All bird owners know that it's important to get the biggest and best cage that they can for their feathered friends, but all too often, the vast expense of larger cages force them to choose "cozier" enclosures for their feathered friends. One route that some bird owners take is to buy a used cage for their bird, making them able to get a larger space for their pet at a more reasonable price. If you choose to do this, however, you must be wary of the complications that can come with used cages. Check out the information below to learn what you should look for when shopping for a used bird cage.
Check the cage's design.
It may be tempting to buy the first larger used cage that you run across in an effort to provide your bird with the most room -- but be sure that the design of the cage fits with your needs. Some older cages may have only vertical bars, or may be completely
round in design, both of which can cause problems for parrots. It's also a good idea to take measurement of the space that you intend to place the cage in, so that you can make sure that your bird's new home will fit comfortably in the area that you have chosen.
Look for worn spots and broken bars.
Used bird cages, especially those used for parrots, are likely to have taken quite a beating over the years. Before you buy, do a thorough check of every square inch of the cage. Check the bottom cage tray for worn or rusty spots, and take a look at the welding of each and every bar on the enclosure. Chips in the metal or bars that are broken can easily cause
injury to your bird. Solid construction is important when looking for any type of cage for your feathered friend.
Be wary of painted cages.
Older cages that have been used may have been painted to fit with the previous owner's decor, or even in an attempt to cover up worn spots and make the cage look newer. Because many types of paint and dyes contain chemicals that can be
toxic to bird owners, it is important to avoid cages that show any sign of being painted or altered in any way. Most pet birds and especially parrots will use their beaks to "mouth" on the bars of their cages, which can cause the ingestion of potentially toxic chemicals if paint has been used on the cage.
Look for signs of poor cage cleaning habits.
It may seem like it shouldn't matter, but buying a cage from someone who did not practice good
cage cleaning techniques could be a very bad idea. Even if you clean the cage as thoroughly as you can, there is a chance that you could miss spots that may harbor a buildup of bacteria. Because so many avian diseases are contagious, it is best to buy a used cage from someone that you trust and know to take excellent care of their birds.
Check to see that the cage can be disassembled.
There are many reasons why it is best to buy a cage that can be broken down and disassembled. For one thing, it will make it much easier for you to transport the cage to your home so that you can set it up in the
location that you have chosen. Another important point is that cages that can be disassembled can be more thoroughly cleaned. Breaking a cage down into panels will allow you to scrub every nook and cranny of the bars, hinges, and joints that hold the cage together -- making your used cage much safer for your bird and your family.
