Should You Cover Your Bird’s Cage at Night?

Are we supposed to cover our bird’s cage at night? We get asked this on consultations ALL. THE. TIME. 

 

I can usually assume you’re using a cage cover if you say… 

 

“My bird is super territorial of his/her cage and tries to bite anytime we come near, or even try to change out the food or water dishes!” 

 

“My bird doesn’t seem to be getting quality sleep as it see it take long naps during the day.” 

 

“My bird is OBSESSED with blankets and my clothing and won’t stop biting holes in it all!” 

 

“My bird keeps hanging out at the bottom of his/her cage but he has been to the vet and isn’t sick.” 

 

Here’s why I HATE CAGE COVERS… 

 

#1 PEOPLE MIS-USE THEM. People learn real quick that if their bird is screaming obnoxiously they can just cover him to shut him up, using the cage cover as ‘punishment’ but in reality, birds don’t understand it as punishment and it has a domino effect of creating even more psychological problems. Plus, it’s JUST MEAN. LET’S PUT YOU IN THE DARK WHEN YOU ANNOY PEOPLE. NOT COOL. 

 

#2 THEY CREATE HORMONAL FEATHERY MONSTERS. Let’s create a dark, warm, cozy nest together by putting this dark blanket all over your space and then destroy it every morning! Because that makes sense… NOT! Cage covers can make your bird’s cage a NEST that it comes all things hormonal over. It starts hanging out in areas that feel cozy and dark, it starts becoming defensive and territorial of the space, all the lovely horror-monal things. 

 

#3 BUT ARE THEY REALLY ASLEEP? You don’t know unless you can hear your bird talking or moving around if he/she is REALLY asleep under there. Most likely, they aren’t. And people just assume that now that the cage cover is on, they can watch their favorite TV show in the same room and the bird is just sleeping through it. Trust me, they’re not and even if they were, it’s crap quality of sleep. 

 

#4 SAFETY! I do feel pretty guilty that it took me until number 4 to even mention this because it’s probably the most important… but birds often ingest the fabric of their cage covers. It’s very common to have birds (especially cockatoos) reach through with their adorable feet and grab a section of their cover and pull it into their cage. Most start off just shredding it, destroying it, using it as nesting material… but many end up ingesting it which causes blockages and can lead to surgery and/or death. They can also become entangled in the process of pulling apart the fabric. 

 

#5 AIR FLOW! Birds are known for their sensitive respiratory systems, the last thing we should be doing is messing with the natural air flow they would otherwise be receiving in our homes. They’re dusty creatures and macaws in particular are prone to having respiratory issues - they need access to fresh air flow all night. 

 

 

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How to NOT Be TERRIFIED Of Parrot Bites


Umbrella cockatoo bite

“My amazon parrot sent me to the emergency room for stitches last night. He has never bit me like this before and even though I know it happened because of hormones I’m afraid of him now.”

-Gina B., Dayton, OH

This is an important topic – especially for a time of year where people are frequently bitten. A bird’s behavior in the spring (and to a lesser degree in the fall) can seem erratic and unpredictable. ...

 

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Choosing Responsible Easter Gifts

I posted the above photo on our Facebook page the other day. The comments that followed were curious to me. It would seem that the practice of giving REAL Easter bunnies, ducklings and baby chickens is not something that is practiced worldwide. Just as I was heaving a sigh of relief, I received a message from someone, a bird lover, who didn’t see the harm. I promised to address the topic here on the blog…

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Should I Use Essential Oils With My Parrot?

Q: I got a gift certificate for a place that sells essential oils. Can I use them around my bird?

Deanna, C. – Saginaw, MI

A: The use of essential oils is an age old practice that has earned itself a valid and respected place with those who use aromatherapy and have witnessed some pretty remarkable results.

Not only can you use them around your birds, but you can use them to improve your bird’s general well-being and to conquer health issues – as long as you ...

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What To Do For A Chipped Or Rusting Powder Coated Cage


Spraying the powder coating on an outdoor fence – photo by orlandosteel.com

Powder coated cages are the most common used by parrot owners. They are generally heavy duty cages that can stand up to the abuse of even the largest parrots and they are more affordable than the stainless steel cages. However, an advantage the stainless steel cages has over their powder caged cousins is that they have no coating that can be chipped or damaged.

When I purchase a cage for my birds, I take a lot of things into consideration. ...

 

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The First Sign Of Hormones In A Young Macaw

IMG_4694

Fid my Blue and Gold Macaw. He can open the fridge door, climb down the door shelves and steal any bottles that have screw top lids. He’s not worried about drinking the contents but all lids are HIS.

 

You know you’re in really serious trouble when you walk into your bird room and all of the birds stop what they’re doing and look at you in that way they do when they want to see if your head is going to explode? There is ...

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