Annual Bird Cage Cover Mega Sale!

Are Bird Cage Covers Necessary to the Health of Your Bird?

So what makes a bird cage cover suitable? Well first it is important to understand why covering the cage is an important care provision to begin with. First, covers can help your bird maintain an appropriate sleep schedule. Sleep is crucial to their health, and sometimes the actual night hours are not long enough. But just placing your bird in a darkened room for certain periods of time may not work either because many suffer from anxiety and night frights. A cage cover then acts as a protective shield from the sights and subtle sounds that exist around them. In fact, some birds feel so self-assured behind a cover that they will not sleep without one. Furthermore, many birds just do well on a cycle, or schedule, and the visual of the cover helps promote that.

Covers can also benefit you and your family. If you have an unusual schedule, and want your bird to experience what is as close to a sunset to sunrise sleeping pattern as possible, while still allowing you to rest and rise on your own terms, a cover can help. Remember though that depending on your type of bird, they could need anywhere from 8 to 12 hours of complete rest a night. Therefore, when you put their cover on, you should also plan on going to bed or at least maintaining silence in the house. A cover does not block the TV or radio, nor will it suppress conversation. Remember: rest is essential to the health of your bird; they will not thrive without appropriate, consistent sleep.

Also consider that just because a cover seems to fit the bill, this does not mean it is the best choice for your bird. There may be some trials involved in discerning what the best covering option is, and there are a great deal of bird cage covers for sale, so really consider individual needs. As I mentioned, some birds do well with a cage cover because they experience night frights, and the cover acts as a shield. However, it should be noted that some birds, cockatiels for instance, have night frights when it is excessively dark and they cannot see anything past their cage. So it is recommended that you leave a portion of the cage uncovered, i.e. three sides concealed, one side open. Having an open space is also very critical for ventilation. Birds are notoriously "dusty" creatures, and can easily develop respiratory issues if they are not in fresh air; this is seen especially with macaws. Offering them this ventilation then, through an opening, or at minimum a highly breathable fabric, is vital. And another point about air flow is that many birds can become overheated, and without moving air, the warmth and coziness a cover may offer could turn excessively hot.

So, let's return to the original question: what makes a bird cage cover suitable? A suitable cover offers your bird a feeling of security, while addressing health and physical safety concerns, and also aides in promoting necessary day and night cycles. An appropriate cover will be made from breathable, easily cleaned material; have an option to cover the entire cage, or leave portions open; and provide means to secure the cover to the cage (so it does not slip off during the night or become a plaything).

Purchasing a bird cage cover, rather than just using a sheet for instance, can be a smart option because they are specially designed. The fabric dimensions will be better suited for a cage. Did you know that ventilation can be achieved from air flow along the sides of the cage, as well as underneath? A sheet draping down to the floor would suppress air moving upwards, whereas a cover does not have this excessive fabric. Also, birds are busy creatures; they enjoy picking and pecking, and with extra fabric draped, folds and wrinkles become interesting, but very unsafe and inappropriate toys. Furthermore, they are sold in a variety of sizes and styles so you can find large and extra-large bird cage covers, as well as discover fits for all different types of cages including domes, flat tops, and even doubles. A decent cover may offer a flap to provide the airflow and sight line we've discussed. Also, many covers are designed with features that secure the cover to the cage . . . no engineering involved!

And lastly, here is a quick review of "Do's" and "Do Not's" as you set out to shop:

• DO use a breathable fabric that helps with ventilation and air flow.
• DO allow for a side to be uncovered if your bird needs extra ventilation and/or has anxiety when they cannot see out of some part of the cage.
• DO allow the cage to be pulled out from the wall, six inches or so, for extra airflow.
• DO clean the cage cover regularly.
• DO allow your bird to get the appropriate amount of sleep every night.
• DO keep your bird on a regular schedule.
• DO consult your veterinarian when you have concerns.
• DO NOT make excessive noise while the cage is covered and your bird is trying to sleep.
• DO NOT use the cover to avoid your bird. The cover is only for sleeping hours. You need to foster, build and maintain an active relationship with your bird.
• DO NOT use a cover as punishment. This will not help fix behavior problems, and may actually insight more. Birds are highly sensitive and punishment is cruel.
• DO NOT keep using a cover that your bird is shredding - DO consider their safety.

What is most important to remember from all of this, is that birds are individuals, and a solution best for one may not work for another. So consider how your feathered relative responds to the cover and make appropriate changes based on what you observe of their health, mood and behavior patterns.