What should you know about bird cages before you buy one for your new pet?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) January 8, 2007 -- With breeding season upon us, it is now time to get new cages for those new birds. With the increase in bird breeders, it is now estimated that there are close to 7 million bird owner in the United States alone. These numbers continue to grow each year and with it the need for affordable cages steadily climbs.

Maybe you are one of the new bird owners and need some help finding the right cage for your bird. With the large variety of cages available to choose from, you can chose cages based on the size of bird you have or will have, the type or style of cage and of course the look of the cage. Cages are quickly becoming the new piece of household furniture, so your cage needs to look at home in your home.

Getting the best cage for your bird is really as easy as knowing what to look for. Active birds need more room to move about, climb and tinker. Plan your cage accordingly and you will reap the benefits and rewards of a happy bird.

To help with your cage needs, www.bird-supplies.net has compiled a list of things to look for when purchasing a cage for your special feathered friends. There are six things to keep in mind, so let�s get started.

First, how big is the bird now and what is the size potential as the bird gets older? - You do not want to get a cage that is too small for your bird. Your bird needs room to stretch its wings, climb the heights and explore the reaches of its living space. For larger birds, you need a larger cage. For little birds a smaller cage may be in order. The internal size of the cage is important when it comes to the size of the bird. You do not want a cage that limits the movements of your Parrot, Cockatoo, Finches, Grey or Toucan.

Second, what is the bar spacing of the cage? - If you have Zebra Finches, you do not want a cage with 1� spacing between bars. This would create havoc in your home and a large mess to clean when all your Finches escape the confines of their cage. Conversely, if you have an African Grey you also want to ensure that their little heads do not become stuck between the bars. This is a strangulation hazard and is generally not good for your bird.

Third, what does your bird like to do? - If your bird is one that likes to sit and perch all day with little movement, then a Dome-top style cage may be right for your bird. These Dome-top cages bring a beauty and elegance to your home, while allowing room for your bird to exercise and move around. Dome-top cages are great for the birds that need to be caged continually; they offer a large open area on the inside yet bring the safe comfort of the closed cage.

If your bird loves to climb, explore and play, then a Play-top style cage is maybe more suitable. Play-top cages offer an external play-gym for your bird. Many include ladders and swings, food bowls and the ever important droppings tray underneath. Birds are naturally inquisitive and are delighted at the prospect of being outside the cage, safety perched and playing on their own exercise equipment.

Fourth, what is the material that these cages are made of? Many materials used in bird cage construction could be toxic for the bird. Cages built with Zinc are often poisonous and should be considered very dangerous to your bird. You need to be aware of the materials used in the powder-coat covering of the bars or the paint used to make the bars look beautiful. Avian Adventures cage and A&E Cages both offer cages that are safe for the birds that live in them. Most birds will chew on the bars, scratch at the doors and mark the cage in their own special way. These individualized markings are known to remove finish and chip paint which the bird then may ingest. With non-toxic powder-coating and wrought iron bars, you as the owner can rest easy knowing that your bird is safe and healthy.

Cages are also available in Stainless Steel. Surgical grade stainless steel offers great benefits to a cage, as there is virtually no rusting or staining to limit the lifetime of your cage. With all the kitchen and laundry appliances all turning to the stainless steel finish, the addition of a stainless steel bird cage to your home will enhance the feeling and appearance of prosperity.

Fifth, how easy is it to clean? Studies have shown that a clean cage promotes health and happiness to your bird. Bacteria contained in the waste products of your bird can also be bad for your health, so you want to be able to clean the cage properly and easily. With the various sizes of bird cages and play-gyms, being able to reach all areas of the cage should be as important to you as having a bird in the first place. Are the openings large enough to access? Is the droppings tray easily removable while containing your birds? These items should be addressed when you consider the cage you want to purchase.

Sixth, what activities and toys are available for my cage? Birds become easily bored. A bored bird typically lives a shorter life. Activating and stimulating their brains is essential to the health of your bird. There is a large variety of toys and activities that you can provide for your bird. From cleaned coconut shells to bells and blocks, or sounds that train your bird to speak, your bird will have something to keep its mind going while you are off earning a living.

Now you are armed with ideas and suggestions that will help you to know what things to look for when choosing a cage. Keep them in mind and you are sure to find the right cage for your birds. Remember, breeding season is here and while the availability of bird cages is plentiful, you might need to wait for the right color, so look now and buy early so that your bird will have a home from the time you bring it to your home.

More information can be found online at http://www.bird-supplies.net

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