Choosing where to put a parrot’s cage isn’t as easy as you’d think. If you don’t meet the basic requirements of parrots, they’re at risk of developing health and behavioral problems.
A parrot’s cage should be kept in a quiet and safe room. Parrots also enjoy the company of their owners, so put the cage in a room you regularly frequent.
If you meet a parrot’s environmental, enrichment, and nutritional needs, it’ll have a happy life.
Where To Put A Parrot Cage?
At a basic level, house the parrot’s cage somewhere:
- Quiet.
- Warm and comfortable.
- Safe and secure.
- Free from footfall.
- Away from direct sunlight or draughts.
- Away from other pets and strangers.
- Where it can interact with you.
Many substances are toxic to parrots, especially if ingested or airborne. Therefore, you must house the parrot away from the following airborne contaminants:
- Air fresheners.
- Scented candles.
- Heated non-stick cookware, like Tefal.
- Plants like azalea, oleander, philodendron, and poinsettia.
- Cigarette smoke.
- Cleaning materials.
When choosing which room to house a parrot’s cage, ensure it meets these criteria:
Against A Wall
Wild parrots keep themselves secure in nest cavities, which protect against predators and harsh weather while sleeping. If parrots are housed in the open, they’ll feel vulnerable.
Instead, place the cage against two walls, aiming for the corner of the room.
If this isn’t possible, put the cage against one wall and cover the other side with a blanket or sheet to create a feeling of safety and security.
Chest Level
Ensure the cage height isn’t too high or low. Parrots dislike being too low down because it makes them anxious and fearful. However, placing the cage too high can make it feel isolated.
Place the cage at chest level to make the parrot feel safe and secure. It also makes one-on-one interaction with the parrot easier.
Away from Windows
A parrot may occasionally be startled by things outdoors, like car headlights, birds flying past, or people walking into town. These are common causes of night frights in parrots.
Keeping the parrot away from windows ensures it’s not in direct sunlight, which causes overheating.
Somewhere Warm
Parrots come from warm climates, so do your utmost to replicate their natural environment by placing them in a room with sufficient heat. Parrots thrive in temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius.
Keep the cage away from heaters because sudden body temperature changes can cause ill health.
Near Humans
The University of Guelph found that captive parrots that couldn’t socialize exhibited abnormal behaviors. So, put the cage in a room you spend time.
Wild parrots live in small flocks. Most parrots enjoy attention and bond with their owners. In an empty, unused room, they become bored and lonely. Signs of loneliness in parrots include:
- Stress bars on feathers.
- Decreased vocalization.
- Appetite loss.
- Destructive behavior.
Don’t put a parrot’s cage in a high-traffic area, especially if the people are relative strangers.
Somewhere Quiet
Parrots need a quiet environment, especially at night while they sleep. Covering the parrot’s cage protects blocks ambient light but doesn’t prevent noise pollution.
Parrots need 10 to 12 hours of sleep at night, so put the cage in a spot that won’t be affected by TV and radio noise, at least not while it’s napping.
Away from Pets
If you have other pets in the home, especially predatory animals like cats and dogs, keep them separated.
According to MDPI, cats commonly see birds as prey, so they’ll likely stalk a parrot. Dogs that bark and stare at the cage can cause distress, making the parrot feel unsafe.
Parrots can live in the same house as other animals but only allow them to be in the same room when you supervise them. This involves keeping other pets away while the parrot sleeps.
Can You Keep A Parrot in The Bedroom?
Bedrooms aren’t always as large as living rooms, so there might be insufficient space for a large parrot cage, bed, and wardrobe(s). This could make navigating a bedroom perilous.
You’re unlikely to spend as much social time in your bedroom, meaning the parrot could become lonely and neglected. Other problems include:
- Parrot allergies.
- Windows.
- Light exposure.
- Late-night TV.
Parrot dust, feathers, and droppings can cause respiratory problems, like ‘bird fancier’s lung.’
Some birds, like African greys, cockatoos, and Amazon parrots, produce more dust than others because they have powder-down feathers.
Parrots are noisy creatures, and some vocalize more than others. If the parrot awakens at sunrise, you’ll be woken up by various vocalizations. You’ll disturb their sleep if you get up earlier than the parrot.
Can You Keep A Parrot in The Living Room?
The living room may be the best place to house a birdcage. You’re more likely to spend time in the living room, providing the parrot companionship and mental stimulation.
When housing the parrot in the living room, do the following:
- Close all blinds or curtains when the sun’s too bright.
- Keep the parrot a sensible distance from curtain cords.
- Maintain a consistent room temperature.
- Keep all wires away from the cage because parrots chew everything.
- Allow them to observe and familiarize themselves with their environment.
- Don’t open the windows when the parrot is out of its cage.
However, you must turn off the TV earlier and set the volume low.
Can You Keep A Parrot in The Kitchen?
Kitchens can be dangerous places for parrots due to the risk of Teflon toxicity. Also known as PTFE poisoning, it’s a respiratory condition caused by overheated cookware coated with Teflon.
According to VCA Hospitals, Teflon-coated utensils release a colorless, odorless gaseous toxin called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Non-stick pots and pans can also release this toxin.
Parrots are sensitive to inhaled toxins due to their highly efficient respiratory systems and can die within 24 hours of exposure. The signs of PTFE poisoning are subtle but include the following:
- Breathing difficulties.
- Weakness.
- Fluffed appearance.
- Inability to use a perch.
- Listlessness.
- Coma.
Similarly, many foods are toxic to parrots, including:
Each time you prepare these foods, the parrot risks ingesting harmful food or inhaling toxic fumes. Also, the parrot will be exposed to chemical-based sprays when you clean the kitchen.
Can You Keep A Parrot in A Bathroom?
A bathroom’s too humid for the parrot to live in, especially after you’ve had a hot bath or shower. The rapidly changing temperatures are likely to make the parrot sick and stressed.
Similarly, you’re likely to open a window or use an extractor fan to remove humidity after a shower. If this is the case, the room will get too cold quickly.
Toilets can also be dangerous if the parrot falls in and can’t escape due to the slippery surface.
You’re more likely to use toxic substances in bathrooms. Parrots can be adversely affected by the smell of cleaning products, like bleach.
A parrot should be in a bathroom only if it needs a shower or has a respiratory condition and needs steam/humidity to unclog its blocked sinuses.
Can I Put My Parrot’s Cage Outside?
Outdoor living enables parrots to synthesize vitamin D3, resulting in stronger bones, feathers, and eggshells while boosting the immune system. Outdoor aviaries are also larger and more spacious.
Colder climates aren’t as good for parrots’ health as warm, sunnier places. Parrots kept outside are more vulnerable to the elements, including wind, rain, and snow.
There are also other considerations when housing the parrot outdoors, including:
- Disease-causing pathogens.
- Toxins, like pollution and pesticides carried by the wind.
- Predators, like birds of prey, snakes, cats, and bats.
If you only have 1 parrot in the aviary, it’s likely to grow bored. Garden aviaries are best suited for housing many birds where they can keep each other company.
You can keep the parrot in an aviary if the:
- The climate is bird appropriate.
- No predators live in your area, or you’ve taken steps to keep them away.
- Parrot prefers living outside more than indoors.
The living room is the best place for a parrot’s cage, provided you don’t smoke or vape indoors and keep noise to a minimum after sunset. Also, avoid leaving an adjoining door to the kitchen open.
