FAQ: Cages for birds

Choose cages whose manufacturer states the material and that it is suitable for birds. Check for sharp welds, peeling paint, rust or an odd smell, and avoid using an old cage of unknown origin for birds that chew.

Acrylic or glass cages keep husks and feathers in, but air circulates less well and the bird cannot climb the walls. If you choose one, make sure it has enough ventilation openings and bars to climb.

Repainting a cage with ordinary paint is not advisable, as many paints contain substances harmful to birds, and the bird will chew the paint. If a cage is peeling or rusty, it is safer to replace it.

A new cage sometimes smells of paint or plastic. Before putting the bird in, wash it with warm water and a mild detergent, rinse well and air it until the smell is gone.

It is a long, spacious cage where a bird can not only hop between perches but make short flights. Flight cages particularly suit canaries, finches and other birds that fly a lot.

A flight cage usually stands indoors and can be moved, while an aviary is usually bigger and sometimes built outdoors or taking up part of a room. Both let birds fly, but an aviary offers more space.

In a flight cage, put perches at opposite ends so there is a clear flight path between them. Too many perches and toys in the middle cut down the flying space.

Yes, budgies fly a lot, so a long flight cage often suits them better than a tall, narrow one. The bar spacing must be right for budgies, as some flight cages are made for larger birds.

Many flight and breeding cages have a removable divider, so the cage can be split, for example to separate birds or introduce them to each other. A permanently divided cage leaves each bird less room to fly.

An aviary is a large enclosure where birds can fly freely, often with several perches, plants and hiding places. It can be set up indoors or outdoors and suits a larger group of birds.

An outdoor aviary is possible, but in Lithuania's climate it needs a covered, wind-sheltered section, and most exotic birds need a heated room during the cold season. How much cold a bird can take depends on the species.

An outdoor aviary needs protecting from cats, martens, rats and birds of prey. Double mesh is often used so a predator cannot reach a bird through it, mesh is buried in the ground against digging, and a safety porch is built at the door.

A safety porch is a small enclosed space at the aviary door with a second door. You close one door behind you before opening the other, so the birds cannot fly out.

Aviary size depends on the species and number of birds, but every bird must be able to fly and not constantly jostle for perches or feeders. More birds need not only more space but also more feeding and resting spots.

Some peaceful species of similar size, such as certain finches, can live together, but parrots can be aggressive towards smaller birds. Before housing different species together, check that they are compatible and keep an eye on the birds.

Gravel, sand, concrete or paving slabs are often used for outdoor aviary floors, as they are easy to clean. Natural soil or grass looks nice, but droppings and parasites build up in it, so it needs regular replacing or digging over.

Only plant species that are not poisonous to birds, such as certain grasses, bamboo or branches of unsprayed fruit trees. Check each plant is safe for your species before planting, as parrots often chew plants to pieces.

Yes, at least part of an outdoor aviary must be covered so the birds can shelter from rain, sun and wind. A roof also protects against wild bird droppings, which can spread disease.

Yes, wild birds can spread disease and parasites through droppings or contact through the mesh. So it is worth roofing the aviary, keeping feeders under cover and using mesh fine enough to keep wild birds out.

Yes, an indoor aviary is often built from modular panels or takes up part of a room. It is important that the birds cannot reach electrical cables or poisonous plants and that the floor is easy to clean.