The ideal home for a bird needs to be comfortable, secure, offers exercise, playtime, and a place to hide when necessary. Their home should also be light and airy, not dark and stuffy. If this is not provided, a bird can become physically ill or depressed from stress.

The cage should be large enough that a bird can stretch out its wings without touching the sides, while on the perch, their heads should not touch the top, nor should their tail touch the sides or floor. The shape of the cage is also important. Birds should have a little room in their cage to fly from perch to perch. Birds fly straight across, not up and down. For this reason a cage that is wider is preferred to a cage that is tall and narrow.

The spacing of the cage bars should not be so wide the bird can slip between them, or even get their head caught attempting to escape. Cages with bars running in a vertical direction (up and down) are best for Budgerigars. Horizontal bars (side to side) are best Canaries. It is also preferred that the roof of the cage have bars rather than be made of solid material. Birds love to be able to climb all around the inside of their cage, and this includes hanging upside-down.

Some bird species will require a very strong cage, large birds, such as amazons, cockatoos, and macaws will easily destroy a wire Budgerigar cage or any other type of cage with plastic pieces. An all-metal (or even wrought iron) cage is a must for larger parrots because or their powerful beaks.

Cage doors and the way they are fastened are also an important consideration. Doors that are kept shut with simple spring action may be appropriate for a Budgerigar or Finch, but will not be secure enough for a lovebird or parakeet. Larger birds such the African Gray or a Macaw will learn to open or break anything less than a strong chain and padlock or combination lock.

Cages with doors that are hinged on the bottom are best. This is best because the open door can be used as a ramp in and out of the cage. This type of cage door will also serve as a “ landing perch” to help the bird find their cage after a quick flight around the room.

The condition of the cage is critical, especially when dealing with used cages. Metal cages should be free of rust because a bird can ingest rust particles and cause damage to their crop. Used cages should also be completely cleaned and disinfected in case the previous ‘occupant’ had an infectious disease.