Bird cage safety?

[psycho__the_cockatiel]

I bought this bird cage at Homegoods in the clearance isle and thought it would make a really fancy bird cage for my cockatiel to hang out in our living room. We recently adopted a cat who is a bit too curious about our bird... So our birdy needs to stay in a cage when the cat is around. She has another much larger cage that is her main cage but I thought this would be nice to have so she can come into different rooms with us without us having to worry about her getting spooked and flying off our shoulders and our cat running after her.. :15:

My main concern is if it is safe for her to be in? I put it all together and then realized, What if the metal has lead or something toxic on the bars? There wasn't any stickers or tags on it besides the sales tag. I can't seem to find it online anywhere either.. It looks like it's some sort of black coated metal?

 

[JerseyWendy]

Welcome to the forum psycho_the_cockatiel (interesting user name... :21

A picture of the cage would be helpful. IF in doubt of what it's made of, I always say better be safe than sorry.

 

[psycho__the_cockatiel]

Oops! Sorry I forgot to add the image...

 

[JerseyWendy]

:11: Ahem...ya. So that would make a nice decorative piece with perhaps a plant???

I would never put a living creature in there, especially not a bird.

 

[psycho__the_cockatiel]

Oops! Sorry I forgot to add the image...

 

[JerseyWendy]

Even right side up - no way no how would I ever put a bird in there.

 

[psycho__the_cockatiel]

I didn't realize I posted twice. Sorry.

But why would you not put a bird in there?

 

[JerseyWendy]

1.) Questionable material

2.) MUCH too small

3.) Bar spacing is completely inappropriate, even for a hummingbird (<-- not saying I would ever keep a hummingbird, just saying the bar spacing is...is....crazy tiny)

4.) Looks to have sharp and pointy places

5.) It's a 'decorative' cage.

 

[Dopey]

But it is a really cool cage.
I'm sorry - I wouldn't put a bird in there either.

 

[psycho__the_cockatiel]

I know the cage is small but like I said it's just for when we bring her into other rooms. Like if we are watching TV and we can bring her into the room with us without having the cat try to attack her. There is plenty of space for her in there to move around and climb. There is nothing sharp on the cage. The bar spacing is small but it's looks big enough for her to climb safely.

Is there any tests I can do or have someone find out what it's made of? If I paint it with a non toxic paint or coat it with something would that work?

 

[RavensGryf]

I second Wendy's post above. Also, if it's from Home Goods, it's meant to be a decoration .

 

[psycho__the_cockatiel]

Not everything from homegoods is a decorative item. They have pet and food items as well.

Is there some sort of test I could do to see if the metal is toxic? Is there anything I can do to it to make it safe? Safe paint?

If there is absolutely no possible way for me to use this cage for her what else am I going to do with large cage? I spent over $50 for it.... :17: I can't return it either...

 

[JerseyWendy]

Like I said earlier, put a decorative plant in there if you can't return it.

Here is an idea on what to do with it:


There is no possible way this DECORATIVE cage is big enough for a cockatiel to climb around in.

Here are some links to members' cockatiel cages (please note the differences)
http://www.parrotforums.com/budgies-parakeets-cockatiels/41519-new-cockatiel-cage.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/budgies...essories-what-all-do-i-need-my-cockatiel.html

 

[Puck]

Sorry but it really is completely inappropriate for a bird. If it was meant to be a pet item at Homegoods then it would have been in the pet aisle. There are no tests to do--most paint contains toxins that are unsafe which is why you have to buy cages specifically made for animals. I realize you feel like you wasted money, but perhaps you could recoup some by selling it to someone who gardens or enjoys decorating? Because of the side you bird is even more likely to gnaw on the bars and get sick or just destroy the thing. There are several small birdcages out there that are very attractive that you could stick him in for short times, such as this one:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HTQ6ZSY/ref=s9_simh_gw_p199_d0_i4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-1&pf_rd_r=0CFVC07QCJDQ8ADKQ3KN&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=1970559082&pf_rd_i=desktop"]Dome Bird Cage[/ame]

There, I fixed the link--it wouldn't do it from my iPhone!

 

[Dinosrawr]

My next door neighbours keep a cockatiel in a hanging cage that they move around with them or remove when they're cooking. It's quite a lot larger than the one you've posted, and still just as neat. It's similar in style to this idea:


[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002AXGNQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1427316013&sr=8-1&keywords=bird+cage+stands&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=21Acb1kbuhL&ref=plSrch"]Prevue Pet Products Tubular Steel Hanging Bird Cage Stand 1780 Black, 24-Inch by 24-Inch by 60-Inch:Amazonet Supplies[/ame]

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000QFMYSA/ref=pd_aw_sbs_petsupplies_1?refRID=0RJ28N6BW2XF2FRK9KA1"]Prevue Pet Products 91340 Flight Bird Cage Kit:Amazonet Supplies[/ame]

So they use the stand and the "handle" for the cage to hook it onto the handle. That way you can move it wherever you want and still have a decently sized and safe bird cage. I would recommended testing it out though before buying just to make sure the stand will handle the cage you choose on.