Our method
Whether for keeping birds indoors or outdoors or simply as a decorative living accessory - the birdcage is a much sought-after furnishing tool. As a bird lover and keeper, the main question is: which birdcage is best suited for my feathered friend?
In our big bird cage guide 2021 we want to give you an overview of the most important criteria and help you find the right housing for your bird. As a basis for our recommendation to you, we have compared various features, such as size and equipment of the cages, and included other special features, such as functionality and equipment.
Contents
The most important facts
- Bird cages come in different shapes and sizes. From smaller models for keeping individual small birds, to large cages for several birds, to a multi-part breeding cage. In this guide, we have compared a total of six different cage models for you.
- The choice of cage should always be adapted to the needs of the bird species you want to give a home to. This is especially important to ensure that no bird is kept in a cage that is too small for it.
- Outside of keeping animals, bird cages can also be used as decorative elements.
The Best Bird Cage: Our Choices
Buying and rating criteria for bird cages
To help you make the best choice of birdcage, here is a short list of things to look out for before you buy:
In the following section, we will go into more detail on the individual criteria and show you what makes up the individual purchase criteria.
Size
The size of the bird cage plays a particularly important role; after all, keeping the animal in a species-appropriate manner should be the primary goal. A simple rule of thumb is: small bird - smaller cage, large bird - larger cage.
Nevertheless, please find out in advance how much space your bird species requires.
If you want to keep more than one bird at a time, or want to give a single bird the opportunity to fly around in its den, you should opt for a larger cage. For both an animal cage and a decorative cage, you should also consider how much space you have available at home.
Material
Bird cages can be made of different materials and therefore differ not only visually, but also in their level of safety when keeping animals. While bird cages made of wood often have a plus point in terms of appearance, they are not suitable in terms of safety for birds that like to gnaw. Metal bars offer probably the highest degree of stability and safety, even for gnawing residents.
A combination of both materials combines both requirements: the cage as a safe dwelling and at the same time an attractive piece of furniture. In terms of hygiene and cleaning, cages with removable plastic trays are particularly suitable, as they can be washed out easily and thoroughly.
Equipment
Last but not least, the equipment of the cage also plays a role. Especially practical are bars that raise the cage to a comfortable height. In combination with castors, these cages can be moved easily and flexibly, for example from the midday sun to the shade. Since bird cages need to be cleaned regularly, it is advisable to consider an easily removable floor or separate droppings drawers.
To ensure that the birds have a homely space that allows them to live as close to their species as possible, cages should ideally be equipped with perches made of wood.
Cages that do not include accessories can often be spiced up to suit your own needs. Animal-friendly toys, for example, such as ladders, swings and water basins, ensure that the feathered cage dwellers do not get bored.
Guide: Frequently asked questions about bird cages answered in detail
If you want to keep a bird at home, you should inform yourself well in advance. The housing plays a particularly important role in this. In this FAQ we have listed the most frequently asked questions about bird cages. Here you will find the most important information in a nutshell.
What is a birdcage?
What does a bird cage cost?
| Price class | Available products |
|---|---|
| Low-priced | Small cages, mostly made of plastic or wood. These are intended for keeping a maximum of one small bird and have no or few practical extras. Caution: some cages in this price range are only intended for decoration and are not suitable for keeping live animals. |
| Medium-priced | medium to large cages made of different materials. Cages in this price category are suitable for keeping several smaller bird species as well as single larger species. They usually have practical equipment extras that make cleaning and feeding easier. |
| High-priced | large cages made of high-quality material, with a high safety factor or integrated design elements. There is no upper limit: you get large bird cages in the higher three-digit range that are intended for keeping many birds outdoors. |
When buying a birdcage, it is important not only to look at the price, but also to ensure that the birds are kept as species-appropriate as possible. This way you will get more and longer use out of your feathered friends.
What types of bird cages are there?
For larger birds that need more space and room to fly, on the other hand, an "aviary" is suitable. This is a particularly spacious type of cage that allows its occupant to fly around in the cage or is also suitable for keeping several small pet birds at once.
Where do I place a bird cage?
(Image source: Zahid Lilani on Unsplash)
Please find out what is best for keeping the species of bird you want to keep in a species-appropriate manner. General tips from us are:
- Choose a sunny location for your cage that gets plenty of daylight and allows fresh air to enter. However, the cage and its occupants should never be exposed to the blazing sun.
- Birds are used to seeing the world from above. To give them a suitable place, do not place your cage on the ground if possible. Choose a location at eye level by mounting the cage on a sturdy shelf or purchasing matching uprights to your cage.
- When placing the cage, also consider the background noise. For example, many bird species are disturbed by loud traffic noise, the constant flickering and sound of TV sets or other stressful sounds.
- With decorative bird cages, on the other hand, there are no limits to your own creativity. They can be set up in almost any room and, depending on where they are placed, can be put in the limelight.
Don't be afraid to place the bird cage in different places that you might like. But don't forget that it can happen that your bird doesn't like its new place and may even speak up.
How do you clean a bird cage?
What equipment does a bird cage need?
Conclusion
There are many things to consider when choosing the right birdcage. We hope that our guide has given you a good insight into the range of products and answered the most important questions about bird cages. No matter which cage you decide on in the end - you now know what to look for in terms of size, material and equipment.
Image source: Unsplash / Duy Hoang
