Last Updated on February 16, 2023 by Mitch Rezman

Editor’s note: sometimes we combine several answers into a post to make for more interesting and efficient reading endnote

 

Hi Mitch,

 

In response to the comment about travel cages, I have found a solution.

 

My Senegal parrot (Gonzo) did not like to hang out in a smaller cage.

 

So I got her a reasonably-sized cage that I can use for her travel or if she needs to stay with someone.

 

I can drive with it and strap the cage into a seat belt.

 

I set it up in another room and left the cage door open. She has started playing inside it and seems to like it.

 

Now, with COVID-19, I am working from home, and need it to be quiet when I’m on the phone.

 

So during the day, Gonzo knows that she has to go to her condo in the kitchen.

 

She tends to fly over to her cage herself and goes inside.

 

Her latest trick was to create her own version of “Birdie Brunch” by perching on her cage ramp while sipping water and munching on Nutriberries (her favorite treat).

 

The photo above is me taking a break from work.

 

I stick my finger in the cage and she grabs it and does her head bob or what I interpret as her laugh.

 

She started this ritual. She started this ritual.

 

Now, she flies from cage to cage for exercise.

 

It’s all in the presentation.

 

I must admit though that years ago, I had a cockatiel (Spunky) and had to drive all the way home from El Paso Texas to Chicago Illinois with her.

 

And yes, I drove with my finger in the cage and her perched on my finger the majority of the 1,800-mile trip.

 

I stayed overnight at a hotel one evening. You might say that we whistled all the way home.

 

Best regards,

Lynn H.

 

Thank you once again four your thoughtful comment Lynn.

~~~~~~~~~~

 

Barbara G. writes:

 

Well, I do not have an idea but rather a question. My bird went to the vet on Sept 10 for his annual physical.

 

This time they cut his toenails a little too short.

 

He slipped and fell 3 times.

 

What could I do until his nails grow back in?

 

I have a male Timneh (African grey).

 

 

Hi Babara,

I’m assuming the bird’s wings are clipped as well.

 

Wings are used for balance as well as flight which creates a secondary safety concern.

 

I will advocate 3 actions to take until the nails get a bit more length.

 

Rotary Trimmer Instructions
then Popcorn the Cockatiel Gets Her Nails Trimmed ~ video

 

1) Lower all the perches to the bottom third of the cage – The bird can still climb up the cage walls but with nothing to perch on he probably won’t suffer a fall.

 

2) Wrap cylindrical wooden perches with vet wrap to provide a gripping surface for your bird’s feet.

 

3) Add flat perches and rope perches to the birdcage which will help with stability and challenge your bird’s feet keeping them healthier.

Stay safe
Best
MitchR

 

 

Can I use a Finch Cage for another bird?

 

Gloria W. inquires:

 

My female 3 yr old bird seems afraid of heights.

 

I have bought her 3 different cages as she’s aged and the latest is maybe 20 long 18 wide and 30 high.

 

Would a flight cage for finches be ok for her?

 

I’m looking at one 30 long 18 wide and 18 tall.

 

No room for a BIG cage – Thanks

 

Dear Gloria

 

What kind of bird are you trying to house?

 

As long as she is a small to small medium-sized bird (conure, caique, ringneck, cockatiel, budgie, etc) then yes a cage suitable for finches would work.

 

Cages for small birds tend to be wire, nor wrought iron, and the typical bar spacing would be 1/2″, All would be fine.

 

Thank you so much. Yes, parakeet.

 

 

Cam M. is seeking

Hi! I’m looking at getting a cage from you guys, Indoor Aviary Flight Cage for Small Birds by Prevue F040 Black, and we already have our two boy budgies, and I was wondering if this cage has any smaller openings? Where we could attach their out of cage feeder and bath container?

 

Please and Thankyou, Cam

 

Dear Cam

 

Yes, the cage has side doors, but they are small, meant for breeder boxes or feeders.

 

Here is a link directly to the Prevue F040 cage. There you can see additional pictures to show in better detail the side doors.

 

Prevue F040 Aviary

 

We use the side doors for the Tweeky Clean Feeders and they work out very well.

 

I have attached pictures of the outside and inside of the Prevue F050 aviary we have for our 7 budgies.

 

 

 

We have an F040 for our African Ringneck which is smaller than the F050. We had 10 parakeets so we went with the larger F050 but the F040 would be plenty big for the two budgies.

 

 

 

If you would like help placing an order, please let me know. The price on the website includes shipping and if this is your first order, you get 15% off at checkout.

 

Thank you
Catherine

 

Joanne T. wonders:

 

Good Afternoon!

 

I was wondering if it is OK to freeze some of Harrisons High Potency Super Fine.

 

 

 

I only have one budgie and I am trying to do a pellet conversion a little at a time.

 

Thanks for the information.

 

Best Regards,

Joanne

 

Dear Joanne

 

Yes, it can be frozen, but keeping moisture out of it is the most important part.

 

I recommend dividing the bag up into at least 4 small zip locks.

 

You can then put them into something airtight like a plastic container, mason jar.

 

Only remove one bag as needed.

 

Also, for the best results, allow each bag to return to room temperature before opening.

 

Try making some birdie bread or birdie muffins with some pellets.

 

Even a box of Jiffy mix cornbread will work well.
It is helpful for pellet conversion.

 

 

Jane is concerned:

A highly revered avian instructor said in the 80’s eggs are good – with shells but this year my local vet said never, can cause a problem in brain-like something explodes from cholesterol.

 

Hi Jane

I would ask your vet where he/she is getting this information and why were all the necessary egg particulars not forthcoming do you had the whole?

Firstly, we have been selling Higgins Protein Red Egg Food For Canaries 5 oz (141.75 g) for 20 years and have had zero reports of exploding canaries:-)

 

But let us drill down.

An average large egg is about 50 g.

It contains about 186 g of cholesterol ALL in the yolk.

Feeding eggwhites only totally solves the cholesterol problem while still providing protein.

 

That said, at the end-of-the-day, most birds consume less than one or two grams of “eggie” which translates to 1/50 of the 186 g of cholesterol in a 1 egg “omelet” or 3.72 g of cholesterol.

So now we need to also ask your vet what are the different effects of 3.72 g of cholesterol on a 100 g cockatiel vs a 900 g blue and gold macaw?

Sorry, not buying it.

Stay safe
Best
MitchR