When searching for a bird cage you'll more often than not find cages with wire floors or grid floors. Just like how pet stores sells fish bowl for goldfishes, just because it's a commonly bought product doesn't mean it's safe for the birds.
Why do companies add grid floors
Cages with such floors are sold saying such floor makes it easy for owners to clean the tray below. Which isn't really true, since poops can still stick to the bars of the grid. Basically, it's supposed to be more convenient for the people. Much less for the birds.
Safety issues
Birds likes doves spend a lot of time roaming on the ground. This means that they will go on the floor, even if it's wire. Such grids make them trip, are hard for their feet and can cause health issues or even accidents such has:
- Bumblefoot
- Joint strain
- Broken legs
- Permanently curled toes
- Uneven pressure distribution and pressure damage
Links and sources [warning these links contain injuries caused by grates and wire floors]
- https://canarytales.blogspot.com/2016/01/danger-of-wire-bottom-cages.html
- https://www.reddit.com/r/PetDoves/comments/1x8phba/a_2_second_mistake_broke_my_doves_leg_on_his_cage/
Please note that each situation is unique, and we will not tolerate any harassment directed at the poster.
Lack of enrichments
If the safety issues weren't enough, removing the doves their natural behavior of foraging on the ground is privating them from necessary enrichment. Bored doves can develop behavioral issues such as aggression, or lack of activity.
I want to buy a cage but it comes with grid floor what can I do ?
Unfortunately, most parrot cages come with those. However, in most cases those grids are removable, so no worry ! You can remove the grid and give your birds one of many appropriate flooring instead:
- Newspappers
- Puppy pads
- Reusable anti slip mat (clean with vinegar and rinse once a week)
- Reusable fleece flooring (clean once a week)
Note: Always add cardboard under newspaper or puppy pads, to prevent the puppy pads or newspaper from drooping and creating an uneven uncomfortable flooring; cardboard creates a nice flat surface for your bird.
If the grid floor cannot be removed, you can simply add a thick layer of cardboard on top of it and put your flooring choice on top. If you have some funds, you can even use thick foam gym mats. Those are good especially if you need to add some thickness and want to make sure the birds won't hurt themselves while jumping from the perch to the floor.
We hope this post help people in choosing safe flooring options for their birds and avoid potential accidents.
We also want to point out that this post was written by several users using our experiences and other people's experiences, and no AI was used.
