Whether you are looking at keeping a bird for the first time, or you have not had a bird in a while and would like to pick up another feathered companion, take some time and make sure that you consider what you need to know to pick out the right bird cage. Choosing the right bird cage is an important part of taking good care of a bird, but with so many options out there, you will need a little bit of information to pick the right one. Take some time and make sure that whether you are getting a finch or macaw that you get a cage that will suit them.

First, start by looking at cage size. The absolute needs of a bird species should be something that you investigate but remember that the more space your bid has, the better. Look for a cage that is long and wide rather than tall and narrow. Ideally, your bird should be able to fly from one end of the cage to the other. Remember that the more space you give your bird, the less cramped he will be. This will encourage your bird to stay healthier as well.

Also remember that you need to consider what your cage is finished with. Just thirty years ago, it was difficult to find cages that were made of anything besides black wrought iron, which meant that rust was an issue. These days, you'll find that there are a number of ways to finish the cage and to protect the cage from damage over time. Hammertone finishes, for example, are ideal when you are looking to preserve both the finish itself and the bars that lie underneath. This finish is excellent as it does not show dirt very easily. Brass toned cages and nickel plated cages are common favorites as well. When you want a cage that is very durable and will last the entirety of your bird's life, though, remember that stainless steel is your best bet. Rust is not an issue and it resists other forms of corrosion and damage.

Another thing that you should consider is the fact that some birds are escape artists. The general rule is that the smarter a bird is, the more likely it is to get out of its cage. Because of this, the complexity of the latch is something that you are going to need to consider. Make sure that you have a cage where the locking or latching mechanism is sound and make sure that you evaluate the kind of bird that you are keeping finches are not really known to be escape artists, but parrots and cockatiels certainly fit that description. If a lock becomes damaged, make sure that it is fixed right away; some species have a real talent for getting through doors that have been jury-rigged shut.

Also make sure that your cage has good bar spacing for the bird that it is going to live in it. Ideally, the space between the bars needs to be too small for the bird to push his head through it. If a bird can thrust his head between the bars, this might mean that he can escape or more tragically, that he can choke himself when he gets stuck. Also remember that your vertical bars should be spaced widely enough for your bird's feet to span the yards. Be careful of getting cages where the bars will slant in a V-shape, no matter what direction the V runs in, because it can mean that your bird will get his toes or his limbs stuck!

You will also need to make the choice between welded cages and knock down cages. Knock down cages can be assembled and disassembled, while welded cages come whole and ready to use. The big advantage of knock down cages is that they are easy to get in your home. Before you purchase a bird cage, remember that you are going to need to bring the cage into your home. Figure out if there are any corners that you need to navigate and when placing the cage, remember that it is going to have feeders and toys protruding from it as well.

Before you purchase a cage, always make sure that it does not have any sharp edges or sloppy welds. All the edges in the cage should be smooth and that the bars are well spaced. Look online for good reviews of cages before you buy.

Take some time and consider what bird cages are going to be right for your bird!