Anyone who has ever owned a parrot can tell you that caring for a parrot is a bird of a different color. It is not just the fact that parrots are a good deal larger than most other birds that we keep as pets. It is also the fact that you must make sure to get the proper cage for your parrot. A parrot cage is a great deal different than most all standard bird cages. These will make all the difference in the world once you stop and compare the two.

Bird cages tend to be smaller since many birds do not take up too much room. Parrots should not be kept in standard bird cages. They need the room that a parrot cage has to offer. This room will allow them to move around and play with the freedom they need. Parrots that are kept in cages that are too small may become depressed and sicken.

Another thing to keep in mind that often small bird cages will be made out of thin wicker or small wire. These can both be damaged by an active parrot. Their beaks tend to be very strong and can quickly make a hole through such a cage. Parrot cages are normally made of stouter materials and can hold up to the abuse that a parrot can dish out.

You should make sure that the cage, whether it is a bird cage or a parrot cage, has not been painted with toxic materials. These can rub off with wear and any type of bird can easily ingest them which can lead to sickness or death. It is best with parrots to avoid painted cages altogether if there is concern of this. You may choose to go with a stainless steel cage or a wrought iron cage.

Placement of a bird cage and parrot cage can also be quite different. Whereas smaller birds may enjoy a somewhat nice and quiet nook to rest in their cage, a parrot will tend to do better when in a room frequented by the family. Almost all birds are flock animals by nature and parrots are no different. If you keep them in a cage away from everyone they can become antisocial or even begin to sicken from lack of interaction.

Many smaller birds can be quite happy spending all their days in a bird cage. A parrot, however, has very different needs. You should always try to let your parrot out of his cage for at least four hours each day so that he can play and exercise. He should be able to look at his cage as a place to go to eat and sleep, not as a place where he is confined all day long. You can cause your parrot to become sick or depressed by keeping him confined all the time.

By knowing the differences between bird cages and parrot cages you will be able to make sure that your parrot has the cage that he needs to be healthy and happy.