Cages are like the birds that occupy them. Birds take up spaces in our lives. A certain time of the day has to be offered to feed them, give them baths, take them to the vet and train them to a certain extent. The beloved pet will be a part of the household and will probably remain so for a very long time. Same goes with bird cages. They occupy a portion of where space for an essential furnishing should be in our homes. This is fine for those with big spaces to spare but in houses with limited areas, every square foot of free space is essential. For those who haven’t found an alternative, sometimes functional room has to be sacrificed for the cage and its equally bulky stand. Luckily, there are hanging bird cages.

A hanging bird cage has the same purpose as any other ordinary bird cage. It is used to house our beloved avian pets except without the bulkiness of a stand. There are several variations of a hanging bird cage depending on how they are hung. Some are tied to a chain and hung on the ceiling. Others are plastered on a solid wall. Still others are hung on a very thin narrow stand that does not take up much room. Free-standing stands come in a variety of heights. What’s good about this kind of setup is that the space below the bird cage could still be used for a different purpose. The owner can put a different furnishing in there.

There are several materials to choose from. There are wrought irons, brass, bamboo rattan, weathered wire and wood.

Hanging bird cages are ideal for small birds like parakeets or love birds. Remember that some birds will grow in time, so it’s best to check with the pet shop or the vet what height and weight it will be when fully grown. The cage has to be lightweight enough, so that it can be hung properly without compromising the safety of the one living inside it. When thinking of using a hanging bird cage, always keep in mind the weight of both the cage and its occupant. Birds should be able to spread their wings without touching the cage’s bars. Hook or screw them solidly enough so that any minimal movement of the bird will not tip it over.

Put the hanging bird cage in an approximate place where it is well-lit but not overexposed to sunlight. The cage should also be eye level so it can be easily checked once in a while.

These cages are also ideal for decorative pieces. It can be used to hold potted plants, as accent garden accessories or just conversation pieces for the living room. Hanging bird cages add an old world feel to any place and can help promote a theme for the household. Bamboos for the Asian-inspired. Victorian for the English garden-inspired and Arabian for the exotic-inspired. When choosing, make sure to find a piece that truly speaks to you because it may occupy your house for a long, long time.