We Australians are some of the biggest animal lovers on the planet. We can’t get enough of our dogs, we absolutely adore our cats, and as a country, we are characterised by one of the highest pet ownership percentages in the world. But, and there’s always, unfortunately, a but, in recent years, the tight living conditions associated with modern Australian apartments have put a damper on the availability of pet ownership for the average Aussie.

Sure, at the end of the day, dog ownership, for instance, has increased by almost 10% between 2019 and 2026. But there’s no denying that, in NSW at least, a lot of modern apartment blocks and landlords now impose strict regulations when it comes to the type of pets available to tenants. Pet ownership is on the rise. But how much greater will the percentages be if not for these frustrating restrictions?

An Increasingly Popular Choice

Do you live in a place in which strata committees still retain wide discretion to approve or refuse pets? If so, like a significant percentage of Australians, you might turn your attention to owning a pet bird. Around 9.5% of all Aussie residences own pet birds, and no less than 10% of these households have more than ten of them.

Is this realistic for your current living situation? Perhaps not. But a pet bird will probably be a suitable choice for your current housing arrangement, and the involved pet ownership costs will be more manageable than with a cat or dog. A large bird cage, a couple of toys and some quality food will likely be enough to keep your birdie happy. Will it always be easy-peasy? Maybe not. But it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Some Pet Ownership Journeys Last for Decades

Everyone’s bird ownership story is a bit different. In my case, for instance, I somehow managed to buy a beautiful large bird cage even before I even considered buying or adopting a bird. I was ten, I had some money saved up from my allowance, and my neighbour was moving to Bendigo; therefore, he had a yard sale. I wasn’t really looking for anything, but I found two bird cages for $5 each, and I decided to buy them, as in my prepubescent mind, that was too great a deal to pass up.

So, I bought two bird cages without actually owning a bird. Therefore, I spent the next two weeks begging my mom for a Cockatoo, and she finally relented. Was this my most brilliant plan ever? No, not really. But it was one of the best things I ever did.

That bird, which I called Gandalf the White, is now twenty years old, and he’s sleeping in his cage while I’m writing this post. Sometimes life is funny, and the most bizarre of purchases could end up being one of our best investments.

What Are the Main Reasons for Getting a Pet Bird?

Honestly, I think there are too many to count.

•                      Some species of parrots are considered to have an intelligence level comparable to that of five-year-old children. Birds can learn words, solve puzzles, recognise their owners and create genuine connections with us that have the potential to last for decades
•                      They don’t need much to be happy. Invest in one or two bird cages, buy some quality food and toys or get some perches. Chances are, this will be enough. Birds are suitable for smaller homes; they have low exercise requirements, and their maintenance costs are lower than with other types of pets.
•                      They live for a long time. When I got Gandalf, I didn’t expect him to still be around while I’m in my 30s. But later I found that Cockatoos, when kept as pets, often can live for more than 70 years (https://www.petmd.com/bird/general-health/cockatoo-bird-species-types-lifespan-care). In fact, the longest-living bird on record was a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo named Cocky Bennett, who managed to live to 120. 

Why Invest in a Large Bird Cage?

Well, it’s kind of necessary if you are getting a pet bird. While your feathered friend doesn’t need much, and it’s probably happy to just be in your company, your dwelling is not exactly his natural environment, and if you want to keep him safe, the best course of action would be to invest in bird cages.

•                      Properly sized bird cages can help your bird stay fit and encourage movement, while also keeping him safe from the perils of your dwelling
•                      Large-sized bird cages can also provide mental stimulation, support natural, healthy behaviours, and make exercise easier.
•                      Not least, a large bird cage will have more room for accessories. Your bird doesn’t need much, but at some point, you will still need to invest in toys, wood perches, water bowls or cage liners.

What Should Be the Dimensions of the Large Bird Cage?

It depends on what bird species you own. As a general rule, the length of the cage should be at least two times your bird’s wingspan, while the height should be 1.5 times it.

•                      Cockatiels should have a cage with 96cm x 72cm x 72cm as minimum dimensions.
•                      Small to medium-sized Cockatoos, on the other hand, will require more space. Aim for a cage that follows these dimensions: 150cm x 112.5cm x 112.5cm
•                      Macaws might need even more space. Since they are larger, they require a larger cage. So, if you are the owner of one, a good start will be to buy a cage with the following dimensions: 220cm x 165cm x 165cm

Now, are the dimensions of these cages quite substantial? Yes. But they are the minimum enclosure size (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-activities-licensing-guidance-for-local-authorities/selling-animals-as-pets-licensing-statutory-guidance-for-local-authorities--2) recommended by some animal welfare authorities. Cage sizes don’t follow a universal standard, and, technically, you could get away with smaller ones. But you shouldn’t. Your bird requires ample space in order to develop properly, and when it comes to the size of bird cages, larger is pretty much, in all cases, a better choice.

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Business/85122-Why-Is-It-Important-to-Buy-a-Large-Bird-Cage.html