Do You Think That Birds Are Unhappy in a Bird Cage?

Last Updated on February 16, 2023 by Catherine Tobsing

The problem with Quora is that anecdotal answers are opinions, not answers.

Another problem with answering this question is where would we find benchmarks for bird happiness?

I know when my ringneck is happy eating because he talks to his food.

If anyone walks into a room where he was alone for more than 2 minutes he will insist on “conversation: with him doing most of the talking.

But communicating his happiness or displeasure about any of his birdcages (he has 4), is something still opaque to me.

That said, I like to think I have a “birds-eye view” of pet bird care, globally.

So let me share some cage environments and allow you to draw your own conclusions.

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Here are our 10 happy budgies in their cage.

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Here is Keto our African ringneck on his cage top.

Note lighting over both cages – timers 12/12 (hours) on-off

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Although this looks like a “happy birdcage”. The Congo grey residing in it is hostile and aggressive to everyone – ie not happy.

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This miligold macaws companion can’t understand why the bird is plucking.

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This Amazon’s companion reached out to us about adding 1 more rope perch.

My answer is to just look at the overfilled bird rescues.

Overall we do not do well with pet bird care in America.

Some pet bird regulations from the government of Germany.

If birds are kept indoors, free flight is recommended.

A bath should preferably be available at all times. If the birds do not bathe, they should be sprayed with water at least once a week, weather permitting.

Natural light or artificial lighting emulation natural light must be provided in the aviaries, as well as in the shelters.

Daily lighting should be twelve hours, but no more; the day-and-night-rhythm must be maintained.

If the parrots are kept in a flock, significantly more nesting boxes than pairs must be provided during the breeding season in order to minimize fights.

Original Quora question and answers found here

Written by Mitch Rezman
Approved by Catherine Tobsing