are birds happy in cages

Are you planning on getting a pet bird? If so you are probably wondering if they like being pet and being in a cage, but the truth is, it depends on the type of bird you get and the bond you have with them. In this blog, our Westfield vets explain how you can pet a bird, and answer common questions asked by bird owners.

In my opinion, birds were designed to fly and spread their wings. It’s what birds are meant to do and a basic need. Seeing birds kept as pets in cages pains me because that is not at all like their natural environment. It would be similar to having to stay in a tiny living room or, to put it more bluntly, a jail cell where everyone could see us.

If you disagree or own pet birds, I would really appreciate your opinion so that I won’t be as upset about what I currently think. Archived post. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast.

I get really sad when I see people keeping birds as pets and keeping them confined to a cage all the time.

Are Birds Happy in Cages?

Even though they value having a cage with enough food, water, toys, and a perch, birds don’t always enjoy being housed in cages. For your bird’s mental and physical development, you should be giving them enough time outside of their cageat least a few hours each day.

Your bird will flourish even more when it is not in its cage if you are consistent about when and how long you let it outside.

Allowing your bird to spend prolonged amounts of time outside of its cage encourages exploration and helps it become acclimated to its new environment. Your bird may grow fearful if you don’t give them enough time outside of their cage or if you split up their free time into small periods.

Additionally, you must ensure that your birds receive the physical, mental, and social attention they require during the portion of their time spent with you outside of their cage. But, you are not required to stay with your bird the entire time that it is free to roam.

Make sure the area you are letting your bird out in is secure and birdproof before releasing them from their cage. Here’s how to make a room in your house bird proof:

Make sure the room you let them out in is one that they cannot escape.
When you let them go, make sure all of the windows and doors are shut.
Make sure all sharp objects and points are covered
Close all cabinets or cupboards they can get stuck in
Any curtains or blinds that could tangle your bird should be secured or removed.
Remove any toxic or poisonous plants they could ingest
Toys like swings, ladders, mirrors, and perches should be provided so they can play outside of the cage.
Keep all chemicals and cleaning supplies out of sight and reach.

Note: The advice in this post is not meant to be medical advice for pets; rather, it is meant to be informative. Please schedule a visit with your veterinarian so that they can accurately diagnose the condition of your pet.

Do Birds Love Their Owners?

Some birds have strong emotional bonds with humans, but not all of them do, and they can make devoted and loving pets. Although the scientific proof of birds’ ability to love remains unproven, bird watchers can discern a bird’s affections based on its behavior and personality.

If raised away from their flocks, some birds will develop attachments to humans over other birds. Furthermore, these attachments aren’t based on transactions for their benefit, like knowing when dinner is ready. These are actual bonds between a bird and their human.

FAQ

Is it cruel to keep a bird in a cage?

Life in captivity is often a death sentence for birds, who may suffer from malnutrition, an improper environment, loneliness, and the stress of confinement. Birds are meant to fly and be with others of their own kind in a natural environment. Confinement causes birds to have temper tantrums and mood swings.

Do birds like being in their cage?

While birds appreciate being given a cage that has enough food, water, toys, and a perch, they don’t always like being kept in a cage. You should be providing your bird with enough time outside of their cage for their mental and physical development (at least a few hours a day).

Do birds get sad in cages?

Birds bred in captivity are reared in sheds, barns, and warehouses by the hundreds if not thousands, surrounded by filth, unfamiliar sounds and species. Some birds become depressed or aggressive from confinement, and even mutilate themselves or each other.

Will birds be happy if you keep them in a cage?

Are pet birds sad to be in a cage? With proper space, care, enrichment, diet, and free flight time, no. Pet birds that are well taken care of are very happy. This is my cockatiel, he wouldn’t have it any other way.