Bigger is better as long as the spacing between the bars is narrow enough to prevent injury if the bird tries to escape. The bird's head should not be able to fit between the bars.
Budgies like to move around and should have a cage that is tall and wide. Canaries and Finches like to fly and should have a cage that is wide and long to allow for flight. Cockatiels need a cage that is big enough so the crest on the head and the long tail fit without being crushed. Your bird will be happier with a larger, more spacious cage.
Stick with square or rectangular cages as these are easier to clean and safer for the pet.
Metal is usually the best material as it stands up to the abuse birds give it and is easy to clean and disinfect. Most larger cages are made with wrought iron or Stainless steel. (Stainless steel is recommended for larger birds with powerful beaks!)
A sliding bottom tray is commonly seen in bird cages. This should be easy to remove, clean, and replace with no gaps that the bird can escape through, either while the tray is removed for cleaning or while the tray is in place. Newspapers are commonly used to line the tray and should be changed daily. Do not use wood shavings or chips as they are dusty and can irritate your bird's airways. Do not use CEDAR!
Cage location
Place the cage so the bird perches at about your chest level. Lower than that (especially if placed on the ground) and the bird will be anxious and feel vulnerable. Do not place it higher than your chest level as 'higher' means 'superior' to birds. In the wild, the more dominant birds perch on higher branches.
Keep the bird in a sunny, draft-free area.
If the bird is more social, keep it in an area of human activity. If the bird is less social, it may be happier in a quieter area of the house.
Perches
A variety of types and sizes should be supplied. Natural tree branches are better than wooden dowels. Because of their uneven shape, the bird is not always putting pressure on the same part of the foot when it stands. A concrete (mineral) perch gives the bird a spot to groom its beak and nails. We recommend placing this perch on the door so that the bird must step on it to come out of its cage - a good habit to get into so that you don't have to reach in to his "territory!"
Dishes need to be appropriately sized for the bird. The food and water dishes need to be easy to remove and clean since this needs to be done on a daily basis. Those made out of stainless steel, crockery, or high-impact plastic are able to withstand the washing and disinfecting necessary to maintain the health of the bird. Water may be given in a dish or in a water bottle such as the type guinea pigs use. Make sure the bird knows how to use the bottle and that it is easy to remove, wash, and refill. Use a bottle brush for cleaning it.
Beds
Nest boxes, Snugglies or Happy Huts can be supplied for a place to hide, especially for the smaller birds. These can be attached toward the top of the cage and should be easy to remove and clean.
Toys
Toys should be plentiful and alternated. They are what will occupy the bird through the largest part of the day while the owners are gone. Small birds like small, lightweight toys, and tiny mirrors. Larger birds like to manipulate toys with their beak, tongue, and feet. Birds will chew their toys so choose items made from nontoxic wood or hardened plastic. Check the toys daily for damage. Rotating the toys every several days to a week will help keep the bird interested in the toys. A bored bird is at high risk for behavioral and health problems.
All items should be able to be washed in hot soapy water or put through the dishwasher set on the hot water cycle. Disinfecting can be done by mixing one-half cup bleach to one gallon of water, or by using a bird safe disinfectant. Clean and disinfect items away from the bird, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry before returning the item to the bird. Do not use scented cleaners as they can be harmful.
