If you are thinking of getting yourself a pet bird then you will need to do some homework first.

Have you already decided which bird variety you will choose? Are you going to have a large or a small bird?

All of these things have to be decided first, naturally.

The next thing, when you have decided on your type of bird - do you know their requirements. You cannot just put a bird in any old cage thinking it will be alright. This will not do.

The cage has to first suit the size of the bird, then you need to think about whether it is a climber or does it like to fly in its cage?

If it is a climber, like parrots and other birds of that type then you need a higher cage rather than low and wide. The bars need to be horizontal because your bird will use these as steps to get where he wants to be.In point of fact, horizontal bars are best for all birds, they will all climb at some point. Plus with vertical bars it is difficult to attach any toys.

If your bird is a flyer like canaries, finches etc. then the cage needs to be much wider but not too high and you need perches at either side because they like to fly between them. This is how they exercise their wings and keep themselves fit and healthy.

A general rule of thumb as to width is that it needs to be wider than your bird's wingspan, in the case of parakeets, cockatiels, parrots etc. Their wings should not touch either side when outstretched. Also for parrots etc. the perches should be high enough that their tail does not touch the floor when they are perching.

The next thing about the cage and this applies to all birds, the spacing between the bars needs to be smaller than their heads. Birds have a tendency to push their heads between the bars [if possible] and then they can't get back again and this can result in them doing themselves an injury.

You also have to be sure that the bars are strong enough, especially in the case of the parrot family. Their beaks are so strong that they will be able to bend anything that isn't a strong gauge wire. The last thing you want is to come home one day and the cage has been destroyed and your bird is flying free!

That is another thing - you need to give your birds freedom from their cage every day, an hour a day would be alright. First though you need to look at the room they will be loose in, are their any objects that they could either injure themselves on, or perhaps damage. Could they knock your precious ornaments to the floor?

I have heard tell of some avid bird owners who actually have a small tree or tree branch in a pot in the corner of the room where the bird has his freedom so it can perch and feel as though it is in the wild. That's dedication for you.

If you choose to buy a metal cage make sure it is metal that does not contain any toxins, it should NOT contain zinc for instance as this could give your bird anemia if it pecks and ingests particles. If it is painted it should the non-toxic powder-coated variety. This paint shouldn't flake for one thing and is totally safe for the bird.

Always make sure the water and feeding containers are not underneath perches otherwise they could contaminate their food and water with their droppings. The hooded variety of containers would be a good idea. They should either be placed away from perches or above the level of the perches. Either way they would be safe from contamination.

If you have wooden perches in the cage make sure they are changed regularly, when they get very soiled. It is virtually impossible to sanitize wood, germs and bacteria get right into the grain of the wood. It is much safer for your bird if you change them when necessary.

A rectangular shape of cage, or any shape like hexagonal, with corners, suits most birds. They like to have a corner to retire to, they do this sometimes just to get their bearings when they have been flying about. Plus they feel secure in a corner.

Choose carefully and you will have a happy and healthy bird who can perhaps live as long as 15 years to continue giving you pleasure.