Though you may not want to, putting a bird in a cage is the safest way to keep a pet bird. Here's what you need to know about caged birds.

What kind of birds need to be caged?

Pretty much any bird that you opt to keep as a pet needs to be placed in a cage. If you don’t agree with keeping a bird in a cage, you should probably not get a bird because if you don’t cage a pet bird, you could actually do more harm than good. Pet birds need to be caged to protect them from household predators, small children, hot water, extreme temperatures, ovens, ceiling fans, windows and doors. All of these things are hazards that can result in an injured or killed bird.

What kind of cage should I use?

That depends on the bird. Some caged birds, such as finches, need to be with other birds and will therefore do better in a aviary. An aviary allows the bird to be in a larger space with other birds.

Most caged birds will do just fine in your standard metal or stainless steal cages. A smaller caged bird likes cages that have crossed bars so it can climb up and down the bars. This is one way that little birds will exercises while they're inside the cage.

A caged bird can live in a cage that is free standing, hangs from the ceiling or dangles from a post. The way your cage stands should really depend on the size of the bird (it's much harder to hang a heavy bird) and the bird's surroundings. A bird that lives in a household that has cats should not be placed on a stand that is easily knocked over or pounced upon.

Cage tips

Never put your caged bird in a cage that is too small. This will make the bird incredibly unhappy. They need enough room to roam around and exercise. Getting a cage that is too small for the bird increases the chances of an unhealthy bird.

Also, most bird experts recommend that a caged bird be placed in a square or rectangular cage. Though rounded cages may look nice, they leave the bird less space to roam and can even confuse a bird. Caged birds like space and will generally do better in a boxy cage.