cages

Features to look for in a cage:

* Bird proof latches

* Access to feeding bowls (do you have to reach inside the cage or can you get to the bowls from the outside?)

* Seed catch - not necessary but very nice option to have

* If it's a playtop cage, be sure food bowls are within the cage not protruding outward or they will act as poop catchers! Skirts over food bowls become covered in feces.

Playtop vs. Dome

Playtop Pros
* A play area - very important! One less play area that you need somewhere else in your house which your bird will need.

* Provides a security top for the bird when he's inside the cage during sleeping time.

* Nice for placing big feeding bowls with human food.

* Birds love 'em!

Playtop Cons
* Not as attractive

* Not as much room inside the cage for long periods of time spent in the cage.

Dometop Pros
* Aesthetically pleasing

* More room

Dometop Cons
* No play area on top of cage

Powder coated vs. Stainless Steel

With a powder coating you can get colors that are attractive whereas stainless steel is just one color. But stainless steel will last forever and will never wear like a powder coating.

Stainless steel will cost double of a powder coated cage but will look the same year after year. Powder coated cages will start to show signs of wear after a few years.

Location

Birds love to look out a window. But they cannot be in direct sunlight or near drafty windows.

They want to be part of the family, not put in a back room. Remember they need interaction on a regular basis with the family if they are to be happy. So choose a location where they can feel part of the family but still be able to take naps throughout the day.

Toys

Be sure to have lots of toys for you bird! In their cage (but not too many that they can't move around) and on their playgyms. Rotate the toys every so often to give your bird new stimulus.

Some parrots are bigger chewers than others. Toby is a hard core chewer! We have to constantly keep him supplied with toys to chew on. He doesn't eat any of his toys, just destroys them!

Here are some of our homemade toys: Toys