Your feathered friend deserves a safe, comfortable enclosure...here are 12 simple tips if youre a bird lover with a companion in a cage!

Buy the largest cage you can with the correct bar spacing for your bird type.

Place perches away from locations that are above food and water containers.

Tree branches also make good perches but don't use any part of cherry trees.

Clean all cage parts and bars to remove dust and contamination.

Add butcher paper to the bottom tray. If a grill is used on the bottom of the cage, it should be cleaned when the paper is changed.

Wipe down the bars and base of the cage as needed, and remove any faeces or food.

Check that all feeders and doors are securely closed at all times.

Change food and water when soiled, regardless of whether some remains.

Having your birds wing feathers trimmed may reduce the chances of escape or accident.

Select a proper location for your bird cage. Drafts are deadly to exotic birds and should be avoided. All birds need loads of indirect light or short periods of direct light.

Provide plenty of toys for your bird's diversion while in the cage.

Allow enough free space for wing exercises.

Copyright Glenda Erceg.