Outdoor bird cages are nice to have as it will allow the bird to get fresh air as well as be in the company of the family during outdoor gatherings. When looking to purchase an outdoor bird cage, there are some things you should know.

First of all, you do not need to buy the largest cage in the world. The most important aspect of the cage for the type of bird you have is the bar spacing. The spacing should be narrow. It should prevent injury to the bird if it should try to escape. Therefore, the bird’s head should not fit between the bars.

Small birds should have a cage spacing of 5/8’’, medium birds have a spacing of ½’’ ¾’’, and large birds should have a bar spacing of 3/4’’ to 1 ¼’’.

Small birds like cages that are of relatively small size. Larger birds or medium size birds would enjoy a larger cage. Parrots especially enjoy toys near the top of their cages. This is the place where they feel the safest, so this part should have lots of toys and cover. After playing for some time, they look for food and toys that have dropped near the bottom of their cages.

Be sure to monitor your bird’s water supply if the cage is outdoors. Often times when the heat is high, your bird can die from exhaustion if it is not kept with a continual water supply. The heat levels tend to peak during the middle of the day. You also have to watch whether the bird gets too cold during the night because being too cold can be another killer. Your weather should not be too extreme, but it should be suitable for the species of bird you own.

The cage door should be large enough for you to comfortably fit your hand in the cage and catch/remove the bird. Outdoor bird cages can last for many years if you take care of them by cleaning them regularly, watching for oxidation if the cage is made of steel, and replace bedding often.

Outdoor bird cages can be powder coated, painted, or just stainless steel. Cages that are made of low quality stainless steel will likely rust quickly. Paint coatings are also known to last longer than powder coatings. There is no simple answer as to which type of coating you should choose, however you should speak to the salesperson at the store to try to get as much information as possible about the options you are considering.

About the Author:

Doug Nelson is a pet lover and owner of http://www.bird-cage-advisor.com. Visit his site for more bird cage tips and ideas for your pet bird.

Source: www.isnare.com