Saturday, January 24, 2009

Choosing The Best Bird Cage Accessories

How to understand which bird cage accessories you need and what choice you should make ?
Even if you have already bought a bird cage, there is more to do- you have to decide which accessories you will need.There is usually extra room in the bird cage, which is left to be used for the accessories. Of course the most important items are food and water dishes, so before buying, consider if they can be disinfected or not.
The dishes could get very dirty, depending on their location and how messy an eater the bird is ,as well. If you choose ceramic or stainless steel bird dishes, which are easy to clean , it will be better having in mind that it is vital for your bird's health if you can clean them well. It is possible that you will need a water bottle for larger birds.
Birds require a lot of bird perches at different levels in order to imitate nature, thus your birds will be happy. Consider the position of the perches. Of course if you have a flight bird cage, you can’t place them in the flight path.So, choose bird perches in different sizes to avoid your bird of developing arthritis. Be careful with cement or sandpaper bird perches, because they may be harmful, though it is claimed that they file the bird's nails. Endless scratching of your birds feet leads to infections and injury.
Now, something enjoyable- you will be happy to choose colorful bird toys for your bird in different shapes and sizes. Parrots and parakeets as more intelligent birds, especially need mental stimulation. These birds could become aggressive or with disturbing behavior, like feather picking or screeching, if they are unoccupied or bored. Be careful with those bird toys, containing small parts, which are dangerous for birds.
It is not strange that bird toys are usually destroyed by your birds, because they are naturally curious creatures, so allow them to do it. But it is important during this destroying process , birds not to be injured. So avoid 'swinging chains' because bird's toes or beak could be caught in the links of the chain. Even if you choose woven fiber 'chains’ , you have to be careful for loose or hanging threads, which could be ingested by your bird.
In addition, your bird can become caught in bird toys with the keychain type open ring, which can pose a threat to your bird. It is better to try to find bird toys with metal clasps or plastic rings in different colors and sizes to keep birds occupied and happy.
Even the bird cage liner could be dangerous for your bird, so be careful with this choice, too. Do not choose mite protectors, which may protect birds from parasites, but also can cause sickness because they emit fumes. Also, avoid those which have small pieces that your birds could ingest.
Mirrors are much favorite with bird. Those small mirrors, hanging on bars are good, just make sure that they do not have sharp or exposed edges. Rearrange frequently bird perches and bird toys in the bird cage. It will help against your bird getting bored. Make careful choice when you buy bird cage accessories if you want your birds to be happy, comfortable and safe.

A Bird Cage Cover To Help Your Bird Sleep

People use bird cage cover to allow their birds to sleep undisturbed. Your birds can rest peacefully then and they will not be disturbed by common household lights or noises. Also, bird cage covers can be a signal for your bird that it's bedtime and that he has to be quiet.Do not use the bird cage cover for extended hours outside of bedtime or as punishment.This will make your bird unhappy and depressed and damage your bird's mental health.

Bird cage covers could make the things worse in case that your bird is displaying unusual behavior, 'screaming’ for example. You have to define the problem and to solve it by spending more time with your bird or allowing him more time outdoors.There are a variety of bird cage covers like other bird cage accessories. There are universal bird cage covers which fit on any bird cage.

If there is a possibility your bird being cold during the night,you can choose flannel covers.The type of the cover should not restrict the airflow enough to affect the bird's breathing.Do not buy vinyl or non 'breathing' material. Not all people use bird cage covers, but if you notice that your bird does not sleep well, you should try it out. It is normal for birds which have never had their bird cage covered to bite at or pick at the bird cage cover, but if there are loose threads or frayed pieces , replace the bird cage cover.

If the bird cage cover has been on the bird cage for too long, your bird may pick at it. Usually a parrot needs aapproximately twelve hours of sleep and a bird cage cover can settle a tired bird during bedtime. In our daily routine we do not have twelve hours of sleep, which disturbs bird’s schedules. So if your bird has problems with enough sleeping then the bird cage cover will be the answer.

If your bird is used to sleep with bird cage cover, its absence will be a problem. And your bird could become stressed or anxious. If you are buying a bird from an individual, it would be better if you ask him in advance if the bird has used a bird cage cover. And on the other hand, if the bird has not been covered, at first when you cover it, it may become nervous. You can make thing better if you cover him for a couple of hours and slowly and gradually up to a full night's sleep.Then your bird will be healthy and happy.