FAQ: Cages for birds

Wash feeders and drinkers daily, remove droppings from perches and the floor often, and give the whole aviary, perches and mesh included, a thorough clean and disinfection several times a year. Floor sand or litter needs regular replacing.

Most tropical birds, such as finches or budgies, need a warm room or heated part of the aviary during a Lithuanian winter. Some hardier species tolerate cool weather, but they still need a dry shelter protected from wind and frost.

The mesh openings must be small enough that the smallest birds in the aviary cannot slip through and rodents cannot get in. Parrots with strong beaks need thicker wire that they cannot bite through.

Put the cage somewhere bright but out of direct sun, free of draughts, where the bird can see family life. Ideally at least one side of the cage should be against a wall, as that helps the bird feel secure.

In the kitchen a bird is exposed to cooking fumes, steam and temperature swings. Overheated non-stick (PTFE) cookware is especially dangerous, as its fumes can be fatal to birds even in small amounts.

A cage can stand by a window as long as there are no draughts or direct sun, in which the bird can overheat. Some birds are frightened by birds of prey or cats seen through the window, so watch whether your bird stays calm.

Many owners position the cage so the bird is at about chest or eye level. In a cage that is too low a bird may feel insecure, and one placed too high is harder to reach and look after.

It can, but birds wake with the light and may be noisy early in the morning, and their dust and feather dander build up in the room. If the cage is in a bedroom, air and clean the room often.

No, the air next to a radiator or other heater is too dry and warm, and the temperature fluctuates. Place the cage well away from heaters and out of the air flow of air conditioners.

A loud, flickering screen stresses some birds, so the cage should not stand right next to the TV or speakers. Birds do like being near people, though, so the living room often works if the cage is away from the source of noise.

No, bathrooms are often damp, lack natural light and are where sprays and cleaners are used. A bird needs daylight and dry, clean air, so a bathroom is not a suitable place for its cage.

Birds' respiratory systems are very sensitive, so scented candles, air fresheners, aerosols, cigarette smoke or strong cleaners can harm them. Do not use them near the cage, and air the room regularly.

Hallways are often draughty, and people passing or doors opening can frighten the bird. A calmer living area where the bird is near people but not constantly disturbed is usually a better choice.

Yes, fumes from paint, varnish and glue, and building dust, can be dangerous to a bird. During renovation it is worth moving the bird to another well-ventilated room or to friends for a while until the smells clear.

Cats, dogs or ferrets can stress a bird even when they cannot reach it, so place the cage out of their reach and do not leave them near it unsupervised. Bacteria in a cat's saliva are dangerous to a bird even after a small scratch.

Natural light is good for birds, but window glass blocks some ultraviolet light, so some owners use lamps made for birds. Outdoors or at an open window in the sun, the bird must always have a shaded spot.

Most birds feel better when the cage stays in one place, so moving it often is not advisable. If the cage has to be moved, do it calmly and watch that the bird does not seem frightened.

A cage needs at least two or three perches of different thicknesses, a food dish, a water dish or drinker, a mineral block or cuttlebone and a few toys. Many birds also enjoy a bath.

Usually two or three perches at different heights and ends are enough for the bird to move between them. Too many perches fill the space and get in the way of flying.

Place food and water dishes near the perches so the bird can reach them easily, but not directly underneath, where droppings would fall in. Keep water and food apart so the food does not get wet.