especially parrots—as they not only chew on everything, but climb using their mouths.

Cubic cages are preferred over round cages because a round cage lacks a safe corner for a bird to hide when frightened or alarmed. Round cages may also affect a bird's psychology; when kept in round cages birds often exhibit an unusual and repetitive stereotypical behavior whereby they twirl their heads and look round-and-round at the domed ceiling. The bar positioning in round cages can also affect a bird's feathers, particularly the tail feathers.

Bar-spacing is an important consideration; depending on the spacing of the bars and the size of a bird it may get its head stuck between the bars, or getting its head through then injure its neck while panicking. Some caging that is safe for large birds can pose a toe-entrapment risk to small birds such as finches or parakeets. For example, a collapsing cage with hinges cannot trap a macaw's large toes, but the small spaces of the hinge can catch the nail of a tiny parrotlet.

The leg bands can be a source of accidents in the cage. The bird might become hooked in the leg band which may cause injury to the leg including dislocations, fractures or sprains. Poor quality leg bands can become irritating and cause swelling and inflammation, or act as a tourniquet causing the loss of the leg. Leg bands are not recommended by avian veterinarians, unless they are necessary in terms of identification.

In addition to the cage consideration must be given to the items such as bowls, toys, perches, playgyms, cages and other accessories. Items that have not been treated with dangerous chemicals or metals, are not entrapment hazards and cannot be disassembled or broken by large birds are recommended.